Jaguars: Defensive Position-by-Position Breakdown and Depth-Chart Analysis

The Jacksonville Jaguars defense is the strongest side of the ball and for good reason. There is solid depth at nearly every position, starters are both consistent and electric, and there's just an overall good chemistry with head coach Gus Bradley's scheme.

The 4-3 defense Bradley worked with as the Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator has been a promising change in Jacksonville. The secondary hasn't been as good as some may have hoped, but the front seven has done nothing but impress forcing 14 fumbles, good enough for T2 in the NFL.

With additions in the draft and in free agency, the Jaguars are in a place to improve on their 20 forced turnovers from last season. Time will only tell, but the entirety of the defense seems stronger and properly rounded for a big season.

Defense wins games, and one could argue that without the defense last season, the Jaguars wouldn't have won the three games they did. They'll look to the defense to make the difference against this season.

Defensive Tackle

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The inside portion of the defensive line was the highlight of the defense last season and for good reason. Between Sen'Derrick Marks, Roy Miller and Abry Jones, it seemed impossible for opposing centers and guards to consistently block their marks.

At the 3-technique (a somewhat flexible defensive tackle assignment), Marks lit up quarterbacks, totaling 8.5 sacks. While his ACL tear at the end of the season was unfortunate, he should be ready to bring his tenacity in full force by Week 1.

Behind Marks is Ziggy Hood, a 2014 free-agent signing who didn't necessarily impress with the Pittsburgh Steelers and didn't impress with the Jaguars either. He only found the quarterback once all season, and he'll look to beat that number this season, should he make the squad.

The final two players at the 3-tech are Mike Bennett and Richard Ash, both rookies. Bennett was a steal in the draft, going in the sixth round and will be looking to make teams regret not selecting him, and Ash will most likely be cut before the season due to depth at the position.

At the nose tackle spot, Miller and Jones hold it down, interchanging when needed. In 2014, the duo sacked the quarterback four times, forced a fumble, stuffed six runs and totaled 44 tackles, and they'll be looking to use that as a base for improvement in 2015.

Behind Miller and Jones is Eric Crume, another undrafted free agent who is buried by depth. He most likely won't make the 53-man squad, especially considering free-agent signing Jared Odrick can play inside if needed.

Defensive End

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The two defensive end positions for the Jaguars play drastically different and is a major function of the defense as a whole. On the strong side, the end handles both the run and the pass, but on the other end, the "Leo" is set up for extensive pass rush.

The Leo lines up way outside and is purely focused on getting in the backfield and causing problems, and the leader of that position is Chris Clemons. Clemons had a great first year in Jacksonville, totaling eight sacks and forcing four fumbles. 

He's the starter for this upcoming season, thanks to first-round draft pick Dante Fowler Jr.'s devastating ACL tear at the start of OTAs. Behind Clemons is promising talent, with Ryan Davis and Chris Smith, who had 6.5 sacks and 3.0 sacks, respectively, in 2014. Both will be looking to overtake Clemons for the starting role in 2015.

On the other end, Odrick is the likely starter. In 2014, he saw less time on the field with the Miami Dolphins, but as a starter from 2012-2014, Odrick totaled 15.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. He'll be looking to restore those numbers in 2015.

Behind Odrick the probable backup will be Andre Branch who'll be looking to finally make the impact Jaguars fans have been looking to him for. Three sacks and two forced fumbles in 2014 wasn't disappointing, but he still has the potential to be a game-changer on the strong end.

Two undrafted free agents (UDFAs), Ikponmwosa Igbinosun and Nordly Capi, are behind Odrick and Branch on the depth chart and unlikely to make the team, unless they show value in a specific aspect or prove themselves as exceptional special teams options.

Outside Linebacker

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The outside linebacker position got a much-needed upgrade on the strong side with free-agent signing Dan Skuta, and that'll make it one of the strongest parts of both the defense and of the team as a whole.

Skuta broke onto the national scene with five sacks and three forced fumbles last season, and with a new team, he'll look to show that was just a start to success and not just a one-off performance.

Behind Skuta is LaRoy Reynolds, who didn't see much time last season, but he should be a solid option as a backup when needed. Behind Reynolds is Khairi Fortt and Thurston Armbrister, who will both be battling for a roster spot and a chance to play with the Jaguars this season.

On the weak side, the sensational Telvin Smith will start and continue to bring his speed and impressive instincts for the Jaguars. Smith's two sacks, forced fumble, interception and 104 combined tackles in 2014 will be a good measure for his sophomore season.

Behind Smith, John Lotulelei, Todd Thomas and Matt Robinson will all be vying for the backup job. Lotulelei has the most experience, but Thomas and Robinson are promising options as well.

The battle for the backup job probably won't see a direct winner until the preseason, but Robinson is probably my personal favorite option. He's a converted DB, and his speed is similar to Smith's, and he also has 27 pounds on Smith, according to the Jaguars' roster.

Inside Linebacker

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The inside linebacker position anchors a flexible front seven, and it is vital to have someone who can maintain composure but still be the tenacious playmaker the team expects him to be. Luckily, the Jaguars have that kind of player in Paul Posluszny.

Posluszny will be entering his ninth NFL season, making him the fourth-most experienced on roster. That'll be crucial to help center the defense, and his ability to make tackles all over the field will be a great asset.

Behind "Poz," the solo backup is Jeremiah George. George is a servicable backup who performs when called upon, albeit that won't be often given Poz's importance to the Jaguars defense both in his play and in its mentality.

The inside linebacker spot is pretty boring, and that's a good thing. Posluszny has been reliable and then some for the Jaguars, and they'll look to him as the main focus of the position in 2015.

Corner

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The Jaguars are slowly starting to build depth and talent at the corner position, and they'll need to take a step up in their play in 2015. The Jaguars only brought down six interceptions in 2014, and it seemed like every quarterback the Jaguars played found his receivers with ease.

The starting corners will be Demetrius McCray and Davon House. House was a big free-agent signing this past offseason, and his experience and reliability will be important. McCray also showed consistency last season, and the Jaguars will look to him for the same in 2015.

At the nickel corner spot, Aaron Colvin will likely start. Suffering a bad ACL tear in the 2014 Senior Bowl left Colvin out of the majority of the season last year, but his time on the field showed why he was considered a top corner up until the Senior Bowl.

Behind the starting three, a medley of Tommie Campbell, Dwayne Gratz and Jeremy Harris will likely be the backups. House will switch to nickel when needed, and the three will come in place of either House or McCray. 

This is where the Jaguars are hurt, though. The depth isn't strong, and they'll need Campbell's four years in the NFL as a maintaining element of the secondary. Gratz and Harris will need to step up their game after two inconsistent and lackluster seasons with the Jaguars.

Beyond that, there is Rashaad Reynolds, Nick Marshall and Peyton Thompson. They're unlikely to make the squad, save for a drastic change in performance or if they have something unique to offer on special teams.

Safety

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Safety sees a mix of new and old for the Jaguars—a revamp of the free safety position, but sticking to the guns of 2014 for the strong safety spot. New life in a squad is always refreshing, and it'll be interesting to see how it will change the Jaguars in 2015.

At free safety, Sergio Brown is the leader for the starting job. Brown is a solid player with experience playing on championship-competing teams, such as the Indianapolis Colts and the New England Patriots, which should work in his and the Jaguars' favor this season.

Behind Brown is fourth-round draft selection James Sample, who's freak arm break has him out of a good part of training camp. However, if Sample can come back and prove his worth, the starting job might not belong to Brown for long.

At strong safety, Johnathan Cyprien will be looking to bounce back after a rough sophomore season. He's a hardworking, instinctive SS, but he didn't quite live up to expectations in 2014. Behind Cyprien will be Josh Evans, who was Cyprien's partner for much of 2014, and who will be looking to make a smooth transition to SS from FS, where he struggles.

Craig Loston, Desmond Cooper and Matt Daniels are currently on the outside looking in, and they'll be vying for one of the final special teams spots. They'll have training camp and some of the preseason to prove their worth in that regard.

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.