Jaguars will enter 2022 offseason with two clear pressing needs
Should cornerback be a priority for the Jaguars next offseason?
Although teams need as many good cornerbacks as they can get their hands on, it may not be among the Jags’ most pressing needs next offseason. Shaquill Griffin has been one of the team’s best offseason acquisitions and rookie Tyson Campbell is proving the Jaguars made the right decision with the 33rd overall pick.
Even though Griffin hasn’t logged an interception this season, he’s done a good job of traveling with opposing number one receivers. He’s posted a Pro Football Focus overall grade of 72.1 in 2021 and has only given up more than 50 yards receiving in a game once, and that was in the season opener.
On the other hand, Tyson Campbell has steadily improved after struggling in the preseason and early in the regular season. Over the last four weeks, he’s had three passes defensed and allowed 10 passes on 19 for 80 yards and no touchdowns. Moreover, he logged his first career interception against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 12. If the former Georgia Bulldog weren’t showing growth, cornerback would be a bigger need for the Jags next offseason but his recent success should make Jacksonville turn their attention to other position groups.
Having said that, the Jaguars could sign a mid-tier cornerback or use a mid-round pick on a cornerback to add depth to their group. Rudy Ford has lined up in the slot in recent weeks and is signed for another year but Tre Herndon is set to become a free agent next offseason.