The Jacksonville Jaguars were dealt a devastating blow when they learned their run-stuffing, monster defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton is expected to miss the rest of the season with a torn quad. 

Losing Hamilton is a major setback for Jacksonville’s top-ranked run defense and will be difficult for the Jaguars to overcome. 

Jacksonville has proven to be a legitimate Super Bowl contender this season, but one of the team’s biggest strengths is its run defense, which only allows about 77 yards per game. 

Hamilton is a huge reason, both literally and figuratively, for the defense’s success against the run. His 72.3 run-defense grade from PFF ranks him 10th among 128 qualified interior defensive linemen. 

Fortunately for the Jaguars, the injury to Hamilton came before the NFL’s trade deadline and not after. Jacksonville has until November 10 to make a trade if that is the route the team wishes to take. 

One of the popular potential trade targets for the Jaguars, Washington Commanders DT Daron Payne, is no longer an option after suffering a serious foot injury in practice last week. 

However, there are still several defensive tackles available who could help Jacksonville alleviate the loss of Hamilton. 

Here are the top three defensive tackles the Jaguars should target before the trade deadline:

1. Roy Lopez, Arizona Cardinals: Lopez would be an excellent fit in Jacksonville as Hamilton’s replacement. His PFF run-defense grade of 72.0 ranks 11th among interior defensive linemen, only one spot below Hamilton. 

Lopez is 6’2, 312 pounds, and is 29 years old. The Jaguars don’t have a lot of available cap space, but Lopez would be an affordable option. Adding Lopez would give Jacksonville a terrific run defender who could step in for Hamilton and keep the run defense elite. 

2. Grover Stewart, Indianapolis Colts: Usually, trades within the division are rare. In this case, it’s hard to see the Colts turning down any reasonable offer for any of their tradable assets, even if it comes from an AFC South rival. 

Stewart has started all eight games for the Colts this season and continues to be a solid veteran presence in the middle of the defensive line. 

Stewart is already 33, but he brings 149 games of experience to the table. He is only signed through this season, so the 6’4, 314-pounder could be an excellent rental for the Jaguars as they attempt to make a Super Bowl run. 

3. Dalvin Tomlinson, Los Angeles Chargers: The Chargers were expected to be a Super Bowl contender. Instead, they are the only team in the NFL without a win. 

The Chargers could be one of the league’s top sellers at the deadline, and the 6’3, 325-pound Tomlinson could be an attractive target for the Jaguars.