3 Jaguars players skyrocketing up the depth chart after Preseason Week vs. Lions 2

Quarterback Nathan Rourke has had a solid offseason but that doesn't mean he's a threat to C.J. Beathard for the No. 2 job behind Trevor Lawrence. Head coach Doug Pederson said as much following the Jacksonville Jaguars' 25-7 win over the Detroit Lions in Week 2.

Sure, Rourke has shown escapability skills. One week after avoiding the Cowboys' pass rush to connect with running back Qadree Ollison for a jaw-dropping touchdown reception, he once away put on display his mobility against the Lions.

That said, you need more than the ability to escape the pocket to be a succesful signal-caller, which is why Doug Pederson shut down any potential talks about a controversy browing when he was asked about it.

The bottom line is that Rourke had a productive outing against the Lions, even if it didn't translate into a boost in his stock. The same isn't true for these three other Jaguars players, who should either move up the depth chart of solidify a roster spot ahead of the regular season.

No. 3 player who's skyrocketing on the Jaguars depth chart: Jeremiah Ledbetter, DL

The Jaguars have been waiting for their young players in the front seven to step up. Defensive tackle Jeremiah Ledbetter answered the call against the Lions, registering five total tackles and a sack. A fourth-round pick by the Detroit Lions in 2017, Ledbetter started the 2022 season on the Jaguars' practice squad. He got promoted to the active roster near the end of the year and ended up playing one game.

Ledbetter isn't a lock to make the team in 2023 but he did enough against the Lions to make you think he could have a role in the Jaguars' defensive line rotation this upcoming season. If he's able to build on his performance and once again impresses against the Miami Dolphins in the preseason finale, he could move ahead of veteran Michael Dogbe and rookie Tyler Lacy on the depth chart.