The Jacksonville Jaguars expect several players to have a big impact in 2024. Some of them just arrived via free agency but should earn key roles right off the bat. Others dealt with injuries last year but should be back at full strength next season. On top of that, the Jags have a few wild cards.
There were a handful of players on the roster in 2023 that didn't do much of note, either because they weren't ready or missed time with injuries, but could have a bigger role next season. These four, in particular, could end up being nice surprises.
4. Ventrell Miller, linebacker
Ventrell Miller was a playmaker for the Florida Gators. However, a torn bicep and a foot injury in 2021 and 2022, respectively, hurt his draft stock and made him slide to the fourth round in last year's draft. He underwent foot surgery in the offseason and returned to training camp. He even suited up for the preseason but an Achilles injury ended his rookie campaign before it started.
After spending his rookie year on Injured Reserve, Miller should have a favorable chance of bouncing back in 2024. He may still be a few months away from returning, and it wouldn't make sense to rush his recovery. However, he should be available in training camp. If he is, he should challenge third-year pro Chad Muma or Caleb Johnson for a roster spot.
Of the three, Miller may have the highest ceiling. Muma, a third-round pick in 2022, has been the primary backup at inside linebacker the past two seasons. He fared well as a rookie but struggled last year. If the team's brass isn't pleased with his performance, they'll give Miller a chance to take his job next season.
3. Gregory Junior, CB
Cornerback is one of the Jags' biggest needs ahead of the draft despite the fact that they signed Ronald Darby in free agency. Darby is set to start opposite Tyson Campbell next season but he may only be a temporary solution. Similarly, Campbell is set to become a free agent in 2025, so it would be a good idea to invest a couple picks in the position, one potential starter, and a developmental prospect.
But even if Jacksonville adds reinforcements to their cornerback room, they should also expect Gregory Junior to keep making strides. A seventh-round pick in 2022, Junior earned the distinction of being the first player out of Ouachita Baptist to be drafted. Unfortunately, he didn't make the initial 53-man roster and landed in the practice squad as a rookie.
Junior was eventually promoted to the active roster but only logged 18 total snaps on defense. Having adjusted to the pros, the Arkansas native was one of the most improved players in training camp and made the initial roster in his sophomore campaign. He also experienced an increase in playing time, with 98 total defensive snaps.
Heading into Year 3, Junior should have a favorable position to earn the top backup role. Chris Claybrooks and Tre Herndon are gone. Also, Tevaughn Campell is not more than a reserve at this point of his career, so Junior should have no trouble earning more playing time in 2024, even if the team's brass brings in another corner in the draft.
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.
1. Brenton Strange, tight end
One of the biggest disappointments for the Jaguars in 2023 was tight end Brenton Strange. A second-round pick last year, he was expected to earn a key role on offense behind Evan Engram. However, he was mostly a non-factor, hauling in a measly five receptions for 35 yards with one touchdown. While he fared well as a blocker, Jacksonville surely expected more from him after using the 61st overall pick on him.
What's worse is that the Jags could've drafted Luke Musgrave, Michael Myers, or Sam LaPorta early in the second round. Sure, they would've needed to trade down, as all of them were gone at 61st. However, it would've been worth it, as all of them went on to make an impact. Having said that, it's too early to give up on the former Penn State Nittany Lion.
When the Jags drafted Strange, they said they liked his ability to create yards after the catch while pointing out that he was a culture fit. It's fair to say that not much has changed. Did they expect more from him last year? Sure, but tight ends don't always have an impact right out of the gate and need a bit of time to hit their stride. It's not much different with Strange.
As a matter of fact, head coach Doug Pederson said at the NFL owners' meeting that he envisions Strange doing more in Year 2. If he does improve, the Jaguars will feel more comfortable using the two-tight end sets Pederson has preferred to run throughout his career.
The jury is still out for Brenton Strange. All eyes should (rightly) be on him in training camp. Working in his favor is that he's still the same talented player he was in college. He just needs to put it all together.