5 biggest moves Jaguars GM Trent Baalke made in 2021

Jaguars GM Trent Baalke’s biggest move No. 4 – Drafting Tyson Campbell.

Shaquill Griffin wasn’t the only cornerback the Jags acquired in the offseason. In fact, they added several of them. Besides re-signing Tre Herndon and Sidney Jones, the Jags drafted Tyson Campbell with the 33rd pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. This was a bit surprising since safety, tight end and offensive tackle were bigger needs than cornerback. Moreover, the Jags had a promising second-year player in C.J. Henderson, so drafting Campbell seemed like an unnecessary luxury at the time.

The Jags traded Jones and Herndon tore his MCL in the preseason. This helped Campbell move his way up the roster and start in the season opener. He played in the slot the first two weeks but switched outside when the Jags traded Henderson to the Panthers. Although the former Georgia Bulldog struggled early and missed time with a toe injury, he showed significant improvement and has become a key cog in the Jaguars’ secondary in the second half of the season.

Since Week 8, Campbell has allowed a 54.7 percent completion rate and has snagged two interceptions. Furthermore, he’s posted a Pro Football Focus grade of 90.5 or higher twice this season. Keep in mind that he still has room for improvement and he will likely get better. The young corner was one of the few members of the Jaguars’ 2021 draft class that got playing time early in the season. Looking back, drafting him has paid off as the Jags now have a solid cornerback tandem.