Jaguars buzz grows louder for this unexpected offseason breakout

Aside from signing Jourdan Lewis in free agency, the Jacksonville Jaguars moved up in the NFL Draft to select Travis Hunter with the second overall pick. Their urgency to bolster their cornerback room makes sense when you take into account that they lacked depth and talent at the position last year. After the additions, the depth chart is in much better shape. On top of that, an unexpected veteran saw his stock soar after a strong outing in the offseason program.

Brown was a stud throughout offseason workouts and may even earn consideration for the starting spot opposite Tyson Campbell. Just recently, the fourth-year cornerback earned praise from a trusted Jaguars voice.

ESPN drew up a list of the biggest surprises for each NFL team, and beat writer Michael DiRocco picked Brown for Jacksonville, pointing out that he has an edge over Travis Hunter and Jarrian Jones.

"Heading into OTAs, the thought was that the starter opposite Tyson Campbell would either be rookie Travis Hunter or second-year player Jarrian Jones, who played well at nickel at the end of his rookie season," DiRocco wrote. "Defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile favors playing a lot of zone coverages, which Jones said he never played in high school or college, so he's still learning, and the Jaguars are still working through just how many defensive snaps they will be able to get out of Hunter."

DiRocco believes that Hunter's readiness or lack thereof, along with Jones' inexperience in the new scheme, could potentially pave the way for Brown to join the starting lineup.

"Brown has worked with the starters, and he consistently made plays throughout the offseason, including a pair of end-zone pass breakups in red zone drills in minicamp. He has the advantage heading into camp."

A seventh-round pick in the 2022 draft, Brown got minimal playing time as a rookie but saw an uptick in defensive snaps when Campbell got hurt. All in all, the former Arkansas Razorback was a mixed bag but ultimately held the fort. He was once again thrust into action in 2024 when veteran Ronald Darby got benched.

As DiRocco noted, defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile will run a zone scheme, which better suits Brown. Couple that with the fact that he's entering a contract season, and he's in a position to break out.

Why Montaric Brown could start for the Jaguars in Week 1

The Jacksonville Jaguars currently have a good problem on hand. Tyson Campbell will tentatively start at one corner spot. Jourdan Lewis could take the other, but there's a chance he'll line up in the slot, where he's played nearly all his NFL career. Travis Hunter, on the other hand, could also see plenty of snaps early on. Jarrian Jones gives the coaching staff another option at nickel, but Montaric Brown might ultimately get the nod by virtue of being the best fit.

Now, Brown could be the starter in the opener against the Carolina Panthers but may be eventually phased out. And that's the thing, he's mostly been a backup throughout his career. That he's managed to put it all together is a pleasant development the team's brass probably didn't expect but surely welcomes.

In the end, the Jaguars should be thrilled about their surplus at cornerback ahead of the regular season. Meanwhile, Brown will be incentivized to have a banner year, as he'll be able to cash in with the Jags or another team in 2026.

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