One Jacksonville Defensive Lineman Is Contributing More Than You May Think
The Jacksonville Jaguars have had a grand history with their defensive linemen. Whether it was the 2017 Sacksonville defense that dominated all the way to an AFC Championship Game appearance, or star players like Josh Hines-Allen and Calais Campbell dominating the trenches, the Jaguars' defense has always been something to be proud of. In 2025, the defense has shone early in the season, but has declined in recent weeks due to injuries. Players like Devin Lloyd are having career seasons, while other players are flying under the radar. One player in particular is more important to the defensive capabilities of Jacksonville than many would think: veteran DaVon Hamilton.
For starters, Hamilton had an electric play last week against the Las Vegas Raiders when he swatted down a two-point conversion attempt from quarterback Geno Smith. That play secured Jacksonville's 30-29 victory over Las Vegas, making Hamilton a key player of the game and ultimately the one who ended it. His nose tackle position is one of the most important in the NFL, as it is crucial for stopping the running game, which Jacksonville has been effective at all season long. The Jaguars are third in the NFL against the run, allowing a little over 86 rushing yards per game. Defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile has been high on Hamilton all season, calling him a technician of the game, and his veteran presence helps the overall defense succeed in the long term.
Fans tend to highlight only players who make the big plays or put up the most significant statistics. However, those players are not always the ones leading the team to victory. Players like Hamilton bring a presence to the game-changing locker room, turning losses into wins. Hamilton doesn't have to put up the numbers to be an effective defensive lineman; his size alone allows him to two-gap people and be successful against the double teams. He's also having his healthiest season yet, as being on the field every game automatically allows the defense to get better as a unit. Jacksonville will attempt to utilize players like Hamilton to improve this defense further and turn around the 2025 season.
