Jaguars CB Tyson Campbell wants to build off strong finish to 2021

Trevor Lawrence got the spotlight last year by virtue of having been selected first overall in the NFL Draft. However, he wasn’t the only player from the Jacksonville Jaguars 2021 rookie class that garnered attention. Cornerback Tyson Campbell progressively got better as the season went on and became a key cog in the Jag’s secondary. He’s ready to pick up where he left off.

Campbell recently appeared on the Jaguars’ Drive Time and discussed several topics, including former Georgia teammate Travon Walker’s personality, his learning curve as a rookie, and expectations ahead of the 2022 season.

"I just want to be consistent, be able to be reliable and accountable at all times. Just let my teammates know that when they throw to that side, Campbell’s gonna do what he has to do”, whether it be breaking up the ball, making an interception, or making a third-down stop. All those things, I just want to do on a consistent level. And then of course I want to make more plays on the ball, make more tackles cause more turnovers, force fumbles, sacks. I just want to do it. All I want to be a guy like on a team that you know “Tyson is gonna do his thing each and every Sunday”."

Campbell started the 2021 season at the slot but moved outside when the Jaguars traded C.J. Henderson to the Carolina Panthers after Week 3. The switch and a toe injury might have affected the Florida native’s growth early in his rookie campaign but once he moved to the perimeter, he became one of Jacksonville’s most productive players on defense. He finished the year with five passes defensed and a team-high two interceptions. Here’s the clip, in case you want to give it a look:

The Jaguars’ cornerback group is in great shape ahead of the draft.

Even though the Jags had Campbell and Shaquill Griffin in place, they signed Darious Williams to a three-year $30 million contract in free agency. The former Los Angeles Rams will most likely line up in the slot, giving Jacksonville a solid starting cornerback trio.

During Drive Time, Campbell described Williams as a “great dude and even a great player”. He added that he’s easy to talk to and noted they kind of gelled almost automatically. Cornerback wasn’t a pressing need for the Jaguars in free agency but they still signed Williams, showing they felt the unit could get a boost in spite of the presence of Campbell and Griffin.

Signing Williams could also mean that the team’s brass wants to target other positions early in the 2022 draft. They currently hold 12 selections and they could use one of them to add depth to their cornerback room but it would probably be on Day 3.

Campbell should continue growing in 2022 and barring serious injuries, the Jaguars’ cornerback unit has the potential to be a strength.