3 crucial questions surrounding the Jacksonville Jaguars ahead of 2023 NFL preseason
• Left guard could be an area of concern
• Who will be No. 3 in the pass rush rotation?
2. Who will line up in the slot for the Jaguars in 2023?
Cornerback Darious Williams, a free-agent signing last year, started the 2022 season in the slot but fared much better once he moved to the perimeter. With Williams remaining in the boundaries in 2023, the coaching staff is still figuring out who will handle slot duties.
After Day 2 of the draft, general manager Trent Baalke said that Tre Herndon was the No. 3 cornerback and he currently seems to have the inside track to line up in the slot. However, there are a handful of couple players who could challenge Herndon and seize his spot in the lineup.
Sophomores Greg Junior and Montaric Jr. have made strides and both have gotten praise from Doug Pederson. Also in the mix are rookies Antonio Johnson and Erick Hallet II. Both are listed as safeties on the depth chart but they've gotten reps at nickel. Then, there's Kaleb Hayes, who went undrafted in April, but has made plays in training camp and earned the praise of star receiver Calvin Ridley.
By virtue of having the most experience, Herndon may play nickel in the opener. However, he gave up a 71.1 percent completion rate and 14.8 yards per catch when targeted. Granted, he allowed some of those completions when he lined up outside but the Jaguars most certainly want better production from the slot and the sooner they pick someone, the more time they'll give him to get acquainted with the position.