5 Jaguars who need more playing time for the remainder of 2021

Jaguars player who should play more in 2021 No. 2 – Rudy Ford

All things considered, the Jaguars had a pretty good 2021 free-agent class. Cornerback Shaquill Griffin has become a key cog on defense and a vocal leader in the locker room. Wide receiver Marvin Jones has become the primary target in the passing game and return specialist Jamal Agnew showed he isn’t a one-trick pony and is gotten more playing time on offense.

The aforementioned players are the ones that have had the biggest impact in 2021 but they’re far from the only ones. Safety Rudy Ford didn’t play defense much early in the season (and his career for that matter) but has seen his role increase considerably since Week 6.

The 2017 sixth-round pick has played special teams for most of his season but head coach Urban Meyer has praised him several times and said he earned a role on defense. The fact that cornerback Tre Herndon isn’t fully recovered from an MCL injury he sustained in the preseason paved the way for Ford to join the Jaguars’ starting lineup.

Against the Bills, the Auburn product logged seven total tackles, three passes defensed, and his first career interception in the NFL. Although it’s just one game, he fared well in the slot and the coaching staff now needs to know if he should stay there moving forward.

Ford signed a two-year deal worth $4.1 million earlier this year. If he proves he can play nickel full time, the Jags will have found a bargain.