The Jacksonville Jaguars have transformed their edge rusher position from a major weakness to one of depth by signing Emmanuel Ogbah and Dennis Gardeck. Gardeck, who has spent his last seven seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, joins a robust defensive unit in Jacksonville. In his career, Gardeck has recorded 17 sacks, showcasing his ability to contribute despite not being a primary pass-rusher. His best seasons came in 2020 and 2023, where he tallied 13 of his career sacks.

Notably, Gardeck's production in 2023 was particularly impressive considering he only played seven games, still managing to secure three sacks. His consistency and experience as a rotational piece should bolster the Jaguars' defensive strength moving forward, especially as they look to enhance their performance in upcoming seasons.

The Jacksonville Jaguars have made significant strides in bolstering their defensive end (DE) depth, with notable signings of Dawuane Smoot and Dennis Gardeck. They also acquired Emmanuel Ogbah after the NFL draft, emphasizing their commitment to enhancing this crucial position. The Jaguars aim to complement their starters, Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker, by adding seasoned players to ensure a rotation that can meet the demands of a heavily utilized defensive line.

This strategic move not only provides depth but also strengthens the overall competitiveness of the team. With the NFL season approaching, the Jaguars' focus on experience may yield dividends in both performance and injury management throughout the grueling season.

As the Jacksonville Jaguars gear up for the upcoming NFL season, new addition Dennis Gardeck has quickly made an impression on head coach Liam Coen. Gardeck, who spent the first seven seasons of his career with the Arizona Cardinals, was a key player on the Rams' 'game-wrecker board' during Coen's time in Los Angeles. Known for his disruptive play on both defense and special teams, Gardeck's presence is expected to bolster the Jaguars' already formidable lineup.

In the 2023 season, Gardeck recorded 42 pressures while playing over 500 snaps, showcasing his ability to impact the game significantly. Coen highlighted Gardeck's diverse skill set, noting his unique pass-rushing style and contributions as a special teams captain. The Jaguars are optimistic that Gardeck will enhance their defensive depth and add versatility to their special teams unit, providing valuable support as they aim for a successful campaign.

The Jacksonville Jaguars made a significant roster move by waiving offensive lineman Cooper Hodges to accommodate signing linebacker Dennis Gardeck. Hodges, a seventh-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, was unable to meet the physical standards required after struggling with injuries during his short career. He spent his rookie season on IR due to a knee injury and faced further challenges with a lower leg issue last season.

This move is indicative of the Jaguars' ongoing efforts to reshape their offensive line and enhance competition for starting positions. The team has made six additions to its offensive line unit this offseason through free agency and the draft, signaling a commitment to creating a versatile and competitive front. Coach Jett Coen emphasized the importance of testing various line combinations to find the best starting five as training camps approach.

The Arizona Cardinals have shown remarkable defensive progress from the 2023 to 2024 NFL season, achieving an impressive leap from 32nd to 14th in defensive DVOA. This turnaround is particularly notable given their tough schedule and significant injuries, losing key players like BJ Ojulari and Dennis Gardeck. Their commitment to improvement continues into 2025 with strategic additions in free agency and the draft aimed at fortifying their defensive line and linebacker corps.

BetMGM's Nick Hennion highlighted that despite their challenges, the Cardinals managed to navigate the third-hardest schedule against opposing offenses last year, showcasing their resilience. This season, with strengthened personnel, they aim to further enhance their defensive capabilities as they work towards a competitive playoff run.