Jaguars: Full Position Breakdown and Depth Chart Analysis at Defensive Tackle

In head coach Gus Bradley's defensive scheme, the defensive tackles are vital. The defense of the Jacksonville Jaguars needs the inside to hold their own so that the rest of the front seven can shift, change and dominate.

While the strong-side end also is used in similar ways, there is also more versatility at that position. For the Jaguars, the defensive tackles have very specific roles, and the first one to look at is the nose tackle position.

The Jaguars' primary NTs are Roy Miller and Abry Jones. Both have really developed into consistent run-stoppers who also hold their own against the pass, and that is crucial for the defensive line.

Where the rest of the defensive line isn't exactly specialized in the run, Miller and Jones carry the weight on the inside and at least take out a good couple running lanes when either are on the field.

On paper, it may seem like Miller and Jones don't do all that much. The Jaguars ranked 27th in the NFL last season in rush defense, but neither player is really to blame. Combined, Miller and Jones totaled 44 tackles, four sacks, six "stuffs" and a forced fumble in 2014, showing that they definitely bring something to the table.

Player	Solo Tackles	Sacks	Forced Fumbles	"Stuffs"
Roy Miller	21	1.0	0	4
Abry Jones	23	3.0	1	2

Behind Miller and Jones, there is potentially rookie Mike Bennett. Bennett will most likely see time at both DT positions, and it'll come down to how he performs in-game to see where he goes from there.

Bennett was an excellent steal for the Jaguars in the 2015 NFL draft's sixth round, and his motor and strength should help him compete against most centers. But, once again, he'll have chances at both NT and at the "3-tech."

Run-stoppers never get the praise or spotlight like they might deserve, but they are still key cogs in the defense. This is most evidenced by the Jaguars signing Miller to a $16 million, four-year extension.

Their stats won't be like what you see from the paired DT or either DE; it's a position that is a must-have if you even want to consider having a balanced defense.

Let's turn the focus to the aforementioned 3-tech, who is the tackle who plays on either side of the NT. Here we find one of the biggest stars on the Jaguars defense in Sen'Derrick Marks.

Marks has become one of the biggest names on the Jaguars, and his addition to the NFL's Top 100 (as seen below) really validated his ability on a national scale.

2014 was Marks' biggest year, in which we saw his passes defended drop from eight to three but saw career highs in tackles (34), sacks (8.5) and "stuffs" (10). Marks' ACL injury in the final game of the season was concerning, but he should be near 100 percent for the season opener.

Marks is in his prime, and that's meant less playing time for backup Ziggy Hood. Hood was a free-agent signing in 2014, but he hasn't really made the impact he was looking for, totaling 17 tackles and one sack in his first year.

With Mike Bennett and free agent Jared Odrick joining the Jaguars this past offseason, Hood has to be on top of his game. Odrick will be all over the line, including the strong end, but if he settles at the 3-tech, Hood could be in trouble.

The two defensive tackle spots are going to be important for the Jaguars in more ways than one in 2015, and they'll probably be some of the strongest spots as well. If the Jaguars want to continue to improve on an already impressive defensive line, it'll start with the interior.

All stats were provided by ESPN.com unless otherwise stated.

Evan Reier is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report covering the Jacksonville Jaguars. Follow Evan on Twitter at @evanreier.