Story by
Jaguars training camp battles: Who will earn snaps in DE rotation?
- Story by
- Jaguars training camp battles: Who will earn snaps in DE rotation?
Training camp for the Jacksonville Jaguars kicks off in about a month, so as part of our preview of what's to come, we will be evaluating each positional battle that is expected to unfold.
What took place during offseason programs laid the foundation for each of these competitions and provided us with some insights into where things may stand. That said, what takes place during training camp and the preseason will ultimately determine who wins these roles.
Advertisement
Up next is the defensive end position.
What Jaguars training camp competition is taking place at defensive end?
We know that Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker will lead the way, but defensive end is a heavily rotated position with four or five players seeing snaps on a weekly basis. How that playing time behind Hines-Allen and Walker shakes out remains to be seen.
Competing for those snaps are Wesley Williams, Zach Durfee, Danny Striggow , and BJ Green. Also, don't forget about linebackers Dennis Gardeck and Jalen McLeod , who can line up at defensive end and rush the passer as well.
What do we know about this positional battle?
John Shipley of Jaguars on SI provided us with some insight on where things may stand heading into training camp. Shipley recently highlighted four position battles to watch, and at defensive end, he specifically mentioned Striggow potentially having the early edge over the others in the mix for these rotational snaps.
"I will add the caveat that I think second-year defensive end Danny Striggow has the inside track to the No. 3 defensive end spot behind Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker," Shipley wrote.
Shipley also noted that McLeod has been a "real riser" during offseason programs, specifically as a pass rusher.
Advertisement
Defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile also seems to be very bullish on Williams . The team believes that Williams can make an impact as both a pass rusher and run defender. That well-rounded skill set will help him earn playing time.
Predicting how this competition unfolds
Of the four true defensive ends competing for snaps, Striggow has the most experience -- albeit not by much. But for that reason, along with his play this spring, I'll predict that he earns a regular role, as does Williams.
My guess is that as a mid-round pick, the Jaguars want to get him on the field. I then think that some combination of Gardeck, McLeod, and Green will see the field as well as pass rushers, perhaps depending on the matchup. But Striggow and Williams will be first off the bench.
Advertisement
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: Jaguars training camp battles: Who will earn snaps in DE rotation?
