5 Jaguars players fans should be excited for in 2019
The 2018 season for the Jaguars may have been less than exciting, but it did not mean the 2019 season will follow the same path.
While the 2018 season was a major disaster for the Jacksonville Jaguars, it was a year of growth for multiple players whose ceilings have yet to be reached. These are the five players fans of the Black and Teal should be excited for in 2019.
Yannick Ngakoue – It was a down season for defensive end Yannick Ngakoue compared to his 2018 stats. But, Ngakoue finished with 33 quarterback pressures in 2019, third behind Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald, 41, and Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Fletcher Cox, 34.
With 29.5 sacks through the first three seasons of his career, Ngakoue is shaping up to a great player for the Jaguars. That growth can only be accelerated with another season under his belt and a potential contract extension on the way.
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Jarrod Wilson – Coming into the 2019 season with a new three-year, $7.25M contract, Jarrod Wilson looks to be the next starting free safety for the Jaguars. While Wilson hasn’t seen much game action outside of special teams — and filling in for safety Tashaun Gipson during the 2018 AFC Divisional Round.
His small sampling size should have fans eager to see the 2016 undrafted free agent finally get his chance.
Ronnie Harrison – The future came early for safety Ronnie Harrison. A fourth-round pick in 2018, Harrison was thrust into the starting strong safety role in week 13 after the team released Barry Church. Despite going on injured reserve just after being named a starter, Harrison made his presence known, totaling 32 tackles, three passes defensed, a sack and interception.
Harrison’s versatility allows him to play both safety positions, in the box and as the last line of defense: He has the potential to be one of the best in the league.
Dede Westbrook – 2018 was a tough year for Jaguars wide receivers. The team led the league with 33 drops throughout the season, but the latter part of the season showed the potential in wide receiver Dede Westbrook.
The former Fred Biletnikoff Award-winner showed his athleticism as a punt returner with a touchdown against the Washington Redskins in week 15, and his abilities as a pass catcher, leading the team in receiving yards with 717. With answered questions at quarterback, Westbrook can finally establish a rapport with whoever is under center and reach his full potential.
Whoever the QB is! – The question will be asked until it’s answered: Who the heck will be the week one starter for the Jaguars? There are plenty of names: Nick Foles, Case Keenum, Dwayne Haskins, Kyler Murray, Daniel Jones, and Drew Lock.
Next. The Jaguars problem is NOT the QB. dark
Regardless, the quarterback of the future — or bridge — will face many questions, challenges, and scrutiny, sparking hope for many Jaguars fans for years to come.