Arik Armstead’s Position Shift Boosts Jacksonville Jaguars’ Interior Line

In the NFL, defensive line versatility can be the difference between a good defense and a dominant one—and for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Arik Armstead’s move from defensive end to defensive tackle this off-season has emerged as a game-changing adjustment that’s strengthening their interior line. Armstead, a 9-year veteran who spent his entire career with the San Francisco 49ers as an edge rusher, arrived in Jacksonville via free agency with a clear mandate: use his 6-foot-7, 295-pound frame and pass-rush instincts to shore up a Jaguars interior line that struggled in 2024, allowing 115 rushing yards per game and generating just 18 sacks from defensive tackles. The position shift isn’t just a tweak—it’s a strategic reimagining of Armstead’s role, leveraging his unique blend of size, speed, and technique to disrupt both run and pass plays from the inside. For the Jaguars, this move addresses a longstanding need while unlocking a new dimension of their defense. This transformative adjustment is why Arik Armstead’s Position Shift Boosts Jacksonville Jaguars’ Interior Line has become a key storyline as the team prepares for the upcoming season.

Arik Armstead’s Position Shift Boosts Jacksonville Jaguars’ Interior Line gains deeper meaning when examining why the Jaguars targeted this specific adjustment—and how Armstead’s skill set aligns with the role. The Jaguars’ 2024 interior line lacked two critical traits: a run-stopping anchor who could clog double teams and a pass-rushing threat who could pressure quarterbacks up the middle. Armstead, who spent time lining up inside in nickel packages with the 49ers, proved he could excel at both. In 2023, when the 49ers shifted him to defensive tackle in passing situations, he recorded 3.5 sacks and 8 quarterback hits in just 150 interior snaps—numbers that would have ranked among the top 15 defensive tackles if extrapolated to a full season. His size allows him to hold his ground against offensive guards and centers in the run game, while his speed (he ran a 4.82-second 40-yard dash at his 2015 pro day) lets him beat blockers with quickness in the pass game. For the Jaguars, the shift solves two problems at once: it gives them a much-needed run-stopping presence and adds a dynamic pass-rush threat to the interior, forcing opposing offenses to split their attention between Armstead and edge rusher Josh Allen. This dual impact is why the position change isn’t just a gamble—it’s a calculated move to elevate the entire defensive line.

A critical part of Arik Armstead’s Position Shift Boosts Jacksonville Jaguars’ Interior Line is the specific adjustments Armstead has made to master his new role during off-season workouts and OTAs. Recognizing that defensive tackle requires different techniques than defensive end, Armstead worked with Jaguars defensive line coach Brentson Buckner to refine his hand placement and footwork for interior play. Unlike edge rushers, who rely on speed and angle to beat tackles, interior linemen need to use leverage to overpower guards and centers—so Armstead focused on lowering his pad level and using his hands to control blockers, rather than relying solely on his speed. He also adjusted his pass-rush moves, adding a “rip-and-swim” combo that’s effective against smaller interior blockers, and practicing “bull rushes” to push centers back into the quarterback’s lap. Teammates have noticed the difference: Allen praised Armstead’s “willingness to learn and adapt,” noting that “he’s not just a guy coming in thinking he knows it all—he’s putting in the work to get better at the new position.” Armstead also spent time studying film of elite interior linemen like Aaron Donald and DeForest Buckner, analyzing how they read offensive line schemes and exploit gaps. These efforts have paid off in OTAs, where he’s already recorded multiple “sacks” in team drills and forced offensive linemen into holding penalties. For Armstead, the adjustments aren’t just about learning a new position—they’re about proving he can be a dominant force wherever the Jaguars need him.

Arik Armstead’s Position Shift Boosts Jacksonville Jaguars’ Interior Line is particularly significant for the Jacksonville Jaguars as they look to compete in the tough AFC South, a division filled with physical running games and mobile quarterbacks. The AFC South includes the Houston Texans, who rank 10th in the NFL in rushing yards per game, and the Indianapolis Colts, led by running back Jonathan Taylor—a player who averaged 4.6 yards per carry against the Jaguars in 2024. Armstead’s presence in the interior will be crucial to slowing these rushing attacks: his ability to clog double teams will free up linebackers like Foyesade Oluokun to make tackles, while his speed will let him chase down mobile quarterbacks like the Colts’ Anthony Richardson. The Jacksonville Jaguars’ defense struggled against the run in 2024, allowing 20+ rushing first downs in four games—something they can’t afford if they want to challenge for the division title. Armstead’s shift directly addresses this weakness: in simulated run drills during OTAs, he’s already proven he can hold his ground against double teams, forcing running backs to change direction and into the waiting arms of Jaguars linebackers. For the Jacksonville Jaguars, this isn’t just about improving the interior line—it’s about making the entire defense more competitive in a division where run defense often decides games.

Another vital angle of Arik Armstead’s Position Shift Boosts Jacksonville Jaguars’ Interior Line is how the move enhances the Jaguars’ pass-rush package and creates mismatches for opposing offenses. With Armstead on the interior and Allen on the edge, the Jacksonville Jaguars now have two elite pass-rush threats, forcing offenses to choose between double-teaming Allen (their longtime edge rusher) or Armstead (the new interior threat). This dilemma was on full display during a recent OTA practice, where the Jaguars lined up Armstead next to defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton: the offensive line struggled to decide who to block, leaving Armstead free to sack the quarterback on back-to-back plays. The Jaguars’ defensive coordinator, Mike Caldwell, has also used Armstead in creative ways, including “stunts” where Armstead and Allen switch positions mid-play to confuse offensive lines, and “delayed blitzes” where Armstead hides his rush until the last second. These packages take advantage of Armstead’s versatility—he can line up at defensive tackle, defensive end, or even nose tackle in short-yardage situations—making it nearly impossible for offenses to predict his role on any given play. For the Jacksonville Jaguars, this flexibility is a game-changer: it lets them keep offenses off-balance and increases the chances of generating pressure, which in turn leads to turnovers and shorter drives. Armstead’s position shift hasn’t just added a player to the interior line—it’s transformed the Jaguars’ entire pass-rush strategy.

Finally, Arik Armstead’s Position Shift Boosts Jacksonville Jaguars’ Interior Line highlights the Jacksonville Jaguars’ commitment to building a sustainable, dominant defense—and how strategic player adjustments can be just as impactful as high-profile signings. The Jaguars have long had the pieces to be a top defense (Allen, Oluokun, cornerback Tyson Campbell), but they’ve lacked a dynamic interior presence to tie it all together. Armstead’s position shift fills that gap without requiring the team to draft or sign another high-priced player—instead, it’s a creative use of existing talent. This approach reflects the Jaguars’ broader philosophy under head coach Doug Pederson: prioritize versatility and fit over rigid position labels, and trust players to adapt to what the team needs. For Armstead, the shift is a chance to extend his career and redefine his legacy—he’s entering his 10th season, and moving to interior line could reduce the wear and tear on his body, helping him stay healthy longer. For the Jacksonville Jaguars, the move is a bet on their ability to develop and utilize talent—and early signs suggest it’s a bet that will pay off. As the season approaches, all eyes will be on Armstead and the Jaguars’ interior line: if the position shift works, the Jaguars could have one of the NFL’s most dominant defenses, and a legitimate shot at a Super Bowl run. Arik Armstead’s Position Shift Boosts Jacksonville Jaguars’ Interior Line isn’t just a story about a player changing positions—it’s a story about a team finding its missing piece and taking a big step toward contention.