2023 NFL Free Agency: Grading the Jaguars' Signing of Henry Mondeaux
The Jacksonville Jaguars are on the board.
After sitting out the first wave of free-agency, the Jaguars finally made their March moves on Wednesday, adding three new free agents.
To give an idea of what the new additions could mean for the Jaguars in 2023, the rest of the roster, and our ultimate grade, we are set to analyze each signing. Next up: former New York Giants defensive lineman Henry Mondeaux.
Mondeaux originally signed with the Saints as an undrafted free agent out of Oregon in 2018. He also has played for the Chiefs, Steelers and the Giants.
Mondeaux appeared in 11 games for the Giants last year, starting four. He recorded 16 tackles and one tackle for loss.
So what do we make of the Mondeaux signing? We break it down below.
What Mondeaux's signing means for 2023
Depth. The Jaguars didn't have a lot of interior linemen on hand for the 2022 season, entering the year with just four true defensive tackle-type players on the roster. The Jaguars later added Corey Peters when it became clear the Jaguars needed more depth inside, especially as Foley Fatukasi was hit with injuries.
While Mondeaux doesn't automatically project as a contributor, there is a fair point to make that the Jaguars have at least given themselves more options entering 2023 than they had inside last year. Mondeaux is more of a five-technique and a potential three-technique, which is where the Jaguars lacked bodies at this time last year.
Who is impacted the most?
Could it potentially be Foley Fatukasi? There is a legitimate argument to make for Fatukasi to be better suited as a pure nose tackle than as a three- or five-technique. In Mondeaux's -- and Michael Dogbe's -- case, the Jaguars have now added players who operate as base 3-4 defensive ends, which could allow Fatukasi to slide inside and play a more natural position.
Perhaps an argument could be made for Adam Gotsis, but it is tough to see Mondeaux as a serious threat to his spot on the roster and depth chart. Gotsis is a proven run defender who has earned a lot of respect inside TIAA Bank Field over the last several seasons, which could make it tougher for Mondeaux to challenge him.
Where does Mondeaux fall on the depth chart?
It remains to be seen, but it would be fair to assume he is behind Adam Gotsis and Michael Dogbe in terms of his place on the pecking order. The Jaguars have their starting defensive linemen in DaVon Hamilton, Foley Fatukasi and Roy Robertson-Harris, while Gotsis and Dogbe's career production and skill sets suggests they are the next two best options.
Then there is Mondeaux, who could have to potentially battle the likes of Jeremiah Ledbetter and Nick Thurman for a spot further down on the depth chart. What could help Mondeax's odds to stick around could be the departures of Arden Ket and Dawuane Smoot, which could open up an interior roster spot.
Grade: C-
This isn't a move that really moves the needle one way or another, though it is curious that the Jaguars added another defensive lineman on the same day they signed Michael Dogbe. It makes it clear the Jaguars wanted more veterans in that room, but Mondeaux isn't a player whose career suggests he is set to be a lock for the 53-man roster.
