Let's not sugarcoat things: The Jacksonville Jaguars weren't very good in 2024. Sure, the cupboard wasn't bare, but their talent level didn't match their on-field performance, which is why they ultimately went 4-13. That's what ultimately matters. To remedy the issue, the Jags cleaned house and revamped the roster.
The roster now looks in better shape than it did at the end of 2024. Having addressed a handful of needs and added depth to key position groups in free agency, nobody should bat an eye if Jacksonville makes a playoff push. On the other hand, the following five players are in a position to take the next step in their respective careers next season.
Brenton Strange, Jaguars tight end
Tight end Brenton Strange was unremarkable in 2023, his rookie campaign. Some of that had to do with being stuck behind Evan Engram on the depth chart. However, the coaching staff would have surely found a way to increase his workload if he had earned it. He didn't, so he got to work last offseason.
Spending plenty of time with Engram, Strange showed notable progress in 2024, registering 40 receptions for 411 yards with two touchdowns.
Engram is no longer on the team, which paves the way for Strange to make an impact. He showed last season that he's ready, something Trevor Lawrence acknowledged the last time he met with the local media.
Maason Smith, Jaguars defensive tackle
The Jaguars raised eyebrows when they drafted Maason Smith last year. After all, they had just signed veteran Arik Armstead in free agency. Then, the 2024 season started, and the former LSU Tiger didn't do much to alleviate concerns.
But then something clicked, and Smith finished the season strong, tallying 14 total pressures and three sacks. With better coaching in place, he's now in a position to build off of his strong finish to his rookie season. Don't be shocked if he doubles his sack totals from last year.
Dyami Brown, Jaguars wide receiver
Players' readiness coming out of college is always variable, and Dyami Brown is proof of it. A third-round pick in 2021, he posted a measly 29 receptions for 476 yards with three touchdowns in his first three NFL seasons. Things didn't appear to have changed last year, failing to do much of note early in 2024. But the North Carolina product put it all together and finished with 30 receptions for 308 yards with one touchdown.
Brown became a key cog on the Washington Commanders' offense during their 2024 playoff run. His improvement happened to take place during a contract year, which helped him get a one-year, prove-it contract from the Jags.
And while there are reasons for concern, Jacksonville is confident that Brown's playoff performance can carry over into 2025. General manager James Gladstone has said as much. Playing opposite Brian Thomas Jr. should most definitely help, as he won't have to face many double teams.
Travon Walker, defensive end
Defensive end Travon Walker has gotten the spotlight quite often this offseason. First, rumors about him potentially being traded emerged. The Jags then did their best to shut them down by picking up the fifth-year option on his rookie deal.
Although you could argue that Walker has yet to live up to his draft billing, he's been pretty consistent the past two years, logging a combined 20.5 sacks in that span. Like Maason Smith, he should benefit from a fresh start under defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile.
Throughout his stops in the NFL, Campanile has gotten the most out of his players. It shouldn't be any different with Walker, who's poised to keep making strides next season.
Tank Bigsby, Jaguars running back
Tank Bigsby was a dominant downhill runner at Auburn, but you can't cut it with talent alone in the NFL. The mental aspect of the game is often overlooked. In fact, it's sometimes the reason players struggle to make the leap from the collegiate level to the pros. That seemed to have to be the case for the former Tiger.
Aside from averaging less than 3.0 yards per carry during his rookie season, Bigsby made several costly mistakes. Fortunately, the Jaguars didn't give up on him, and their trust was repaid with a significant improvement.
Bigsby made a strong case in 2024 to be RB1 next season, broking off several big runs and averaging over 5.0 yards per carry. What makes his turnaround more impressive is that he ran behind a porous offensive line.
Jacksonville beefed up the offensive trenches in free agency, so Bigsby should find more success toting the rock in 2025.