Maason Smith, in his second-year arc, is developing behind a veteran interior and a rotating cast at tackle. The Saunders trade could accelerate his learning curve by creating favorable opportunities and allowing more targeted exterior rushes from Armstead and Smith’s interior development to unfold with Saunders anchoring the center.

Smith’s training-camp injury situation adds to the interior depth concerns in the league, counterbalanced by Saunders’ arrival in Jacksonville. Smith’s health status will influence how deeply Saunders can push into the rotation and how the Jaguars structure their interior DL game plan as preseason unfolds.

Maason Smith’s activation from PUP, followed by an injury, places him in the center of Jacksonville’s interior rushing and run-stopping plans. His participation or absence will influence the depth chart, interior pressure generation, and potential fantasy implications for the Jaguars’ defensive line rotation and Saints’ run game.

Maason Smith has expressed optimism about the new defensive approach, indicating a shift towards a more aggressive and flexible style of play that could benefit his performance and that of fellow linemen.

Maason Smith, as a second-year player, is seen as someone who needs to step up this season. Expectations surround his development, particularly given the Jaguars' lack of offseason moves at defensive tackle.