The Jaguars, after position in the Top rated 6 in the NFL in total defense from 2016-2018, rated 24th in 2019 and 31st in 2020. They concluded last time 30th versus the run and 27th against the go, with Cullen on Tuesday especially discussing a move hurry that registered 18 sacks – the 2nd fewest in the NFL in 2020.
“Collectively, we have bought to get the initially sack right before we can get the 51st,” Cullen said. “We have a actually superior group of defensive linemen that had been here and then no cost-agent acquisitions that we have brought in.”
The Jaguars this offseason not only traded for nose deal with Malcom Brown, they signed unrestricted no cost agent defensive linemen Roy Robertson-Harris from the Chicago Bears and Jihad Ward from the Baltimore Ravens. Cullen also explained he was looking ahead to performing with veteran defensive lineman Taven Bryan, a initial-round choice in the 2018 NFL Draft.
“Those men have gotten after the quarterback in this league,” Cullen stated of Robertson-Harris and Ward. “We are psyched. It (the pass rush) is going to come from a lot of different spots. It truly is heading to occur from the force we provide in conditions of blitzes. It truly is going to come from the four-person hurry. Actually, it is likely to occur from a collective device – our hurry doing the job, but also our coverage earning the quarterback keep the ball. It can be going to go hand in hand.
“I’m energized. Genuinely, we will come across out in the tumble.”
Cullen spent 2010-2012 as the Jaguars’ defensive line coach. The workforce registered 14 sacks in 2009 and 26 the pursuing period, Cullen’s initial. Cullen was asked if a very similar improvement was probable from 2020 to 2021.
“I totally do,” he said. “Aspect of that is participating in with qualified prospects. Element of that is you get out in front of individuals. But I absolutely do. For the people today we have, the guys we have, the depth we have … of course, I consider that is a sensible goal.”
Cullen on Tuesday spoke very of two additions in the secondary – next-round cornerback Tyson Campbell from Ga and third-round basic safety Andre Cisco from Syracuse, gamers the group thinks can lead immediately in 2021. “Both equally of all those fellas test each and every box – peak, bodyweight, pace, athleticism, ball capabilities,” Cullen said, introducing that the addition of Campbell provides the Jaguars depth at corner with Shaquill Griffin and CJ Henderson already on the roster. “Having Tyson there was seriously massive,” Cullen stated. Cullen explained Cisco may perhaps have been the greatest security in the draft prior to a torn anterior cruciate ligament close his last collegiate period immediately after two video games. “He fits all the containers,” Cullen explained of Cisco. “We’re actually enthusiastic about those people two additions.” The Jaguars this offseason built key improvements to the secondary, not only deciding on Cisco and Campbell on Day 2, but also signing Griffin as an unrestricted free of charge agent from the Seattle Seahawks and basic safety Rayshawn Jenkins from the Los Angeles Chargers. The Jaguars also moved promptly in the offseason to re-indication veteran free of charge brokers Sidney Jones IV and Tre Herndon. “You have to address in this league,” Cullen stated. “It was essential to obtain men as a result of cost-free company and the draft. We have form of remade that full home. With Rayshawn and Griffin … those people have been two important fellas – moreover currently being equipped to retain Josh and Tre. The competitiveness went up and the skillset went up in that area.”