JACKSONVILLE – Senior writer John Oehser and Jaguars analyst Bucky Brooks examine the Jaguars’ defensive line position in this position-by-position look at the ’26 offseason:
Position: Defensive line.
2025 at a glance: This was a strong position for the Jaguars in 2025, particularly against the run. It was largely a healthy group that gave the defensive front season-long stability – and it was a big reason the Jaguars ranked No. 1 in the NFL against the run at 85.6 yards per game. Hamilton, a sixth-year veteran, emerged as one of the NFL’s better players at his position with 37 tackles, 15 solo, with one sack and three quarterback hits. Armstead in his 11th NFL season registered 28 tackles, 13 solo, with seven for loss, 5.5 sacks and eight quarterback hits. Dickerson developed throughout his sixth NFL season, starting the last four games with 10 tackles, including one for loss. Smith played 13 games with two starts and 15 tackles with a pass defensed. Hines-Allen led the Jaguars with 28 quarterback hits and eight sacks, with Walker playing through multiple injuries and registering 3.5 sacks with 13 hits.