4 underrated Jaguars players who could make a massive impact next season

The Jacksonville Jaguars won't be letting the Houston Texans run away with the division for the second straight year in 2024. Right after the season ended, the team's brass looked back at all the issues that kept them out of the playoffs and fixed most of them. First, they revamped their coaching staff and later addressed several key needs in free agency.

On top of that, the Jags should be much healthier. While not the only reason, injuries played a huge role in the team's collapse to end 2024. If that wasn't enough, a handful of players who flashed last year should have a bigger impact next season, including the next four.

4. Antonio Johnson, defensive back

When the Jags released Rayshawn Jenkins, it seemed like Antonio Johnson was going to be the first in line to replace him. After all, Johnson lined up in the slot as a rookie but his natural position is safety, so it would've made sense to plug him in next to Andre Cisco. However, that plan has come to a halt, at least for now.

Jacksonville inked Darrell Savage in free agency and his three-year deal worth $21 million shows that he isn't getting paid to be a backup. Unless he plays nickel, he'll tentatively start next to Cisco come Week 1. That means Johnson will remain in the slot, which isn't necessarily a bad thing.

Even though Johnson may have a better chance of reaching his ceiling at safety, he held his own at nickel last year. Although the former Texas A&M Aggie missed time to start the season, he showed out once he was given a chance, registering two interceptions, one forced fumble, and three interceptions. He should be even better in Year 2.

The biggest reason to expect a leap from Johnson is that he'll play for defensive backs coach Kris Richard, who's routinely gotten the most out of his players. Under Richard's tutelage, the sophomore should be able to pick up where he left off last season, whether he plays safety or nickel.