5 most important players on the Jaguars who are not starters

No. 1 most important Jaguars non-starter: Ardey Key in 2022, DL

Every NFL player is different and while many can contribute right away, some need time to adjust to the pros. That’s the case of edge defender Arden Key, who looked like a potential bust in the making early in his career but is coming off a productive season as a member of the San Francisco 49ers.

A third-round selection by the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2018 draft, Key was a bit raw coming out of LSU but was pressed into action in his rookie year after All-Pro defensive end Khalil Mack was traded. To nobody’s surprise, Key wasn’t much of a factor and went on to log 30 total tackles, four tackles for a loss, and just one sack in 10 games. He didn’t get much playing time the following two seasons and he was shown the door after the 2020 season.

Key signed with the Niners not long after, which might have been a career-saving move. Although he didn’t make a single start in The Bay Area, he had a career-high 6.5 sacks, five tackles for a loss, and 17 quarterback hits, which helped him secure a one-year deal from the Jags earlier this year.

Even though Key won’t probably start many games in Jacksonville, he will be an important part of the defensive line rotation. He can play different spots across the line of scrimmage, which will give defensive coordinator Mike Calwell the flexibility to deploy him in different ways.