Jaguars training camp 2015: Predicting winners and losers
By Luke Sims
Dec 18, 2014; Jacksonville, FL, USA;Jacksonville Jaguars outside linebacker Telvin Smith (50) and cornerback Aaron Colvin (22) tackle Tennessee Titans wide receiver Kendall Wright (13) during the second quarter at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Winner: Aaron Colvin, cornerback
People seem to forget about Aaron Colvin during the excitement of the other offseason efforts. Colvin was one of the more exciting players for the Jacksonville Jaguars last season despite missing the majority of the year with injury. During 2015 Jaguars training camp, the team will finally be able to see what Colvin can do with an offseason of work.
The athletic cornerback is exciting on the playing field and he will impress again during training camp. The Jaguars fell in love with him the Senior Bowl before the 2014 NFL Draft and while he was injured during the Senior Bowl, the team still took him in the fourth round. His athleticism, instincts, and fluid motion will be on display during training camp. These are the skills that made the Jaguars want him as a rookie and they will now be paired with better footwork and mechanics after a bit more than a half year of work.
I’m excited to hear what Colvin can put together for the Jaguars, especially as he is the lead candidate for the nickel corner spot. He’ll have to defend that place well if he hopes to be on the field a lot for the Jaguars. Assuming he stays healthy, he could be one of the most talked about players during training camp.
Feb 23, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Louisville Cardinals defensive back James Sample runs the 40 yard dash during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Loser: James Sample, safety
James Sample is coming back after breaking his arm this offseason. While expected to be ready at some point during Jaguars training camp, expect him to make the position battle at free safety more of a one-horse race because of his injury. While I think he will still flash at times, it will be tough for Sample to come out ahead during the 2015 training camp because of his injury.
Sergio Brown, the free agent veteran the Jaguars signed to man the free safety spot, will still have to impress if he hopes to fend off the rookie Sample. Sample’s athletic ability is pretty high and if he can show enough during training camp despite the injury, he may be able to find some reps during the season.
This year’s training camp for Sample is about showing what he could do during the season and less about whether he deserves to be in the starting lineup for Week 1. I think it’s clear to most everybody that Sample is the future for the Jaguars at free safety, but he will have a hard time proving that during training camp.
Next: Two winners for Jaguars training camp