JACKSONVILLE – He's ascending, and so are the Jaguars.
That's how veteran defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton sees himself in the Jaguars' defense – not through the lens of statistics, or postseason accolades, but about making those around him better. And when he discusses himself, it's within an organizational context.
"I just feel like our whole team is getting better," Hamilton said.
Hamilton, the Jaguars' starting nose tackle and a huge reason the team's defense is consistently among the NFL's best against the run, joined senior writer John Oehser for this Week 4 2026 O-Zone Podcast. Among the topics he discussed:
The state of the defending AFC South-leading Jaguars (2-1), who will visit the Cincinnati Bengals (2-1) at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio, Sunday.
"We're feeling pretty good," he said. "I feel like we're still in that growth mindset. We put a good game out last week (a 35-6 home victory over the defending AFC Champion New England Patriots), but we still have a lot to prove.
"We still have a lot of growth to happen and how we can build consistency in our team throughout the season. It has been good, though."
Hamilton also discussed what he enjoys most about playing a position that is as key to the success of a defense as it is anonymous.
"What's fun for me is if I do my job right, the rest my team is going to be doing all right," he said. "The linebackers behind me are going to be clean. They're going to come down and make plays. I just love seeing my teammates shine.
"I guess it's thankless or selfless. But I really enjoy when people are having a good time and my teammates appreciate me and they're going out there making plays doing all the things they do. It brings a smile to my face."
Hamilton, in his seventh NFL season, played last season at a Pro Bowl level and was a major reason the Jaguars ranked first in the NFL against the run. He has drawn praise in recent weeks from Head Coach Liam Coen and defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile, among others.
"Honestly, it's just being mentally strong, knowing what I'm supposed to be at and doing what I have to do," Hamilton said.
And if people outside the organization are noticing his high level of play, that's fine with Hamilton –even if such praise isn't a major motivation.
"I just think the team itself is ascending as a whole," he said. "When that happens, a lot of people are able to stand out a little bit more. People are recognizing a little bit more. When you're losing or you are having a rougher season, people might not actually see the work you put in.
"Do I hear from people? Sure. It's nice to hear, but I'm not really too pressed on what people are saying about me. I've still got a long season. It's only Week 4."
To listen to the entire O-Zone Podcast with Hamilton, click HERE.
