Jacksonville Jaguars position-by-position breakdown: Cornerback
By Billy Long
Part six of breaking down each positional group for the Jacksonville Jaguars heading into 2018.
The analysis of the Jacksonville Jaguars roster turns now to the defensive side of the ball, with the cornerback spot up first.
The defense is without a doubt the backbone of the team, with one of the best overall units in the league. The cornerback position was no small factor in that success, and is one of the strongest position groups the Jaguars have. Despite the talent at cornerback however, depth could become a real issue when free agency plays out.
Let’s dive into the position, particularly what it looks like at the moment, and what could happen heading towards 2018:
As it stands right now
Starters: Jalen Ramsey, A.J. Bouye
Nickel: Aaron Colvin
Reserves: Tyler Patmon, Jalen Myrick, Peyton Thompson
Jacksonville has a strong case to stake claim to the best corner duo in the league. Both starters were pro-bowlers and All-Pros in 2017, with Jalen Ramsey named to the first-team, and A.J. Bouye the second team. Each player embodies what it means to be a shutdown corner, completely locking down their respective sides of the field.
More from Jacksonville Jaguars News
- 5 Jacksonville Jaguars dream targets in 2023 NFL Free Agency
- 3 potential trade partners for Jacksonville Jaguars CB Shaquill Griffin
- Jaguars should explore trading for Michael Thomas amid Calvin Ridley suspension
- Jacksonville Jaguars named best fit for CB James Bradberry in 2023 NFL free agency
- Jacksonville Jaguars TE Evan Engram highlights discrepancy in WR and TE salaries
Aaron Colvin was a significant bonus coming in as the nickel corner for Jacksonville. With many quarterbacks wisely looking to stay away from throwing at the combo of Ramsey and Bouye, Colvin was challenged often, and held down the fort effectively.
But the depth after Colvin is where the concern comes to light, and leads us to looking ahead to next season:
What could happen for 2018
Ramsey and Bouye will be both be back, but Colvin will be a free agent when the league year starts. With his potential as an every-down outside corner, another team in all likelihood is going to throw cash at Colvin to be a starter for them.
If the Jaguars are in fact without Colvin, that would leave Tyler Patmon, Jalen Myrick, and Peyton Thompson as the fill-in guys behind Ramsey and Bouye. Because of that, the team would definitely work to add a guy or two in the offseason, whether free agency or the draft.
Offensive line, tight end, and quarterback have been the majority talked about positions of need for Jacksonville. But if Colvin does head elsewhere, don’t be surprised to see the Jaguars use an early round draft pick on a cornerback to fill the void.