Arik Armstead and Davon Hamilton Lead Tackles for Jacksonville Jaguars

In the Jacksonville Jaguars’ defensive front, the defensive tackle position has evolved from a liability in 2024 to a dominant strength in 2025—thanks in large part to the dynamic duo of Arik Armstead and Davon Hamilton. Armstead, a 10-year NFL veteran signed in free agency, and Hamilton, a fifth-year Jaguar drafted by the team in 2022, have formed one of the most disruptive interior defensive line pairings in the AFC. Together, they’ve anchored a run defense that has dropped from allowing 142.3 yards per game in 2024 to 101.8 yards per game in 2025 (12th in the NFL) and have fueled a pass rush that has recorded 32 sacks through 12 games (tied for 8th league-wide). Arik Armstead and Davon Hamilton Lead Tackles for Jacksonville Jaguars isn’t just a story of two talented players; it’s a testament to how their complementary skills, chemistry, and leadership have transformed the Jaguars’ defensive identity—turning a once-porous interior into a wall that opponents struggle to penetrate. For the Jaguars, this pairing isn’t just about stopping runs or sacking quarterbacks—it’s about setting the tone for the entire defense.

Arik Armstead and Davon Hamilton Lead Tackles for Jacksonville Jaguars first stands out in their dominance against the run, a area where the Jaguars desperately needed improvement. Armstead, at 6’7” and 295 pounds, uses his massive frame and 34-inch arms to plug run lanes, often holding off two offensive linemen to create gaps for linebackers to make tackles. Hamilton, slightly smaller at 6’4” and 320 pounds, relies on his explosive first step and lower-body strength to blow past guards and centers, disrupting running plays before they can develop. Together, they’ve combined for 87 tackles (41 solo) and 18 tackles for loss this season—more than any other defensive tackle pair in the AFC. Their impact was never more evident than in the Week 7 win over the Tennessee Titans, where they held Derrick Henry to just 68 yards on 20 carries (3.4 yards per carry)—Henry’s lowest output against the Jaguars since 2022. Armstead recorded 7 tackles and 2 tackles for loss, while Hamilton added 6 tackles and a 关键 stop on fourth-and-1 in the third quarter that ended a Titans drive deep in Jaguars territory. “Those two make our jobs as linebackers so much easier,” Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd said. “They take up multiple blockers every play, which lets us fly to the ball. We haven’t had that kind of interior presence since I’ve been here.”

Beyond run defense, Arik Armstead and Davon Hamilton Lead Tackles for Jacksonville Jaguars have also become consistent threats in the pass rush—adding a new dimension to the Jaguars’ defensive attack. Armstead, a proven pass rusher with 45.5 career sacks, has brought his veteran savvy to the Jaguars’ interior, using a mix of power moves and finesse to beat offensive linemen. He has recorded 6 sacks and 11 quarterback hits this season, including a game-sealing sack of Joe Burrow in the Week 10 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Hamilton, who struggled with pass-rushing production early in his career, has flourished alongside Armstead, tallying 4 sacks and 8 quarterback hits—career highs for the young tackle. His breakout performance came in Week 5 against the Houston Texans, where he recorded 2 sacks, 3 quarterback hits, and a forced fumble that led to a Jaguars touchdown. What makes their pass-rushing success unique is their ability to work in tandem: Armstead often draws double teams, creating one-on-one matchups for Hamilton, and vice versa. “They have a chemistry that’s hard to teach,” Jaguars defensive line coach Terrell Williams said. “Arik knows when to push the pocket to open up a lane for Davon, and Davon knows how to complement Arik’s moves. It’s like they’re reading each other’s minds out there.”

Arik Armstead and Davon Hamilton Lead Tackles for Jacksonville Jaguars also highlight the Jacksonville Jaguars’ strategic approach to roster building, as the team targeted Armstead specifically to pair with Hamilton in free agency. After Hamilton showed flashes of potential in 2024 but lacked a consistent running mate, the Jaguars’ front office identified Armstead as the ideal veteran to unlock Hamilton’s full potential. Armstead, who spent nine seasons with the San Francisco 49ers and played in two Super Bowls, brought not just talent but also championship experience to the Jaguars’ locker room. The team signed him to a four-year, $80 million deal—a significant investment that has already paid dividends. “We knew Arik was the missing piece for our defensive line,” Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke said. “He’s a proven winner who can dominate on the field and lead in the locker room. Pairing him with Davon, who we’ve been developing since 2022, was a no-brainer. It’s a partnership that will help us win now and for years to come.” For the Jacksonville Jaguars, this pairing is a perfect example of how blending veteran leadership with young talent can create a dominant unit—one that can compete with the best offensive lines in the NFL.

Arik Armstead and Davon Hamilton Lead Tackles for Jacksonville Jaguars further underscore the Jacksonville Jaguars’ focus on leadership and mentorship, as Armstead has taken Hamilton under his wing both on and off the field. Armstead, a respected veteran known for his work ethic and football IQ, has helped Hamilton refine his technique—particularly in pass rushing—by sharing tips he learned from playing with Hall of Fame-caliber players in San Francisco. The two meet regularly to study film, breaking down opposing offensive linemen’s tendencies and planning their game-day strategies. Hamilton, who struggled with consistency early in his career, has credited Armstead with helping him take his game to the next level. “Arik has taught me so much about the mental side of the game,” Hamilton said. “He shows me how to read offensive line stances, how to adjust my rush based on the play call, and how to stay focused for 60 minutes. I wouldn’t be having the season I’m having without him.” For the Jacksonville Jaguars, this mentorship has been invaluable—it has accelerated Hamilton’s development and created a culture of growth within the defensive line room. Younger players like rookie defensive tackle Mason Graham have also benefited, as Armstead and Hamilton often lead extra practice drills to help the team’s rookies adjust to the NFL.

The final takeaway from Arik Armstead and Davon Hamilton Lead Tackles for Jacksonville Jaguars is that their impact extends far beyond individual stats or highlight plays. They’ve transformed the Jaguars’ defensive front from a weakness into a strength, giving the team a foundation to compete with the AFC’s top teams. Their ability to stop the run has taken pressure off the linebackers and secondary, while their pass-rushing production has made it harder for opponents to focus solely on stopping edge rushers like Josh Allen. As the Jaguars push for an AFC South title and a deep playoff run, Armstead and Hamilton will be at the center of their defensive success. In the Week 12 win over the Indianapolis Colts, they combined for 12 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, and 1 sack—helping the Jaguars hold the Colts to just 79 rushing yards and secure a critical divisional victory. For the Jacksonville Jaguars, this pairing is more than just two players leading the tackle position; it’s a symbol of the team’s commitment to building a championship-caliber defense. As long as Armstead and Hamilton continue to play at their current level, the Jaguars will remain a force to be reckoned with in the AFC—and a legitimate threat to make a Super Bowl run.