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.

No. 2 player who's skyrocketing on the Jaguars depth chart, D'Ernest Johnson, RB

Running back Tank Bigsby once again made a strong case to be the No. 2 behind starter Travis Etienne in 2023. However, Bigsby wasn't the only back that stood out against Detroit. D'Ernest Johnson, who signed a one-year deal in free agency, also made the most of his chances the last two weeks.

Against the Cowboys, Johnson toted the rock five times for 31 yards. He followed that up with six carries for 36 yards with two touchdowns in Week 2. Besides showing the ability to churn out tough yards, he managed to reel a one-handed grab near the Lions' end zone in the third quarter. He would reach the end zone on the following play.

Meanwhile, JaMycal Hasty, the primary backup at running back last year, had four rushes for eight yards against the Lions. Similarly, sophomore Snoop Conner racked up 18 yards on five carries, not much to write home about.

Even though the Jaguars could save a bit over $1 million if they chose to release Johnson before the start of the 2023 season, he's done enough in the preseason to earn a roster spot. The fact that he can contribute on special teams should also help his case.

The bottom line is that even if Johnson is below Hasty on the depth chart, he's versatile enough to make you think he'll find his way onto the football field in 2023, one way or the other.

No. 1 player who's skyrocketing on the Jaguars depth chart, Gregory Junior

For the top slot on this list, it might have made sense to include one of the many Jaguars receivers competing for a roster spot. Elijah Cooks certainly made a strong case against the Lions after hauling in two receptions for 69 yards. The same is true for Tim Jones, who caught a huge 48-yard reception when neither team could get anything going on offense.

On the other hand, it's hard to clearly tell which receiver on the Jaguars' roster truly moved up the depth chart in Week 2 of the preseason. That's why sophomore cornerback Gregory Junior got the nod.

Just before the first half ended, Gregory Junior came through with a huge interception off quarterback Nate Sudfeld. The pick gave him three takeaways in the last two games.

A sixth-round pick in last year's draft, Junior was a non-factor in his rookie campaign. Then again, players, especially those picked on Day 3, need time to get acclimated to the pros. Thus, the Jags didn't expect much from Junior last year but he's now ready to contribute.

Early in training camp, head coach Doug Pederson told the media that Junior had "really stepped up". After two preseason games, it's fair to say that the praise was earned. Not only has the Ouachita Baptist product secured a roster spot but he should also be near the top of the depth chart.

Tyson Campbell and Darious Williams are starters in the perimeter but it's possible that Junior has done enough to get an extended look in the slot. Even if he doesn't outright take nickel duties away from Tre Herndon, Junior should most definitely get playing time next season.

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