Jacksonville Jaguars: Could these 3 backups be stars elsewhere?

1. Jacksonville Jaguars safety Daniel Thomas

Safety was one of the Jaguars’ most pressing needs after the 2020 season. Veteran Jarrod Wilson got positive Pro Football Focus grades and was Jacksonville’s highest-graded defender in a couple of games last year. On the other hand, he snagged just one interception and allowed a 76.9 percent completion rate. Teammate Josh Jones wasn’t much better and gave up an 86.8 completion rate, to go along with four touchdowns.

That’s not the kind of production you want from the safety position, so the Jags gave Rayshawn Jenkins a four-year contract worth $35 million in free agency. They then drafted Andre Cisco in the third round of this year’s selection meeting.

Jacksonville’s safety group looks in good shape ahead of the 2021 season. Wilson will probably start next Jenkins in Week 1. Also, the coaching staff will groom Cisco to become a starter down the road. This could leave sophomore Daniel Thomas competing for playing time even though he showed flashes as a rookie last season.

The Auburn product worked his way up the depth chart and started two games for the Jags last season. Had he not suffered a season-ending arm injury in Week 11, he might have started a few more.

Thomas appeared in ten games last season and logged 18 total tackles, two passes defensed, and one interception. He was targeted eight times and allowed four passes but no touchdowns. The 2020 fifth-round pick still has room for improvement but may not see the field often due to the depth at safety in Jacksonville.