4 Jacksonville Jaguars who must build on promising start at 2024 camp

The Jacksonville Jaguars got a first look at their players during Organized Team Activities and off-season workouts. They will need to keep things in context, though, as contact is prohibited and pads aren't allowed. It won't be until training camp that they will be able to fully assess the roster and have a clearer picture of where everyone stands. That said, there are a handful of players who have been on a roll the past few months.

It will be up to these players to show that their performance during offseason activities wasn't a fluke but rather a sign of things to come. These four, in particular, must build off their encouraging start in training camp.

Jaguars K Cam Little must build off of his promising start in training camp

The Jacksonville Jaguars seem to be high on rookie Cam Little. Not long after they drafted him, they released Joey Slye, who signed with the team in free agency. Now, Little will need to beat incumbent Riley Patterson for the kicker job. He should feel good about his chances.

For starters, the team's brass isn't sold on Patterson. Otherwise, they wouldn't have tried to ink Will Lutz in free agency. Moreover, if they thought he was the long-term answer at kicker, they wouldn't have traded him to the Detroit Lions last year.

On the other hand, Little routinely showed his range in offseason activities, nailing a handful of field goals of 50+ yards. When you take into account that he left Arkansas with the best completion rate in school history, the rookie should be able to seize the job. He just needs to keep doing what he's done.

Jaguars WR Parker Washington must build off of his promising start in training camp

The Jaguars added Gabe Davis and Brian Thomas Jr. to their wide receiver corps in the offseason. They'll be joining Christian Kirk, who's looking to remind everyone what kind of player he is. But as intriguing as the starting trio looks, Jacksonville will need other receivers to step up next season. Among those who've answered the call is sophomore Parker Washington.

A sixth-round pick in last year's draft, Washington only got playing time as a rookie once Kirk suffered a core injury. He went on to haul in 16 receptions for 132 yards with two touchdowns. All things considered, those are solid numbers coming from a Day 3 pick. On the other hand, the team's brass surely expects more from the former Penn State Nittany Lion after getting a small taste of what he's capable of doing.

Washington only averaged 8.3 yards per catch. The coaching staff will surely want to see that number go up. For that to happen, they will need to give him routes that allow him to stretch defenses in the middle of the field, one of his biggest strengths. Moreover, they'll need the Sugar Land, Texas native to be ready in case injuries strike again.

And if the Jaguars manage to avoid major injuries at receiver, the Jaguars could look for ways to deploy Washington and Kirk at the same time.

Offensive coordinator Press Taylor, for one, believes Washington has been playing with more confidence in Year 2, pointing out that he looks more confident in the huddle.

Now, Washington must show that his performance in offseason workouts is just a sign of bigger things to come.

Jaguars LB Devin Lloyd must build off of his proming start in training camp

Back in 2022, the Jaguars drafted Devin Lloyd 27th overall even though they had already signed Foyesade Oluokun in free agency because they felt they couldn't pass on his upside.

Despite missing a good portion of training camp with a hamstring injury, Lloyd was a Day 1 starter. While he got off to a promising start, he was benched later in the season. Fortunately for him, the Jags' confidence in him didn't waver and he eventually returned to the starting lineup.

Lloyd was more consistent in Year 2. He didn't create many splash plays but improved in pass coverage and against the run. The former Utah Ute now wants to make his voice in the locker room louder and is aware that if he wants his teammates to follow him, he'll need to lead by example. He's been doing precisely that, having shown up to offseason activities looking leaner and stronger.

When the Jaguars begin padded practices in training camp, Lloyd will have a chance to show just how much better he's gotten since the end of the 2024 season.

Jaguars CB Jarrian Jones must build off of his promising start in training camp

Wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. is the only Jaguars rookie projected to be a starter come Week 1. However, Jarrian Jones may make a strong push for a featured role. Back in the draft, the front office chose to wait until the third round to address the cornerback position despite the fact that it was one of their biggest needs at the moment.

Rightly, they got a bit of flak (guilty as charged) but it looks like it was the right call, as Jones has made a strong impression in training camp. Besides showcasing his athleticism, he's made plays whenever he's been given a chance.

Another thing that has stood out about Jones' makeup is his confidence. He says wants to mold his game after that of fellow Florida State alumnus Jalen Ramsey.

While it's hard to see Jones having the same kind of impact as Ramsey early in his career, the Jaguars should be pleased with his development. So far, he's been everything they expected. Then again, there's still plenty of time before the start of the regular season. He'll need to take advantage of it.

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