It's well-established that Jacksonville Jaguars edge defender Josh Hines-Allen is among the best at his position in the league. He had another elite season in 2025, with a total of 95 pressures, according to PFF, the second-most among his position group, behind just Aidan Hutchinson.
Gordon McGuiness recently ranked the top 32 edge defenders for Pro Football Focus, and Hines-Allen not only made the list, but came in at No. 5.
While his ceiling is a little bit below the first four names on this list, Hines-Allen is still a force to be reckoned with off the edge. He has produced a PFF grade above 80.0 in four straight seasons, and he’s compiled 75 or more pressures in three of the past four.
Hines-Allen's impressive performance has not gone unnoticed by his former teammate Calais Campbell, who thinks 2026 could be his year to lead the NFL in sacks. "I told you, why not shoot for the top every year?" Hines-Allen said. "And so for me. I didn't get it this year, I didn't get it yet, so that's kind of my mentality until I'm done playing football."
For Hines-Allen, the goal is clear: to become the NFL's top sack leader. He already set the franchise record for most career sacks by a Jaguars player last season, and has 61 total sacks through his career. This season, he's working on improving his technique, focusing on getting off the ball faster and working his hands better on the top of the rush.
As the Jaguars prepare for the upcoming season, Hines-Allen's performance will be closely watched. His ability to produce pressure and sacks will be crucial in helping the team achieve its goals. With his impressive track record and lofty goal, Hines-Allen is sure to be a key player to watch in the 2026 season.
Hines-Allen is solid against the run too, earning PFF run-defense grades above 70.0 in each of the past four years. This well-rounded performance has earned him a spot among the NFL's top edge defenders, and he's looking to continue his impressive form into the new season.
Hines-Allen's focus on improving his technique is a sign that he's committed to taking his game to the next level. With his experience and determination, he's well on his way to achieving his goal of becoming the NFL's top sack leader.
Source: Yahoo Sports