Jacksonville traded Luke Fortner to New Orleans in a push to shore up the interior of its defensive line, adding Khalen Saunders from the Saints with Arik Armstead sliding back inside and Maason Smith continuing his development. Saunders started in New Orleans’ preseason game against Jacksonville, while Fortner played every snap for the Jaguars as a rookie but struggled in 2023, opening the door for a shift on the line. The move aims to stabilize the run game and pressure up front, a key area the Jaguars have chased this offseason.

Saunders, entering his seventh year, spent time with Kansas City and New Orleans, posting 6.5 career sacks and 181 tackles, and bringing a pedigree that includes two Super Bowl rings and a notable end-zone pick return against the Chiefs. At 6-3, 324 pounds, Saunders brings inside presence and versatility to block and stuff the run, potentially easing pressure on the edges and enabling Armstead to threaten interior gaps. His preseason snap share as a Saint against Jacksonville signaled his readiness for a featured role.

The Jaguars have battled injury and depth along the interior with Armstead dealing with a back issue, Maason Smith coming off the PUP list after a lower-body injury, and DaVon Hamilton’s bounce-back from a back infection that cost him time in 2023. Fortner’s departure clears a center-by-committee path, with the Jaguars likely leaning on Rob Hains for depth, while the Saints receive a promising young interior blocker in Fortner. For fantasy optics, Saunders’ arrival could lift Jacksonville’s IDP upside if he earns a stable nose tackle role and sees enhanced run-stuffing snaps.

As training camp approaches, the Los Angeles Rams are set to welcome back several key players from injury, bringing much-needed depth and experience to the roster. Among the most notable returns is right tackle Rob Havenstein, who underwent shoulder surgery but is expected to be ready for the start of the season. The Rams have bolstered their offensive line by signing veteran tackles D.J. Humphries and David Quessenberry to provide additional support.

Another significant player returning is defensive end Braden Fiske, who suffered a knee injury during the playoffs last season. His recovery will be crucial for the Rams' defensive front. Meanwhile, key contributors like wide receiver Van Jefferson and safety Jordan Fuller are also on the mend, which could impact the team's overall performance in the upcoming 2025 season.

The Jacksonville Jaguars' training camp is set to unveil crucial defensive positional battles that could reshape their roster. Key positions to focus on include the defensive line, where veterans like Josh Hines-Allen, Travon Walker, and Arik Armstead will compete with newcomers like Myles Cole for playing time. The linebacker corps, featuring Devin Lloyd and Foye Oluokun, will also see competition from rookies and seasoned backups like Ventrell Miller and Chad Muma, leading to the potential exclusion of several players from the final roster.

With a crowded lineup, fans should keep an eye on how coaching decisions unfold as the Jaguars assess whether to keep nine or ten defensive linemen. The competition will elevate as the team prepares for its first practice, making these battles critical for players fighting to secure their positions for the upcoming season.

With training camp approaching, the Jacksonville Jaguars remain focused on bolstering their defensive line, particularly the defensive tackle position. Recent analysis highlights that the Jaguars' defensive front ranked near the bottom in several key metrics, including 32nd in pass rush win rate and 27th in run-stop rate, which raises concerns about their ability to compete effectively this season.

General Manager James Glawe's offseason approach implies a faith in current players like DaVon Hamilton, Arik Armstead, and second-year tackle Maason Smith. However, with no significant additions made to the defensive tackle group, the reliance on these players' performance becomes crucial. The urgency to address this gap intensifies as the team prepares for the upcoming season.