Instead of waiting until the NFL Draft to get help at defensive tackle, the Jacksonville Jaguars acquired Ruke Orhorhoro from the Atlanta Falcons. At the time, the trade didn't send shockwaves across the league, but the Jags may have ended up with a dynamic pass rusher.
While Orhorhoro has his work cut out, he just drew a comparison that makes you think he can turn into a game-changer for Jacksonville.
Jaguars defensive tackle Ruke Orhrorhoro was just compared to Chris Jones
Tony Wiggins called Ruke Orhorhoro a winner of the Jaguars offseason program, noting that he resembles Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones.
"I like what I saw from Ruke Orhorhoro. I just do," Wiggins said (26:25 mark). "He just totally looks the part, man. He has a Chris Jones body. I don't know if his arms are as long as Chris Jones, but that's what he looks like in person, and he looks very, very athletic."
For context, Jones has made seven Pro Bowls and earned six All-Pro designations since the Kansas City Chiefs made him a second-round pick in 2016. The Jags would be thrilled if Orhorhoro had a fraction of that impact.
On the other hand, that the Falcons pulled the plug on Orhorhoro just two years after making him a second-round pick definitely raises concerns. Then again, all the Jags had to give up was the underwhelming Maason Smith, so acquiring him wasn't cost-prohibitive.
Having said that, there are reasons to think the former Clemson Tiger could flourish with the Jags. For starters, he dealt with injuries throughout his rookie season. Moreover, Orhorhoro played out of position. Yet, he managed to record 3.5 sacks in 2025.
When you add it all up, the third-year defensive tackle can give the interior defensive line a boost if the Jacksonville coaching staff can get the most out of him, and he can stay healthy. But wait! There's more
The Jaguars will give Ruke Orhorhoro a chance to prove himself
The Jaguars will give Ruke Orhorhoro a prime opportunity to earn a featured role. Arik Armstead and DaVon Hamilton will tentatively be the starters at defensive tackles. But neither will play 100 percent of the snaps, so Jacksonville needs a No. 3 behind them. That's where Ruke Orhorhoro comes in.
Orhorhoro will get a chance to get that No. 3 job and could ultimately replace Arik Armstead full-time if he leaves in 2027. Of course, there's also a chance that he'll come short of expectations. If that's the case, the Jags will need to look for further reinforcements on the interior line.
Having said that, Ruke Orhorhoro is trending in the right direction. If he comes through, defensive tackle will no longer be a question mark.
