Jaguars don't change much at the 'big end' position

A lot of the position groups on the Jacksonville Jaguars defense was gone through a lot of changes this offseason, be it through players leaving or adding in big free agents and NFL Draft picks. The "big end" position for the Jaguars however, is one of the least impacted positions on the defense and defensive line as a whole, but that might be a good thing.

Big End (5T/4B):

Returning player(s): Jared Odrick, Tyson Alualu
New player(s): Jonathan Woodard
Outgoing player(s): N/A
Bubble player(s): Jonathan Woodard

The big end role on the Jaguars defensive line within their scheme seems to befuddle a lot of people. Remember the "is Tyson cut yet?" ordeal and how people complained he didn't sack the quarterback when that wasn't really his job within the position? We got some of that last year with Jared Odrick, who I thought overall played really well. Sure, the Jaguars might have over payed for him, but in reality... who cares?

The Jaguars were good against the run, all things considered, last season and Odrick was a big part of that. He also offered some versatility with how long it took Sen'Derrick Marks to come back from his injury and can provide some pass rush from the big end position when he's allowed to. That's something a lot of people don't seem to factor in or consider about that position and just see "defensive end" and immediately think sacks. I can't blame them for thinking that, because to Joe Fan, a defensive end is a defensive end is a defensive end and he's supposed to get to the quarterback. This big end role however, first and foremost is to set the edge and contain. I think new defensive coordinator Todd Wash might let them loose a bit this season, because we've seen both Odrick and Tyson Alualu offer some pressure coming off the edge at the position when they're allowed to.

The only real addition to the position is seventh round pick Jonathan Woodard, who's likely going to be a "jar on the shelf" for the 2017 season. He has the frame and athleticism the team wants in the big end position and he can bulk up a bit to fill out for the role. I don't think going forward the team plans to be as "heavy" at that position, as if you look at the Seattle Seahawks progression within this same scheme, their big end isn't so big anymore. Woodard likely ends up on the practice squad and everyone's favorite, Tyson Alualu, sticks it out for one more year as a rotational player on the defensive line, and he should. He's a lot better than most people give him credit for, though not really worth where he was drafted.