The new regime of Jacksonville Jaguars agreed on many things this offseason. One of them being, they do not have enough blue-chip talent. Insert, Travis Hunter, second overall in a trade up. Now it’s about realizing potential on the roster through development. Who are potential candidates on the roster? Let’s discuss five I’ve pinpointed.
1. Travon Walker, EDGE
First off, Walker is at the top of this list because he is in fact, a blue-chip talent and former number one overall selection. He may not have a pro bowl selection, but he arguably would have been one last year if team success followed. He is coming off of back-to-back double digit sack seasons.
If Walker lines up a third double-digit sack season (especially 15+), he will land himself a massive extension and get that pro bowl/all pro selection Jaguars fans have waited to see. With an extension and stellar fourth season, you can label him a pillar on the team and a true blue-chip player. Let’s hope Walker can back up the hype.
2. Brenton Strange, TE
Coming off a sophomore season that saw an expanded role due to injuries to Engram, Davis, and Kirk. Strange played like a top 15 Tight-end down the stretch, finishing with 40 receptions, 411 yards, and 2 touchdowns. The Penn State product has excelled as a blocker at the pro level, but has also shown progression as a pass catcher at the pro level.
With the starting job in reach and a larger role at his finger tips. We could see Strange finish the season third or fourth in targets at seasons end. He has a strong report with Lawrence and will earn snaps as the best blocker and pass catcher in the room. He’s a sneaky fantasy football target, and could have major upside in Coen’s offense as we just saw what he could do with Cade Otton.
3. Dyami Brown, WR
Onto Brown, who is a major boom or bust projection and his one year $10 million dollar deal proves it. He was a favorite of Gladstone’s during his predraft process coming out of UNC, and Gladstone is gambling on his evaluation. Dyami is coming off of his best professional season with the commanders and played his best football at the end of last season, including an explosive postseason run.
Brown totaled 30 receptions for 308 yards and one touchdown in the regular season. He followed that up with 14 receptions and one touchdown in 3 postseason appearances. Brown has a chance to excel in Coen’s offense as he dominates in his slot snaps, in screen usage, and as a downfield threat (all huge portions of Coen’s offense). With Brian Thomas Jr., Travis Hunter, and Brenton Strange in tow he’ll have target competition but also won’t have the best defensive players on him.
4. Devin Lloyd, LB
Next is Lloyd, who is entering a contract year following the declining of his fifth-year option. Yet, he has the opportunity to take a massive leap if Anthony Campanile is the linebacker guru teams have expressed him to be. Lloyd is entering the 25-26 season following a 113 tackle, two sack, one forced fumble, four pass breakups and one interception season.
Lloyd is one of the best run defending linebackers in the NFL, yet he’s not a top tier backer in pass coverage. High end athleticism can only make up for lack of coverage consistency so much. He struggles to find the ball and get both hands on it often. If Coach Camp dedicates Lloyd to ball tracking/production and film study this offseason, he’s bound for a breakout contract year.
5. Patrick Mekari, OG
Lastly, Mekari is an astounding free agent acquisition and the only target of the Jaguars I guessed correctly. Here, I have him listed at Guard, and that’s where he is competing in OTA’s. But, this is a player who has played all five offensive lineman positions in the NFL.
To put it shortly, pinpointing a position for Mekari will elevate his game. His versatility adds to the room and allows them to experiment on who are the best five, but best believe Mekari is in every one of those potential lineups. A stand out interior player, who has spent the least amount of snaps funny enough at Right Guard. Mekari kept Lamar Jackson clean, and I expect for him to grade highly and keep Trevor Lawrence clean in a major year for the fifth year QB.
What Each Jaguars Breakout Looks Like:
Travon Walker: 70 Tackles, 15 Sacks, 12 Hurries, 3 Forced Fumbles, 1 Interception
Brenton Strange: 50 Receptions, 630 Yards, 7 Touchdowns
Dyami Brown: 60 Receptions, 750 Yards, 5 Touchdowns, 10 Rushes, 45 Yards, 1 Touchdown
Devin Lloyd: 125 Tackles, 3.5 Sacks, 2 Forced Fumbles, 3 Interceptions
Patrick Mekari: 0 Sacks Allowed, 0 QB Hits, 15 Hurries, 12 pressures, 7 Penalties
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