The Jacksonville Jaguars have made it clear that they want to raise the roster floor, and they've put their money where their mouth is. First, they moved on from key contributors and brought in several free agents to address their most pressing needs. Next, the front office will revamp several position groups in the 2025 NFL Draft. If that's not enough, team reporter John Oehser believes that several returning players may need to earn their jobs. One of them will be fifth-year tackle Walker Little.
Oehser of the team's official website made an appearance on 1010 XL and says that he expects the Jaguars to hold a competition on the offensive line, pointing out that Little may not be guaranteed a starting job.
"I think, usually, when coaches and GM talk in April about competition in camp, I think usually it means nothing. I think this year it means a lot," Oehser said. "It's probably the best way of saying it. I don't think anybody, maybe Anton Harrison, is guaranteed a starting spot, but I don't necessarily think he should be going into camp thinking that. And you know, this is a very long-winded way of saying, I don't know if Walker Little starts."
Oehser continued, "I would guess, if I was a betting man, I would guess that if it is little, the two signings, [Ezra] Cleveland and Anton Harrison. But if you told me that one of those guys is not going to be starting, of the ones returning, it wouldn't shock me at all. I don't know which one, but I think there's a real feeling this year in the building. These guys have to earn it. Nobody's earned anything yet on this offensive line."
A second-round pick in 2021, Little spent most of his first three seasons behind Cam Robinson. However, he flashed whenever he was thrust into action. But as promising as he looked, it wasn't until the Jags traded Robinson last year that the former Stanford Cardinal stepped into the starting lineup full-time. Not long after, he was given a three-year deal worth $40.5 million.
All things considered, Walker played well in 2024, giving up two sacks and 13 total pressures on 316 pass-blocking snaps. Similarly, he posted a healthy Pro Football Focus run grade of 72.3. Then again, it's easy to see why Oehser thinks he'll need to compete for his job.
There's a new regime in place, and the offensive line couldn't protect Trevor Lawrence or open lanes in the running game. Although Little wasn't part of the problem, he must prove that he's part of the solution.
Below are Oehser's comments about Walker Little and the Jaguars potentially having him compete for a starting job.
"I don't think anybody is guaranteed a starting spot (on the offensive line)." 😳
— 1010 XL / 92.5 FM (@1010XL) April 7, 2025
Jaguars' Senior Writer @JohnOehser anticipates a real competition for playing time on the O-Line this summer.#Jaguars | #DUUUVAL @md_1010xl @1010xlfattony pic.twitter.com/CokENViX5E
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The Jaguars can add competition for Walker Little early in the 2025 NFL Draft
The Jacksonville Jaguars signed reserves Fred Johnson and Chuma Edoga in free agency. Both of them provide depth on the offensive trenches, but neither is a starting-caliber player at this stage of their respective careers. If the top brass wants Walker Little to compete, they'll most likely need to invest an early pick in an offensive tackle.
Will Campbell and Armand Membou will be the top two options in the first round. Both of them will most likely be available at No. 5. But if the Jags want to address other positions first, they could target Josh Simmons or Kelvin Banks Jr. in Round 2. Now, there's no guarantee Jacksonville will beef up the offensive on Days 1 or 2, but nobody will bat an eye if they don't.
In the end, Walker Little is a talented player, but if he's a competition, he shouldn't mind having to earn a starting job again. If anything, he should embrace the challenge.