A.J. Cann a ‘preseason riser’ according to Daniel Jeremiah
By Daniel Lago
With so many skill position players getting all the attention, one under-the-radar offensive lineman could ascend to stardom.
The Jacksonville Jaguars hype train is starting get more and more full by the day and it’s easy to see why. After making a handful of key acquisitions this offseason, general manager David Caldwell has loaded this roster with a ton of young talent.
One of those young players who isn’t getting much attention at the moment is second year guard A.J. Cann. After a fairly solid rookie season, Cann looks stronger and more sound heading into year 2 and could entrench himself as one of the better young guards in the league.
Daniel Jeremiah, a former scout who now works at NFL.com, listed a handful of standout performers from the preseason – A.J. Cann made the cut.
"A.J. Cann, guard, Jacksonville JaguarsGeneral manager David Caldwell has hit several home runs in the draft during his time in Jacksonville. Everyone knows about the Allen brothers (receivers Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns) and quarterback Blake Bortles, but let me give you another name to remember: A.J. Cann. The Jags selected Cann in the third round in 2015, and he started 13 games at guard. His play was very steady last year, but Caldwell and others inside the organization believe he is primed to make a huge leap in 2016. He’s been dominant in the preseason, piling up several knockdowns in the run game. Don’t be surprised if he’s a Pro Bowler in Year 2."
Cann’s high level of play so far in the preseason corresponds with the improved running game and the better pass blocking we’ve seen during the first two weeks. If Cann continues his dominance into the regular season, the Jaguars are going to have a terrific right side of the line with Jermey Parnell at tackle.
Most of the hype has gone to guys like Allen Robinson, Blake Bortles, and Dante Fowler Jr. this offseason, but Cann could be one of the best at his position this year.