5 Jacksonville Jaguars whose stock is up in the preseason

Jacksonville Jaguars player trending up No. 4 – Andre Cisco

The Jaguars’ defense couldn’t stop opposing teams from throwing or running the ball last year and ranked near the bottom of most meaningful categories. After the 2020 season, it was clear that side of the ball needed upgrades. In particular, safety was one of the Jags’ most pressing needs, so they made it a point of emphasis to revamp the position.

The team’s brass signed Rayshawn Jenkins and Rudy Ford in free agency. The former will probably be in the starting lineup come Week 1 and the latter will most likely spend time on special teams and provide depth. The Jaguars weren’t done though and selected Andre Cisco in Round 3 of 2021’s draft.

After all the moves Jacksonville made in the offseason, the safety room looks in way better shape. In fact, there are several players that could compete for the starting spot opposite Jenkins. Veteran Jarrod Wilson could have a leg up because he’s made 28 starts over the last two years. However, Cisco won’t give up the job without a fight. Throughout training camp, he’s displayed the athleticism that helped him log 13 interceptions and 14 passes defensed in 24 games at the collegiate level.

Cisco is showing no lingering effects of the ACL injury he suffered in 2020 and is making a strong case to eventually earn a starting job. Against the Browns in Week 1 of the preseason, he posted a Pro Football Focus overall grade of 84.1 and was credited with four total tackles and one pass defensed. He should only get better moving forward.