The Jacksonville Jaguars head into 2024 with multiple players set to play a key role in the team’s playoff aspirations.
Before the 2023 season, many thought the Jacksonville Jaguars had an easy path to the AFC South division title. The Jaguars started hot at the beginning of the season with an 8-3 record, but stumbled to the finish line, eventually losing the division to the Houston Texans. With Trevor Lawrence inking a $275 million extension, the Jaguars look to rebound in 2024. These three key players will play a pivotal role for the Jacksonville Jaguars if they wish to have success this season.
Tyson Campbell, CB
Tyson Campbell had a rocky rookie year, but put together a strong performance in 2022. There, Campbell proved that he could be the lockdown corner Jacksonville was looking for. Campbell received an 80.7 coverage grade from PFF in 2022 and showed stout coverage ability.
Expectations were high for Campbell in 2023 but was inconsistent in the team’s first six games. Then an injury would sideline him for a few weeks and he was not the same player once he returned.
This offseason, the Jaguars brought in secondary help with Darnell Savage, Ronald Darby, and rookie Jarrian Jones. For the defense to succeed, Campbell will have to get back to his 2022 form and be able to go one-on-one with the best wide receiver on each team.
Brian Thomas Jr.
It may be unfair to put so much on a rookie, but the Jaguars need Brian Thomas Jr. to catch on quickly and be a playmaker. Calvin Ridley and Zay Jones are gone from a season ago. Meanwhile, Christian Kirk and Evan Engram will take care of the routes in the middle of the field. However, the offense desperately needs players to threaten the field vertically.
Former Buffalo Bills wid receiver Gabe Davis was signed to help in that role, but has battled inconsistency throughout his career. The fifth-year wide receiver has not had a 1,000-yard season yet despite playing in a high-powered offense. With that said, it means Thomas will need to be able to help stretch the field.
Last year, defenses would sit on the short routes, making life difficult for Lawrence. At Clemson, Lawrence had two big-bodied receivers in Justyn Ross and Tee Higgins to threaten down the field.
Thomas does not need a 1,000-yard rookie season to make an impact. However, he must have impact down the field so defensive pressure does not sit with Davis. At LSU, 12 of Thomas’ 17 touchdowns came from over 20 yards down the field. The Jaguars will need Thomas to recreate that magic in Jacksonville.
Trevis Gipson
In 2023, Jaguars defensive end Josh Allen had a monster season, while Travon Walker started to come into his own on the other side. The two combined for 30 of Jacksonville’s 44 sacks last year. Finishing third on the team was Roy Robertson-Harris, with just four sacks.
The defense has to find a third player to be able to get pressure so it does not just fall on Allen and Walker. The Jaguars brought in Trevis Gipson this offseason to fill that role at pass rusher. Gipson had 10 sacks for the Chicago Bears in 2021 but a scheme change brought his production down. Playing for the Titans last year, he did not see much of a role. The Jaguars need Gipson to return to his 2021 form where he had a pass rushing grade of 87, per PFF. Gipson does not need to have double-digit sacks to make a difference. However, he needs to be a consistent rusher and provide a third option for the defense.
If you did not catch it check out my previous article on the position battles to watch for the Jaguars in training camp. I will be writing about the Jaguars all year so make sure to keep an eye out and follow me on twitter.
Brandon Haye
Brandon grew up in Jacksonville, Florida and works as a health insurance data analyst. He has no children, but two fur babies - Squirt and Brownie. He and his wife, Katie, spend their time playing poker and enjoying time with their pups. Brandon is a huge Michigan Wolverine and Jacksonville Jaguars fan. He at one time was in 77 fantasy leagues and loves the game of football. Brandon started writing for The Leauge Winners in 2021.