The Jacksonville Jaguars are sitting atop the AFC South a third of the way through the 2023 regular season with a 4-2 record. They have played relatively well thus far this season in their defense of their division title from last season, but have yet to truly hit their stride.
The Jaguars have played like a middle-of-the-road team to this point, ranking 10th in points scored and 13th in yardage gained. Defensively they have left a lot to be desired, ranking 15th in points and 21st in yardage surrendered.
Over at PPF, it is more of the same. Their 74.7 overall grade is 17th currently in the NFL, with an offensive grade of 67.6 ranking 21st and a defensive grade of 71.0 being tied for 17th. If the Jaguars want to find more success the remainder of the season, they need to address a few needs.
Defensively their biggest issue has been getting after the quarterback. Jacksonville is 30th in the NFL in pass rushing grade with a 60.3. Josh Allen is the only edge defender who has found consistent success, racking up 7.0 sacks and 23 total pressures. Travon Walker and Roy Robertson-Harris have 17 pressures apiece, but their overall grades aren’t anywhere near Allen’s 87.1.
With two weeks until the trade deadline, the Jaguars should be on the lookout for some pass-rushing help. Over at The Athletic, Jeff Howe has suggested that they look to bolster that pass rush, making a move for Josh Uche of the New England Patriots.
What could a trade between the teams look like? Howe suggested the Jaguars send a conditional 2024 second-round pick to the Patriots in exchange for him. That trade is only possible if Calvin Ridley doesn’t remain in Jacksonville.
As part of the trade to acquire him from the Atlanta Falcons, Jacksonville agreed to send their 2024 second-round pick to Atlanta if Ridley signed an extension. If that occurs, the package for Uche would turn into a 2024 third-round pick and a 2025 fourth-rounder.
“The Jaguars need pass rushers to help Josh Allen and Travon Walker. They don’t want to watch another playoff opportunity slip away because they couldn’t get after the quarterback. As for the Patriots, their last second-round pick to sign a second contract with the team was Rob Gronkowski. Their season is slipping away, and they might as well get something for Uche if the string of failed draft pick extensions is going to continue.”
Uche would be a huge addition to the Jaguars’ defense. He has a pass-rushing grade of 74.0 on the season and 17 total pressures, which would be second on the team behind Allen.
Having another consistent threat opposite him would help take Jacksonville’s defense to another level. Rushing the passer more effectively would elevate the performance of other facets of their unit as well.
