4 Jaguars players off to a strong start to 2024 training camp

Training camps across the NFL have begun, and the Jacksonville Jaguars are doing their best to be ready for the regular season. While defensive tackle Arik Armstead and some players are recovering from offseason surgery (or injuries), a few others taking advantage of the opportunity to raise their stock.

This begs the question, which Jaguars players are off to a hot start in training camp? The following four most certainly are.

Jarrian Jones has turned heads early in Jaguars training camp

If there was an award for offseason MVP, cornerback Jarrian Jones would be a strong candidate for consideration. Since being drafted 96th overall by the Jags, the former Florida State native has done nothing but put his athleticism on display and make plays.

Jones shined in rookie minicamp, and it carried over into Organized Team Activities. It's been no different in training camp. He was a standout on Day 1 of practice, batting a pass intended for wide receiver Seth Williams.

The Mississippi, Magee native must keep his foot on the gas pedal, but at this pace, it wouldn't be shocking if he earns a starting job of ample playing time early in his rookie season. On a related note, he told teammate Gabe Davis that he used to choose him when he played for him. Imagine how cool is to go against the player you looked up to growing up. Here's the video, via Jamal St. Cyr of News4Jax.

However you look at it, it's hard not to root for Jones, who's picking up steam ahead of the regular season.

Ronald Darby is turning heads early in Jaguars training camp

Jarrian Jones isn't the only Jaguars cornerback who stood out on Day 1 of training camp. Veteran Ronald Darby also got the spotlight after picking off Trevor Lawrence when he targeted Gabe Davis.

Coming off a pair of injury-marred seasons, it's great to see Darby be at full strength. While Jones is vying for the starting job opposite Tyson Campbell, his veteran counterpart won't give it up without a fight. This is great news for the Jaguars, as cornerback could go from a question mark to a legitimate strength.

After all, no coaching staff will complain about having too many capable cornerbacks, and the Jags could have three pretty good ones in 2024.

Brenton Strange is turning heads early in Jaguars training camp

Tight end Brenton Strange was a non-factor as a rookie, hauling in five passes on nine targets for 35 yards with one touchdown. That production would've been fine if he had been a late-round draft pick but he was the 61st overall selection in 2023. The fact that he was unremarkable during mandatory camp didn't do much to alleviate concerns. Fortunately, the former Nittany Lion might've just turned the corner.

Strange was hot on Day 1 of practice, reeling in two touchdown receptions. While he must build momentum, it was refreshing to see him showcase the talent that made him a second-round pick in last year's draft.

Granted, Evan Engram will still be TE1 on the Jacksonville depth chart, but if Strange keeps making plays, the coaching staff will look for ways to give him playing time next season.

Walker Little is turning heads early in Jaguars training camp

Offensive tackle Walker Little was seen as a potential top-10 pick before he tore his ACL early in 2019. While he's managed to stay relatively healthy during his three-year stint with the Jaguars, he has not been able to secure a starting job. This could change this offseason.

Little will be competing with Cam Robinson for the job at left tackle. He's certainly played well when called up but hasn't been able to unseat his veteran counterpart. It may be different this time, though. Mia O'Brian of 1010 XL says that the former Stanford Cardinal looks noticeably stronger than he has in previous years, adding that he and left guard Ezra Cleveland were pushing a sled during practice and literally threw it.

As Tom McManus of 1010XL noted when discussing whether the Jags should trade Robinson, working out and doing everything you're asked is the bare minimum, at least in terms of playing in the NFL. This means that Little will have to go that extra mile if he wants to come out on top and, at last, live up to his draft billing.

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