The Jacksonville Jaguars added to their defensive tackle position group over the weekend, acquiring Khalen Saunders from the New Orleans Saints in exchange for offensive lineman Luke Fortner.
Saunders was at Tuesday’s training camp practice and wearing No. 68. Afterwards, head coach Liam Coen was asked about what Saunders can add to the defensive front.
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“Just look at a guy that we played against twice last year in Tampa that I’ve got respect for as a vet that’s played a lot of meaningful downs in this league,” Coen said. “Has won Super Bowls. Has been on teams that know how to win, and also, there’s no question that he can help us in the middle, there at times. He’s hard to double-team and move in there at times and also has some ability to redirect and has some initial quick. I do believe that he will help add some meaningful competition and depth in that room.”
Coen added that, in part, allowing the Jaguars to make this trade was the comfort they had in Jonah Monheim to fill the backup center role behind Robert Hainsey. Coen also mentioned that Patrick Mekari could move there as well if the team is in a pinch.
The addition of Saunders will provide needed depth to the defensive tackle position. Listed at 6-0 – 324 pounds, Saunders offers another run-stuffing presence inside and could fill a rotational role behind DaVon Hamilton.
This is a position group for the Jaguars that had its question marks coming into training camp, and that uncertainty grew with Arik Armstead and Maason Smith missing time.
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However, the defensive tackle unit got a bit boost during Tuesday’s practice–not only with the addition of Saunders, but Armstead and Smith were back at practice as well.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: Jaguars trade for Khalen Saunders: Liam Coen evaluates latest addition