Quote:Just sorting out the new defensive line is a challenge, especially considering 4-3 teams generally only keep 9 or 10 DLs. We very well may end up keeping an 11th DL. With Ngakoue likely entrenched as their 2nd LEO, we can start to get an idea of the 1a and 1b rotating D-lines that Caldwell has mentioned...


1a: DE Odrick, NT Miller, DT Jackson, LEO Fowler

1b: DE Jackson, NT Jones, DT Marks, LEO Ngakoue


Jackson is getting paid for double duty.


This leaves probably 3 to 4 spots with the remaining players to sort out...

• DE Ryan Davis - Forced out of necessity into the LEO spot as of late, Davis can now focus on his natural ability to rush from all over the DL.
  
• DE/DT Tyson Alualu - While some marvel at his ability to set the edge, others wonders why this is the only thing he can do after years since being drafted early in the first round by Gene Smith just ahead of several perennial pro bowlers. This past year they let him rush from the 3-tech and the outside edge on the strong side, and yet he still rarely got near the qb. He proved to be a rather massive FB in short-yardage which is one of few threads still attaching him to this roster.
  
• DT Michael Bennett - While he hasn't yet had a breakout moment as a player, he generally holds his own as a 3-tech DT especially vs the run.
  
• DE Chris Smith - Showed quite a bit of pass rushing potential despite only 2 sacks in each of the past two seasons, but he never was an ideal fit at LEO. Chris probably moves to the strongside DE spot where he needs to make more of a name for himself.
  
• DT Richard Ash - I was surprised to see him make the PS last year after witnessing him getting blown up in the Preseason by scrubs, but Caldwell seems to see something in him as a 3-tech DT.
  
• DE Quanterus Smith - The Jaguars are kicking the tires on his once promising DE who after a few years of battling injuries has yet to actually post a sack in the NFL.
  
• DE Jonathan Woodard - picked in seventh round Saturday night, Woodard is an intimidating pass rusher with the ability and moves to rush the passer from anywhere along the DL possibly including the LEO spot. I expect him to compete with Chris Smith and Alualu for a strongside backup DE spot.
  
• DT Sheldon Day - Selected early in round four, Day is an interior pass rushing machine who can also rush from the strong end. Likely to initially work out as a 3-tech competing with Ryan Davis and Michael Bennett. ...and possibly Alualu if they keep him at DT.
  
• DE Tyrone Holmes - The sixth round pick most likely the team's much needed 3rd LEO who some say is the a hidden gem as one of the draft's best pure edge rushers.