4 most compelling position battles ahead of Jaguars training camp
Jaguars 2023 training camp battle #2: Nickel cornerback
The Jaguars have a couple of starting corners in Tyson Campbell and Darious Williams. However, they need a nickel to round out the group. This is why cornerback was perceived as one of the team's top needs earlier in the offseason.
But instead of addressing it in free agency, Jacksonville waited until Day 3 of the draft to take care of it. In Round 5, they took Antonio Johnson and they later chose Christian Braswell and Erick Hallet II in the sixth round.
Even though Johnson was listed as a safety at Texas A&M, he also lined up in the slot and other positions in the Aggies' defensive backfield. Doug Pederson said after the draft that Johnson would play safety for the Jaguars but he lined up in the slot during offseason workouts, so there's a chance the coaching staff will give him an extended look in training camp.
Braswell and Hallet, who lined up at safety in college, could also compete for the nickel job but all of them will need to beat incumbent Tre Herndon. The team's brass told the media that they project Herndon to start. An undrafted free agent in 2019, he's got starting experience and can line up both inside and outside.
#Jaguars Cornerbacks/Passing Game Coordinator confirms: Tre Herndon in the driver seat to maintain & be the Opening Day nickel corner
— Mia O'Brien (@MiaOBrienTV) June 8, 2023
“We’re not sleeping on him… as a coach and an organization, when you have guys you can count on, those are hard to get rid of” pic.twitter.com/fcvHmBQRvT
In the end, it wouldn't be shocking to see Herndon man the slot in the opener but don't be surprised if one of the youngsters takes his place in the lineup later in the season.