Jacksonville Jaguars: The 6 Defensive Free Agents Jacksonville Should Target

While we are still waiting for the NFL lockout to end and teams start preparing for the 2011 season, the Jaguars, like other teams, are working on their list of free agents they will target.

Rumors have been rampant about high-profile players going other places while it would appear the team in teal has kept its plans pretty close to the vest.

But one this is for certain: Defense will be on the mind of general manager Gene Smith when he is finally allowed to make moves to improve a team that was close to making the playoffs last season.

This is in no particular order.

Eric Weddle

You have to think Eric Weddle is toward the top of the Jaguars' wish list. He would help solidify the secondary that was as porous as Swiss cheese last year.

The former second-round draft choice gives the Jaguars an instant jolt they need in coverage.

Ray Edwards

Aaron Kampman comes back from an ACL injury, but that does not help the other defensive end position. Journeymen and Derrick Harvey remain to fill that void.

Ray Edwards can help rush the passer and give the middle of the defense, mainly Tyson Alualu and Terrance Knighton, the ability to flourish as run-stuffers.

Stephen Nicholas

A linebacker from Atlanta, Stephen Nicholas may be the one the Jags are secretly coveting.

If the team does not resign Kirk Morrison, there will be two slots open in the middle for the Jaguars.

Nicholas provides a tenacity the linebackers missed the last two seasons.

Atari Bigby

My favorite name in the NFL.

The former UCF graduate from Green Bay would be the answer to a lot of things wrong in the Jaguars secondary.

Atari Bigby is a playmaker and would help push Rashean Mathis to be better on the defender and not so much playing the ball.

David Harris

David Harris has shown flashes of greatness the past two seasons at linebacker in New York. The Jets want to see this player show his full potential.

Harris may just need a change of scenery to realize his ability, and while the Jaguars have an opening, this may be a great fit for both.

Gerald Sensabaugh

Gerald Sensabaugh could come home. He played well at Jacksonville before leaving for Dallas.

He is not the reason the secondary fell apart, but his return means he is familiar with the system and could be a real value to Mel Tucker as he takes over play calling.

Paul Posluszny

Paul Posluszny would team with Daryl Smith and give the Jaguars two very good linebackers.

He can play in the middle and become a run-stuffer or chase a tight end across the middle, and he may be the best fit of any free agent in the NFL for the Jaguars.