The Jacksonville Jaguars have been focused on improving the defense the last two seasons, specifically the defensive line. Defensive end Dante Fowler Jr., last year's No. 3 overall pick, is expected back from a torn ACL this year; he's a guy who was compared to Khalil Mack before the 2015 NFL Draft. Defensive tackle Malik Jackson was signed in free agency to a lucrative deal in addition to safety Tashaun Gipson and cornerback Prince Amukamara. And now the Jaguars are expected to use the No. 5 overall pick in this year's draft on another defensive piece.
This year's draft class is deep on defensive line talent and it's possible that Jacksonville goes that route once again. Ohio State's Joey Bosa and Oregon's DeForest Buckner are considered the top two DL in the draft, with the former visiting with the Jaguars at team headquarters some time today.
Ohio State edge player Joey Bosa among players visiting the Jaguars today.
— John Oehser (@JohnOehser) April 5, 2016
Pairing Bosa with a healthy Fowler would give the Jags a fearsome combination on the edges. More importantly, it would give the team two young pass-rushers with immense upside on their rookie contracts. Throw in Jackson and the Jaguars' defense could be transformed in 2016. That's a scary thought for the rest of the AFC South considering the Jaguars finished last season with the fourth-most sacks (51.0) in the league.
However, before Jags fans get too excited, a dose of reality may be needed. It's entirely possible that Bosa doesn't make it to the fifth overall pick. The San Diego Chargers and Dallas Cowboys, who are picking third and fourth respectively, have both been linked to Bosa. It's also possible that the Tennessee Titans (No. 1) and Cleveland Browns (No. 2) take a look at the defensive standout, though the Browns are expected to take a quarterback and the Titans may not be able to pass on Mississippi left tackle Laremy Tunsil.
Quarterback Blake Bortles and the rest of the offense took a major step forward this past season. Now, it may be the defense's turn to make a significant leap.
The 2016 NFL Draft will be held from April 28-30.
