Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley is bringing a new defensive system to Jacksonville and although not every player will fit into the system, defensive end Jason Babin appears to be a perfect fit.
Jaguars expect Jason Babin to be ‘impact player’
After acquiring him on waivers late in the season, the Jaguars expect Jason Babin to be a major contributor next season.
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Jacksonville defensive line coach Todd Walsh said Babin is an obvious candidate to play the “Leo” position. The “Leo” is essentially a designated pass rusher and often times the only pass rush threat on the field. The scheme relies on the “Leo” to generate pressure, something Walsh thinks Babin will be able to do.
“He has the skill set to be a guy that can be an impact player,” Walsh said, according to Jaguars.com.
Walsh said Babin's role will be similar to how he played in Philadelphia. Babin made the Pro Bowl with Philadelphia in 2011 when he racked up 18.0 sacks. Jacksonville recorded 20.0 sacks as a team last season. The "Leo" position comes from the scheme Bradley ran as Pete Carroll's defensive coordinator in Seattle. Chris Clemons, the Seahawks primary "Leo", recorded 33.5 sacks over the last three seasons.
In addition to Babin, Walsh said the Jaguars will need to find two other players capable of filling the "Leo" role. He said John Chick and Andre Branch are possibilities at "Leo" but the Jaguars will have to see how they transition into the role.
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