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Jaguars Roster Reconstruction: Who stays, who goes at defensive end?

Today, we'll focus on the defensive end position.

With the offseason underway, the Jaguars have plenty of tough decisions to make. Throughout our daily "Roster Reconstruction" series, we'll take a look at those key decisions at every position. Today, we'll focus on the defensive end position.

Editor's Note: This series only features players who were on the active roster or injured reserve last season. Future/reserve players will not be included in this series.

PREVIOUSLY ON ROSTER RECONSTRUCTION: Special Teams / Safety / Cornerback / Linebacker

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Calais Campbell

Outlook: Campbell was the MVP of this past season for the Jaguars. His first year with the franchise was marked with several accolades, including a first-team All-Pro selection. He set the franchise single-season record with 14.5 sacks. He was also a major locker room leader.

Kaye's Take (Staying or Going?): He is staying. #StraightFacts

Yannick Ngakoue

Outlook: Is Ngakoue the best value pick of general manager Dave Caldwell's career? If he isn't, he is second (at worse) behind Telvin Smith. Ngakoue built upon his strong rookie season, producing 12 sacks in his second year. He is in line for a massive contract extension if he continues to grow this season.

Kaye's Take (Staying or Going?): Ngakoue has the potential to be one of the greatest pass rushers in Jaguars history. He may already be among the Top 3. Oh, yeah, and he will be back next year.

Dante Fowler

Outlook: The former first-round pick produced eight sacks during his second playing season with the Jaguars. Fowler has developed into a very strong rotational pass rusher. He is only 23 years old.

Kaye's Take (Staying or Going?): While his rotational status may keep the Jaguars from picking up his fifth-year option, I still think Fowler fits into the Jaguars' long-term plans. I previously brought up the potential for a trade but I think the best course of action is to let his fourth contract year play out. A young pass rusher with proven success is hard to find. The Jaguars have at least two of those.

Dawuane Smoot

Outlook: While he didn't show up on the stat sheet as a pass rusher, Smoot played very well against the run as a rookie. In a rotational role, Smoot served his purpose and showed upside as a pass rusher, occasionally forcing pressure in key moments. The Jaguars are high on him.

Kaye's Take (Staying or Going?): Smoot was drafted to be the backup to Campbell. He is also set up to be Campbell's potential heir to the strong side of the line. His role should increase next season.

Carroll Phillips

Outlook: The "Wild Man" played mostly on special teams as a rookie. He will get a shot to play more on defense in his second season.

Kaye's Take (Staying or Going?): Phillips will be back to compete for a role during training camp.

Follow Mike Kaye on Twitter at @Mike_E_Kaye.

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