Danny St. Riggs Backs Up Edge Rushers for Jacksonville Jaguars

In the high-stakes world of NFL defenses, depth at edge rusher can make or break a team’s playoff aspirations—and for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Danny St. Riggs has emerged as a critical piece of that depth chart. Entering his third season with the Jaguars, St. Riggs serves as the primary backup to star edge rushers Josh Allen and newly signed Emmanuel Ogbah, a role that requires him to step in seamlessly when starters need rest or face injuries. After a 2024 season where the Jaguars’ edge rush depth was exposed (backup rushers combined for just 6 sacks), St. Riggs’ development has become a priority for a team aiming to rebound from a 4-13 record. Though he’s not a household name, St. Riggs has quietly built a reputation as a reliable, high-energy player who can generate pressure in limited snaps. Danny St. Riggs Backs Up Edge Rushers for Jacksonville Jaguars thus highlights the unsung role of backup players, showing how depth pieces like St. Riggs are essential to sustaining a dominant pass rush over a 17-game season.

A closer look at St. Riggs’ performance in backup roles reveals why Danny St. Riggs Backs Up Edge Rushers for Jacksonville Jaguars is a role he’s earned—and one that adds value to the Jaguars’ defense. Last season, St. Riggs played 22% of the Jaguars’ defensive snaps, recording 2 sacks, 18 total tackles, 3 quarterback hits, and 1 forced fumble. What stands out is his efficiency: he generated pressure on 14.3% of his pass-rushing attempts, a rate that would rank 18th among full-time edge rushers if he played enough snaps to qualify. His most impactful game came in Week 12 against the Houston Texans, where he replaced an injured Allen in the second quarter and recorded a sack and a quarterback hit, helping the Jaguars hold the Texans to just 17 points. Beyond the stats, St. Riggs has impressed coaches with his ability to adapt to different roles: he can line up as a traditional defensive end in base packages, shift to linebacker in sub-packages, and even drop into short coverage when needed. Defensive line coach Tosh Lupoi noted, “Danny’s versatility is his biggest strength. He understands every nuance of our edge-rushing scheme, and he’s ready to contribute in any situation—whether it’s on third down or in the fourth quarter of a close game.” Danny St. Riggs Backs Up Edge Rushers for Jacksonville Jaguars thus isn’t just about filling a spot—it’s about having a player who can elevate the defense when called upon.

St. Riggs’ journey to becoming a reliable backup is a story of perseverance, a narrative that adds depth to Danny St. Riggs Backs Up Edge Rushers for Jacksonville Jaguars. Undrafted out of Louisiana Tech in 2023, St. Riggs began his NFL career on the Jaguars’ practice squad, spending most of his rookie season learning the playbook and refining his technique. He didn’t earn a spot on the active roster until Week 10 of 2023, and even then, he played primarily on special teams. But St. Riggs didn’t let limited opportunities deter him: he stayed late after practice to work on his pass-rushing moves with Allen, studied film with defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell to improve his play recognition, and volunteered for extra reps in practice to prove he was ready. His breakthrough came in the 2024 preseason, where he recorded 3 sacks and 5 quarterback hits in three games, earning him a spot on the 53-man roster. “I’ve never taken a single rep for granted,” St. Riggs said in a recent interview. “Being undrafted teaches you to fight for everything, and that mindset has stayed with me every day. My job is to support Josh and Emmanuel, and I’ll do whatever it takes to help this team win.” Danny St. Riggs Backs Up Edge Rushers for Jacksonville Jaguars thus is more than a role description—it’s a testament to the grind and dedication that define players who succeed in backup positions.

The Jacksonville Jaguars’ defensive scheme is perfectly suited to St. Riggs’ skill set, making Danny St. Riggs Backs Up Edge Rushers for Jacksonville Jaguars a seamless fit within the team’s strategy. Caldwell’s system relies on a rotation of edge rushers to keep players fresh and prevent opposing offensive lines from adjusting to a single pass-rushing style. St. Riggs’ ability to play both defensive end and linebacker aligns with this flexibility: in base 4-3 packages, he lines up as a right defensive end, using his 6’3”, 255-pound frame to set the edge against the run; in nickel packages, he shifts to a stand-up linebacker role, using his quickness to rush the passer from different angles. The Jacksonville Jaguars’ emphasis on situational pass rushing also plays to St. Riggs’ strengths—he’s particularly effective on third downs, where his speed off the edge can catch tired offensive tackles off guard. Last season, St. Riggs recorded 1.5 of his 2 sacks on third down, helping the Jaguars convert 7 more third downs into stops than they did in 2023. “Danny is a situational weapon,” Caldwell said. “We design specific packages around his strengths, and he always delivers when we call his number. Having a player like him allows us to keep Josh and Emmanuel fresh for the moments that matter most.” The Jacksonville Jaguars thus aren’t just using St. Riggs as a backup—they’re integrating him into their defensive game plan as a key situational player. Danny St. Riggs Backs Up Edge Rushers for Jacksonville Jaguars thus reflects how the team is maximizing every player’s potential to build a more dominant defense.

The Jacksonville Jaguars’ veteran edge rushers have embraced St. Riggs as a valuable teammate, highlighting the team’s culture of support and shared success— a dynamic that enhances Danny St. Riggs Backs Up Edge Rushers for Jacksonville Jaguars. Allen, who has mentored St. Riggs since his rookie season, has praised his work ethic and willingness to learn. “Danny is like a little brother to me,” Allen said. “He’s always asking questions, always trying to get better, and he’s never jealous of the reps I get. That’s the kind of teammate you want in the locker room—someone who puts the team first.” Ogbah, who joined the Jaguars in 2025, has also quickly formed a bond with St. Riggs, working with him on pass-rushing techniques during practice and sharing insights from his nine years in the league. “Danny has a lot of talent, and he’s only going to get better,” Ogbah said. “He’s already a great backup, but with a little more experience, he could be a starter in this league someday. I’m happy to help him however I can.” The Jacksonville Jaguars’ locker room culture of lifting each other up has played a key role in St. Riggs’ development, giving him the confidence to perform when he steps on the field. This camaraderie also translates to on-field success: when St. Riggs enters the game, Allen and Ogbah are often on the sidelines cheering him on, creating a positive atmosphere that fuels the entire defense. The Jacksonville Jaguars thus are building more than a roster—they’re building a family, and St. Riggs is an important part of that. Danny St. Riggs Backs Up Edge Rushers for Jacksonville Jaguars thus is a story of teamwork, showing how veteran leadership and young talent can come together to strengthen a team.

Looking ahead, Danny St. Riggs Backs Up Edge Rushers for Jacksonville Jaguars will play an even more critical role as the Jaguars push for a playoff spot in 2025. With a schedule that includes high-powered offenses like the Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers, the Jaguars will need to keep their edge rushers fresh throughout the season to contain mobile quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson and Brock Purdy. St. Riggs’ ability to step in and generate pressure will be essential in managing the workload of Allen and Ogbah, preventing them from wearing down late in the season. Additionally, if Allen or Ogbah were to suffer an injury, St. Riggs would be tasked with stepping into a full-time role—a challenge he’s prepared for after two seasons of learning and growing. “I’m ready for whatever the team needs,” St. Riggs said. “If that means playing 10 snaps a game to keep Josh and Emmanuel fresh, I’ll do it. If that means starting a game, I’ll be ready for that too. My only goal is to help this team win.” The Jacksonville Jaguars’ front office has also recognized St. Riggs’ value, signing him to a two-year contract extension in the 2025 offseason to ensure he remains part of the team’s long-term plans. Danny St. Riggs Backs Up Edge Rushers for Jacksonville Jaguars thus isn’t just a short-term role—it’s a key part of the Jaguars’ strategy to build a sustainable, dominant defense that can compete for championships for years to come. As the 2025 season gets underway, all eyes will be on St. Riggs to see if he can continue to grow and contribute to the Jaguars’ rebound from their 4-13 season.