Here is the sixth of a 10-part series breaking down the Jacksonville Jaguars' free agency needs, position by position:
Defensive end
Who is on the roster: Andre Branch, Red Bryant, Chris Clemons, Ryan Davis, Ikponwosa Igbinosun, and Chris Smith.
Players scheduled to become free agents on March 10: Tyson Alualu.
Analysis: The addition of Clemons and Bryant in free agency really boosted the production of the position in 2014. Clemons finished second on the team with 8.0 sacks and Bryant, playing the end opposite the Leo, set the edge for the run defense. The group accounted for 23.5 sacks, more than half the team’s total of 45. Branch played in only eight games because of a groin injury, but several other young players stepped up in his absence. Ryan Davis had 6.5 sacks in only 289 snaps, and rookie Chris Smith had three sacks in limited action in eight games. General manager David Caldwell said he wants to re-sign Alualu, and Alualu said he wants to be back. The sides have another eight days to get a deal done before Alualu becomes a free agent. Though the production of the position was good, there is still one issue: The Jaguars lack an elite pass-rusher. Clemons had his highest sack total since the 2012 season and provided the leadership that coach Gus Bradley wanted, but he’s not the same player he was when he had 33.5 sacks from 2010-12. Having a player who alters opposing game plans is a huge advantage, and the Jaguars are searching for that piece to the defensive puzzle. It most likely will come in the draft. Sitting at No. 3, the Jaguars will have their choice of pass-rushers (with the likely exception of Leonard Williams) if that’s the route they choose.
NFL free agents of interest: The Jaguars will more likely bolster this position through the draft than free agency, but if they choose to sign an end, Jason Pierre-Paul is atop the list of potentially available players. The New York Giants have until 4 p.m. ET today to use the transition or franchise tag on him. Other names to watch include Jerry Hughes and Greg Hardy.
