Three Players That Could Breakout Next Season for the Jaguars
Towards the end of what was a disastrous 2024 campaign, which was a disaster for Jaguars fans, many young, promising players got their chance to play. Over the offseason, the Jaguars completely overhauled their roster, which, this season, allows players to step into new roles. The following three players are being pushed into the spotlight, whether it is due to injuries or player departures. Only one question remains: Can they take advantage of it?
Jarrian Jones, CB
Jarrian Jones, the Jaguars' third-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, is coming off a tremendous rookie season. The cornerback racked up 40 tackles, two sacks, eight pass deflections, and an interception. During the 2024 season, Jones saw more snaps every week, as it was evident that he was a much better player than Ronald Darby. During Jones’s time at Mississippi State, he primarily played on the outside as opposed to the slot, although after transferring to Florida State, he was moved to play the slot. Ultimately, he flourished and was one of the best slot corners heading into the draft. During the offseason, the Jaguars signed free agent Jourdan Lewis, a top slot corner in the NFL. With the Lewis signing, the Jaguars have opted to move Jones back to being a boundary corner, where he has flourished, making play after play. If Jones can step up and be the corner that we saw glimpses of last season, the Jaguars will have one of the best cornerback rooms in the NFL, with Tyson Campbell, rookie sensation Travis Hunter, Jourdan Lewis, and of course, Jarrian Jones.
Brenton Strange, TE
This was a bit of an obvious one, as due to the departure of long-time starter Evan Engram, Brenton Strange is the top tight end on the roster. Strange, a second-round pick out of Penn State, didn’t truly get a chance to show his capabilities until the end of last season, after Engram suffered a torn labrum, which would require surgery and end his season. Strange would have his career-best game during Week 15 against the Jets, where the tight end would record 11 receptions for 73 yards. Strange has never been able to show his true potential, since during the weeks he started, the Jaguars were without starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Strange is finally being given the chance to become the starting tight end for the Jaguars, and I truly believe he can take this opportunity and run with it.
Maason Smith, DT
As opposed to Strange, this pick was not very clear, as many of the Jaguars heading next season are proven veterans. Maason Smith, the Jaguars' second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, was a five-star recruit out of high school and committed to play at LSU. During his time there, Smith would struggle with injuries, playing in only one game his sophomore season after suffering a torn ACL that would end his season. Smith would be drafted by the Jaguars, a pick that many people viewed as a reach, due to the talent that was still left on the board. Due to questionable coaching last season, Smith would not play much, only appearing in five games. In those games, Smith would record 10 tackles, along with three sacks. With a top edge rushing duo in Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker, the Jaguars desperately need an interior threat, and Arik Armstead has not lived up to the expectations. Smith has begun training camp on the PUP list, although head coach Liam Coen says he does not expect it to be a “long-term thing.” Smith has shown the capabilities to be an interior force in his limited games last season, and with a new, competent coaching staff, Smith will have the opportunity to break out this season.
