Ranking Jaguars defensive position groups ahead of 2021 NFL Draft

The Jacksonville Jaguars fortified their cornerback room this offseason.

Jaguars head coach Urban Meyer said after the first wave of free agency that the team was pleased with their cornerback room and on paper, the unit looks solid. C.J. Henderson experienced the growing pains most rookies have to go through but also played well at times. In the end, he was limited to just eight games in 2020 because of a groin injury but should be part of the starting lineup in Week 1 of the regular season.

Also, the Jags signed former Seattle Seahawks cornerback Shaquill Griffin to a three-year $44.5 million deal. He should start opposite of Henderson but Sidney Jones, who re-signed this offseason, could also see a high volume of snaps. The 2017 second-round pick joined the team once the 2020 season had already started but quickly became a key cog on the secondary.

The Jaguars also brought back Tre Herndon, who appeared in 90 percent of the team’s total snaps on defense last season and lined up in the slot and out wide. Sophomores Luq Barcoo, Josia Scott, and Chris Claybrooks are still on the roster but none of them had a significant impact on defense in 2020 and may have to compete for a roster spot last season. Claybrooks may have an edge as he brings value as a return specialist.

On the bright side, the Jaguars don’t have an immediate need at corner, so they can invest their early picks in other positions.