4 Jacksonville Jaguars who could be nice surprises in 2024

2. Elijah Cooks, WR

The Jaguars had a surplus at wide receiver in training camp and ended up carrying seven into the regular season. Calvin Ridley, Christian Kirk, and Zay Jones stood out the most but other lesser-known wideouts were also making noise. Parker Washington, Elijah Cooks, Seth Williams, and Jacob Harris all made a case to earn a roster spot but of the bunch, only Washington and Cooks ended up making the cut.

At the time, seeing Cooks make the 53-man roster was a pleasant surprise. After all, he managed to fend off other receivers despite the fact that he went undrafted. Unfortunately, once the regular season came, the former San Jose State Spartan disappeared. Granted, nobody expected him to get considerable playing time behind Ridley, Jones, and Kirk, but it was still a bit shocking to watch him be a healthy scratch for a good chunk of the year and make his first catch until Week 16.

Even worse, the only reason Cooks got playing time is because injuries depleted the wide receiver corps and the coaching staff had no other viable options. Having said that, the California native answered the call when called upon, hauling in three receptions for 38 yards. He didn't get another target the next two games but he should be in a position to get more snaps in 2024.

At 6'4" and 215 pounds, Cooks gives Trevor Lawrence a big target when can get tough yards and move the chains. While he won't probably be starting anytime soon, nobody should bat an eye if he sees an uptick in playing time and finishes 24 with 15-20 catches next season.