Each day for the next two weeks we’ll review how each position group performed for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2014 as well as taking an early look at 2015. Today we’ll examine the defensive tackles. On Wednesday we’ll do the linebackers.
Defensive tackle
Breakdown of starts: Sen'Derrick Marks (16), Roy Miller (14), Abry Jones (2).
Recap: Marks, 27, was the Jaguars' best defensive player in 2014. He led the team with 8.5 sacks, 15 tackles for loss, and 16 quarterback hurries. He also had 44 tackles and a fumble recovery before suffering a torn ACL in his right knee in the season finale. Miller didn’t make the big plays that Marks did, but he was a consistent run-plugger (31 tackles, four tackles for loss) and was rewarded with a four-year contract extension. Ziggy Hood, signed as a free agent last March, provided decent depth but wasn’t noticeable all season (24 tackles) other than recovering a fumble against Philadelphia in the season opener. Jones, who started the final two games in place of Miller (knee injury), played solidly as a reserve, recording 39 tackles (three more than defensive end Chris Clemons) three sacks, four tackles for loss, three quarterback hurries, and a forced fumble.
Looking ahead to 2015
Players under contract: Marks, Miller, Jones, Hood, Matt Daniels.
The skinny: Marks and Miller both had knee surgery in the early part of the offseason, and the Jaguars hope both will be ready for the season opener. Miller was having his meniscus repaired, and that carries a shorter rehab time barring complications. It is not out of the question for Marks to play in September. Rookie cornerback Aaron Colvin suffered a torn ACL last January and returned to the practice field in nine months. Even if the two return on time, the Jaguars will monitor their reps, which should mean more work for Jones, who has made significant strides since he signed as an undrafted free agent in April 2013. This is a position that might get some help from a first-round draft pick, too. The majority of the early mock drafts have the Jaguars taking USC defensive end Leonard Williams, who also can move inside and play tackle in certain situations.
