JACKSONVILLE – Jaguars experts – Frank Frangie, Jeff Lageman, Brent Martineau, John Oehser, Brian Sexton, J.P. Shadrick and Kainani Stevens – are breaking down the Jaguars as the 2024 NFL season approaches; today: The projected defensive Most Valuable Player and why

Frank Frangie, Radio Voice of the Jaguars

• My projected Defensive Most Valuable Player and why: I know, I'm taking chalk here, but how can the defensive MVP be anyone other than edge Josh Hines-Allen? I see a sequel we're all going to love. Maybe not 17.5 sacks, but close to it.

Jeff Lageman, Jaguars Analyst and Former Jaguars Defensive End

• My projected Defensive Most Valuable Player and why: Hines-Allen. He's at the top of his game and defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen's new defensive scheme will only help show his skill set.

Brent Martineau, Action Sports Jax Sports Director

• My projected Defensive Most Valuable Player and why: I want to say the defensive MVP will be Hines-Allen because it needs to be Hines-Allen. After that big contract, he's your best player on that side of the ball. That's too easy, so let's dig just a little deeper and go with cornerback Tyson Campbell. There are so many good things said about Campbell from the coaches and folks inside the Jags' building. He had an injury-riddled 2023, but I think this will be a big bounceback season for him. If Campbell plays at a Pro Bowl level, that will really make the Jaguars defense pretty good in 2024.

John Oehser, jaguars.com Senior Writer

• My projected Defensive Most Valuable Player and why: Arik Armstead. Most analysts on this panel chose Hines-Allen here – and that's a good choice. But let's go with Armstead, who signed as a free agent this offseason after being released by the San Francisco 49ers, for the impact he could make on the entire defensive line. The 10-year veteran has the presence to draw double teams away from edges Travon Walker and Hines-Allen. He may not lead the team in sacks, but he could have gigantic impact on a front seven that has a chance to be dominant and disruptive.

Brian Sexton, jaguars.com Senior Correspondent

• My projected Defensive Most Valuable Player and why: Walker. Offensive lines will slide toward Hines-Allen all season, so there will be one-on-one opportunities for Walker to use his prodigious physical prowess to make things happen up front. I think he'll build on the five sacks he had over the final four games of last season.

J.P. Shadrick, jaguars.com Reporter/Editor

• My projected Defensive Most Valuable Player and why: Hines-Allen. He has been talking a good game this offseason about how his preparation prior to 2023 put him in the right space physically and mentally to go off for 17.5 sacks last year. If that's true, then we should be in for some kind of contribution close to that this season and beyond.

Kainani Stevens, Team Reporter/Producer

• My projected Defensive Most Valuable Player and why: Hines-Allen. He was extremely motivated in a contract year last season, but I don't see any fade in his drive for success.