4 most compelling position battles ahead of Jaguars training camp

The Jacksonville Jaguars won't see much turnover on either side of the ball next season. Although right tackle Jawaan Taylor and defensive end Arden Key left in free agency, the Jags managed to keep most of last year's starting core intact.

Having said that, the top brass will hold a few position battles in training camp. Only one of them will be for a starting job but they will all be important. Here's a look at all of them.

Jaguars 2023 training camp battle #4: Running back No. 2

Travis Etienne is firmly entrenched at the top of the depth chart but it's unclear who will be his primary backup. Once Etienne became the start last year and James Robinson got traded to the New York Jets, JaMycal Hasty became the No. 2 option in the backfield. However, Hasty will face competition from D'Ernest Johnson, who signed a one-year deal in free agency, and 2023 third-round pick Tank Bigsby.

Even though Johnson mostly played on special teams during his four-year stint with the Cleveland Browns, he shined whenever he got the ball, averaging 5.2 yards on 141 carries in 64 games from 2019-2021.

On the other hand, Bigsby was a featured back at Auburn and could make a legitimate push for significant playing time next season. Sophomore Snoop Conner could be in the mix but would need to stand out in training camp. At the moment, it looks like he'll be competing for a roster spot.

Etienne showed in 2022 that he can carry a big load but to avoid overworking him, the Jaguars will lean on one of their other talented backs. The good news is that they have several options but they'll need to pick one in training camp to be the primary backup.

No. Jaguars 2023 training camp battle #3: Left guard

Ben Bartch, a fourth-round pick in the 2020 draft, was the starter at left guard in the opener last year and he would probably start again next season if he were healthy but that's not the case. The former St. John Johnny dislocated his knee in Week 5 and is still recovering. Head coach Doug Pederson in April that Bartch's availability for training camp would be in question but there should be some clarity (for those outside the building) when it takes place later this month.

If Bartch isn't good to go, veteran Tyler Shatley could take his place in the starting lineup. Shatley has made 30 starts at all three spots on the interior offensive line over the last three years, so he can come in and play if called upon.

But if Shatley does start, it's uncertain who will be the primary backup inside. Cole Van Lanen arrived last season but hardly got any playing time. He could be a viable option but he would need to fend off rookie Cooper Hodges in training camp.

Although Hodges was a sixth-round pick in this year's draft, the Jags seem to be high on him. In particular, offensive line coach Phil Rauscher says Hodges is country strong, and he'll probably be given a legitimate shot to move up the depth chart in training camp.

Having said that, there's a scenario in which Bartch is ready for training camp or the opener. Regardless of the case, the Jaguars need to ensure they have adequate depth on their interior offensive line next season.

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.

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.

Jaguars 2023 training camp battle #1: Pass rush No. 1

The Jaguars made strides last year. They went from one of the worst units in the league to one of the top 15 in both points and total yards allowed. On top of that, they created turnovers at a high rate. However, they have ample room for improvement in one area and that is bringing the heat to the quarterback.

Last season, the front seven was able to consistently create pressure up front but they weren't able to turn that pressure into sacks. Make no mistakes, sacks aren't the only way to measure a team's success when rushing the passer but they aren't meaningless either and Jacksonville will need Travon Walker and Josh Allen to improve in 2023 if they want to see an uptick.

But even if Walker and Allen do make a leap, the team's brass will need someone to round out the rotation. With defensive end Arden Key leaving in free agency and Dawuane Smoot, who remains unsigned, still rehabing a tore Achilles, the Jags will need one of their young players to step up.

By virtue of having the most experience, K'Lavon Chaisson could be the favorite. But he's been underwhelming over the last three seasons and might need to make a huge impression to make the team. Another option is rookie Yasir Abdullah. Dubbed the steal of the draft, Abdullah showed pass-rush skills at Louisville but will need to prove the transition to the pros isn't too much for him.

Last but not least is Jordan Smith, who has hardly played the last two seasons but he's healthy after missing the 2022 season with a torn ACL. He could be darkhorse and separate himself from the bunch. Conversely, he might not make the team in 2023.

Either way, the Jaguars must sort out their pass-rush options in training camp if they want to consistently rattle opposing quarterbacks next season.

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