The Jacksonville Jaguars made significant roster upgrades this offseason, but one crucial piece from last year remains central to their defense: Josh Hines-Allen. Despite not reaching double-digit sacks as frequently as some of his peers, Hines-Allen has been one of the most effective edge rushers since his breakout 2023 season. His steady performance earned him recognition among the top NFL pass rushers, underscoring his value to the Jaguars.

Pro Football Focus analyst Ryan Smith recently ranked Hines-Allen 11th among the league’s top 32 edge rushers. Smith highlighted that the former Kentucky Wildcat’s consistent pressure on quarterbacks often goes unnoticed, despite his impressive stats.

“Hines-Allen has long been one of the NFL’s most underrated players, and 2024 was no exception,”

Ryan Smith said.

“The former first-round pick out of Kentucky tied for ninth in the league with 63 total pressures, just one year removed from a career-high 90 in 2023.”

While Hines-Allen has recorded 10 or more sacks in a season only twice over the last six years, his consistency has been a reliable element for the Jaguars amidst the team’s fluctuations. His standout 2023 campaign featured 17.5 sacks, showcasing his capability when conditions align in his favor.

Evaluating Hines-Allen’s Position Among the NFL’s Elite Edge Rushers

Though Hines-Allen’s dominance is clear, he is generally ranked just outside the very top tier of pass rushers. Players like Trey Hendrickson, Myles Garrett, Micah Parsons, T.J. Watt, Aidan Hutchinson, and Maxx Crosby consistently rank above him, appearing within the top 10 edge rushers. Hines-Allen often sits in the second tier, alongside peers such as Danielle Hunter.

Interestingly, one of the Jaguars’ other key pass rushers, Travon Walker, has not yet gained similar recognition despite posting consecutive 10-sack seasons. Should Walker maintain his upward trajectory, his inclusion in elite rankings seems likely in the near future.

Hines-Allen’s Role as a Leader for Jacksonville in 2025

Following major offseason changes, the Jaguars will depend heavily on veterans like Josh Hines-Allen to lead the defense both on and off the field. Whether officially named team captain or not, Hines-Allen is expected to be a vocal presence in the locker room, rallying teammates and setting the tone for the season.

In addition to leadership, the Jaguars will require Hines-Allen to elevate his playmaking impact. While generating quarterback pressures disrupts offensive rhythm, sacks remain crucial in halting drives and shifting momentum. The Jaguars ranked ninth in defensive turnovers last year, and the responsibility will fall on Hines-Allen along with fellow defensive leaders Tyson Campbell and Arik Armstead to increase takeaway production in 2025.

Given their status as the team’s highest-paid defensive players, expectations for these veterans to perform at an elite level are high, with Hines-Allen’s performance directly linked to the Jaguars’ success moving forward.

The Significance of Hines-Allen for Jacksonville’s Defensive Future

Josh Hines-Allen’s consistency and leadership qualities position him as the most underrated yet vital defensive figure for the Jacksonville Jaguars. His ability to pressure the quarterback and create defensive disruption plays a key role in the team’s overall defensive strategy. As the Jaguars aim to build on their recent improvements, Hines-Allen’s influence on younger players and his production on the field will be critical for the team’s sustained success.

With the 2025 season approaching, the Jaguars’ investment in Hines-Allen and other defensive veterans signals a commitment to strengthening both performance and leadership, setting a foundation for future achievements in a competitive NFL landscape.