3 players who can step into a bigger role for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2024

1. Walker Little, offensive tackle

Offensive tackle Walker Little has been waiting for his chance since the Jaguars made him the 45th overall selection in 2021. It hasn't been for a lack of talent though. Although the former Stanford Cardinal entered the NFL with medical red flags, he's managed to stay mostly healthy the past three years. Granted, he dealt with a hamstring injury that forced him to miss a handful of games last season. But other than that, he's been reliable.

Unfortunately, the Jaguars haven't been able to find a permanent role for Little the past three years. He only played as a rookie when Cam Robinson missed time. Despite the limited opportunity, he flashed. In 2022, Little competed with incumbent Jawaan Taylor for the starting job at right tackle. Even though he hadn't previously lined up on the right side, he took things to the wire but Taylor ultimately came out on top.

Then, Litle started the 2023 season at left tackle while Cam Robinson served a four-game suspension. Again, he showed he could hold the fort but returned to the sidelines once Robinson came back from his suspension. The Jags then tried Little out at left guard, and he fared well but that's when he got hurt.

Little is now entering the last year of his rookie deal. The Jaguars should find him a permanent role in the lineup. He would be an ideal replacement for Robinson if he becomes a cap casualty or is traded in the offseason. After all, he's done more than enough to prove he can be the long-term answer at left tackle. It's up to the coaching staff to give him that one chance. They won't regret it.

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