The Jacksonville Jaguars disposed of the Houston Texans in Week 3. Their defense played a huge role in the win, routinely bringing the heat and registering three takeaways. Similarly, their cornerback group struggled at time but overall did a good job of keeping opposing receivers in check. One big reason was that the Jags made a significant change at the position.
Jourdan Lewis has manned the slot the past three games, and Tyson Campbell has lined up at a starting spot in the boundaries. Jarrian Jones held the other the first two weeks but barely logged any snaps in the win over the Texans. Based on how things are playing out, he may not see meaningful playing time any time soon.
The Jaguars benched Jarrian Jones in Week 3
A third-round selection in 2024, Jones mostly played nickel as a rookie and fared well. However, the Jaguars signed Jourdan Lewis in free agency, raising questions about their plans for Jones since Lewis mostly lined up in the slot throughout his career.
Jones made it clear that he wouldn't mind lining up outside, noting that he would fill whatever role the team wanted. The regular season came, and the sophomore cornerback started opposite Tyson Campbell in the perimeter. While he wasn't bad, he wasn't great either.
On 71 defensive snaps, Jones gave up six receptions on 11 targets for 71 yards for a 54.5 completion rate allowed. That's not bad at all, the issue is that he also surrender a couple of crucial plays, including a first-down conversion to Tetairoa McMillan in the opener and a touchdown pass in Week 2.
still thinking about this Tetairoa McMillan rep on Jarrian Jones pic.twitter.com/fbsQrdYieF
— ✰ (@ThomasWrrld) September 7, 2025
Week 3 came, and Jones only played defensive snaps. Again, he wasn't dreadful in prior games, but the Jaguars decided to go in a different direction.
Jarrian Jones got phased out in favor of Travis Hunter
Travis Hunter made it clear he would play two ways in the NFL, and the Jaguars didn't hesitate meeting his demand. But after getting him ready in the offseason, the reigning Heisman Trophy winnner only logged six snaps at corner in the opener. That changed the past two games, and he saw his most playing time on defense in Week 3.
Hunter ended up logging 43 snaps at corner and generally fared well, keeping a tight coverage on Christian Kirk. He didn't make any game-changing plays but appears to be growing into his role. But aside from the rookie corner, the Jags could also lean on Montaric Brown moving forward.
Travis Hunter with lockdown coverage on Christian Kirk pic.twitter.com/HgBnEk68lM
— Billy M (@BillyM_91) September 22, 2025
A seventh-round pick in 2022, Brown was making a strong bid for a starting job in training camp, but it all came to a screeching halt when he suffered a leg injury that forced him to miss time. The former Arkansas Razorback sat out a good chunk of training camp and the first two games of the regular season. However, he was back at full strength for Week 3.
It's possible that Brown didn't play in the Texans game because Jacksonville didn't want to pressed him into action unless it was necessary. That said, it wouldn't be shocking to see him get plenty a of snaps in upcoming weeks.
When you add it all up, it's hard to see Jarrian Jones getting his starting job back. Barring anything unexpected, the Jaguars will roll with Travis Hunter (and doses of Montaric Brown) opposite Tyson Campbell.