Defensive line—All eyes will be on Marcus Stroud in his comeback from ankle surgery. Stroud has been cleared to practice but defensive end Reggie Hayward hasn’t. Hayward’s recovery from Achilles surgery would seem to have slowed. Do the Jaguars have enough bodies at defensive end? That’s a major question that will be answered by Hayward, veteran Paul Spicer, last year’s sack leader Bobby McCray, second-year man James Wyche and pass-rush specialists Brent Hawkins and Kenny Pettway. The Jags are loaded at defensive tackle, with Rob Meier, Tony McDaniel and fifth-round pick Derek Landri providing top competition behind Stroud and John Henderson.
Linebacker—Mike Peterson is back following a torn pectoral muscle that ended his season last year in week five. Daryl Grant and Clint Ingram are the other two starters and second-round draft pick Justin Durant is expected to push for playing time. There’s plenty of depth here, too: Nick Greisen, Tony Gilbert, Jorge Cordova, Pat Thomas, Brian Iwuh and rookie Chad Nkang.
Defensive back—All eyes will be on the team’s young safeties, Nelson, Gerald Sensabaugh and rookie Josh Gattis. Nelson and Sensabaugh are the starters and will attempt to replace Deon Grant and Donovin Darius. A deep crop of cornerbacks is led by Pro-Bowler Rashean Mathis. Brian Williams is the other starter. The competition will be hottest for the “nickel” back job, as Terry Cousin, Scott Starks, Dee Webb and Chris Roberson vie for the job.
