Jacksonville Jaguars 2024 NFL Training Camp Preview

Jacksonville Jaguars 2024 NFL Training Camp Preview:

Progress isn’t always linear. The Jacksonville Jaguars experienced that in 2023, finishing 9-8 and losing five of their last six games. Can Trevor Lawrence, head coach Doug Pederson and Co. bounce back in 2024? That remains to be seen. Let’s dive into their 2024 training camp preview!

Three Position Battles To Watch:

Starting LT: Cam Robinson, Walker Little

Robinson was limited to just nine games (missing four with PED suspension) last season after 14 apiece in 2021-22. He’s been good when he’s been on the field, but he’s not elite … nor is he always healthy. Little, their second-round selection in 2021, started 11 games in 2023 after starting six combined games over his first two seasons. He’s not a poor option, should he win the job. This could be a make-or-break season for both players, who are entering the end of their respective contracts in 2024. Expect both Little and Robinson to be motivated to secure this job, which is tasked with protecting one of the more talented young quarterbacks in the league. Barring injury, I think Robinson earns the gig, but never say never.

Kicker: Cam Little, Riley Patterson

Little, drafted in the 6th round, was deadeye. He finished his Arkansas career as the most accurate kicker in program history, knocking down 82.8 percent of his field goal attempts while sinking all 129 of his extra-point attempts. Patterson spent time with Jacksonville in 2022, converting on 30 of his 35 field goal tries, making 12-of-16 from 40-plus and 2-of-3 from 50-plus. Both are now tasked with trying to replace Brandon McManus, dealing with an ultra-serious sexual assault case. I think Little ultimately wins the job, but it should make for an interesting competition in camp. Special teams matters, people!

RB2: D’Ernest Johnson, Tank Bigsby, Keilan Robinson

The Jaguars could look to reduce Travis Etienne‘s workload in 2024, which could mean increased opportunity in the backfield. Jacksonville’s run-blocking was a disaster last year, resulting in very unproductive seasons for Johnson and Bigsby. Johnson averaged only 4.9 yards from scrimmage–which is below average, though much better comparatively to Bigsby’s 2.7 average. Robinson excelled on special teams at Texas, but wasn’t featured as often as most backs at the collegiate level, tallying 117 touches for 874 yards from 2021-23. I’d give the edge to Johnson, but I wouldn’t rule out any of the three.

Rookie To Watch: Brian Thomas Jr., WR

Even though he’s likely the fourth- or fifth-best pass-catcher on the roster right now, there will be plenty of eyes on rookie first-round receiver Brian Thomas, who broke out last year at LSU after a pair of pedestrian seasons in 2021-22. Will he be able to stick out with Christian Kirk, Evan Engram and Gabe Davis commanding targets? He may not have much pressure to produce right away, which may help him in the short- and long-term. I’m interested to see how Doug Pederson utilizes Thomas, who has a very enticing physical profile with 4.3 40 speed.

Ready to Breakout: Travon Walker, EDGE

The former No. 1 overall pick had a fairly productive sophomore season, totaling 10.0 sacks and 52 combined tackles in 2023. Though I think there’s another gear that Walker can potentially get to–especially with Arik Armstead now in the fold. Walker could have more one-on-one options on the outside–looking to take yet another sizable leap in his third season.

Why Everyone Should Still Believe In Trevor Lawrence

Fantasy Sleeper: Trevor Lawrence, QB

As we all know, Lawrence had a disastrous rookie 2021 season under Urban Meyer. Nobody needs to rehash that. His second season was very encouraging, but he took a slight step back last year, throwing for just 21 touchdowns with 14 interceptions. He battled multiple injuries and didn’t look like himselfin 2023. Thus, Fantasy Pros has him as the 16th-best quarterback–with the infusion of Thomas and Davis, I think we could be talking about him as a top-10 fantasy quarterback if he progresses back to where we think he can this season.

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