Del Rio continues to give praise to his defense. Much like his predecessor, Tom Coughlin, Del Rio has a specialty and wants to put that mark on his team. Coughlin’s was offense, especially the passing game. Del Rio was a linebacker during his playing days, so naturally, he’s involved in the defensive structure of the team. So far he likes what he see, but understands there are still holes. Young players have to emerge at linebacker, Hugh Douglas has to return to pre-Jaguars form, and Tony Brackens needs to show that he can still get to the quarterback.

One place Del Rio isn’t worried about is the defensive backfield. He’s got the cornerbacks he likes: tall, rangy and fast. “It’s just really a little bit of an adjustment in the style. When you’re talking about Fernando Bryant and Jason Craft, they’re good corners in this league. It’s just a different style. They’re more off-cover corner, quick, good competitors and that’s what some people prefer. We have some bigger guys who have real good ball skills. When the ball’s in the air, they turn into receivers. They won’t be as quick. There’ll be some things they’re not as good at in terms of some of the off coverage and things, but we like getting up and disrupting and being able to play the ball in the air. Those are things we’re looking to do on defense.”

And at safety, the Jaguars have a logjam of players talented enough to play with no place to put them on the field. After Donovin Darius and Deon Grant, Deke Cooper and others are making their presence known, even after just one week of camp. “Yes. The safeties, with the addition of Deke Cooper during the season last year and Deon Grant in this off season, our safety position has become tremendously athletic. I think you throw in Nick Sorensen and Ray Perryman and you’re talking about some real good special teams depth. So, that’s a pretty loaded position.”