5 Jaguars who must hit the ground running at 2022 OTAs

No. 4 Jaguars player who must shine at OTAs – K’Lavon Chaisson, LB.

The Jaguars fortified their front seven over the last few months, drafting Travon Walker with the No. 1 pick and signing former San Francisco 49ers defensive end Arden Key in free agency. This is great news for defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell, who won’t have any limitations to install his system. This, however, isn’t great news for third-year outside linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson, who might need to compete for playing time and even a roster spot in 2022.

A first-round pick in 2020, Chaisson hasn’t lived up to expectations. Sure, he landed in a less than optimal situation and was pressed into a featured role as a rookie even though he wasn’t fully ready. Although the former LSU Tiger has been healthy the last two seasons, he hasn’t had much of an impact on the football field, logging just 50 total tackles, two sacks, and six tackles for a loss in 31 games.

In Chaisson’s defense, he hasn’t enjoyed much continuity since being drafted. A stand-up rusher in college, he was asked to play in a three-point stance as a rookie and switched to strong linebacker last year. Having said that, he must shoulder some of the blame for his lack of success in the pros.

On the bright side, Chaisson will have a chance to make up some ground in OTAs and show that it might take longer than expected but he can turn into the difference-maker the Jags believed they selected 20th overall in 2020.