The Jacksonville Jaguars expect Trevor Lawrence to take the next step in his development after slightly regressing in 2023. However, Lawrence will not be the only player they'll be counting on to rise up next season.
After all, quarterbacks have the biggest impact on the outcome of the game but even the best ones need a solid supporting cast around them to win games. That's why it will be imperative for the next five players to step up in 2024.
Tyson Campbell will be an X-Factor for the Jaguars in 2024
Eyes are on Ronald Darby heading into 2024. In Jacksonville, he's reunited with Doug Pederson, his head coach during the Philadelphia Eagles' 2017 Super Bowl run. While Darby is expected to start next season, the Jags could replace him with rookie Jarrian Jones if he struggles. However, the same can't be said about fellow cornerback Tyson Campbell.
As recently as 2022, Campbell was seen as one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL. That year, he gave up less than 10.0 yards per reception, logged three interceptions (tied for most on the team), and registered 15 passes defensed. However, injuries prevented the former Georgia Bulldog from having a huge impact last year. Besides having to prove that he's back at full strength, he'll need to clear another hurdle.
The Jaguars will be switching to a press-heavy scheme under defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen. The change should have a positive impact for the most part but it could affect Campbell, who's better suited to play zone. That said, nothing is impeding from making the transition.
Moreover, Nielsen is savvy enough to know that it's better to adjust your system to your players' strengths instead of the other way around. For that reason, Campbell will have a legitimate chance to bounce back and show that 2023 was an outlier rather than a sign of things to come.
Brian Thomas Jr. will be an X-Factor for the Jaguars in 2024
You could argue that it's too early in his career to expect wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. to contribute but that comes with the territory of being a first-round pick. In fact, the Jaguars will need him to make an impact as soon as possible.
Drafted 23rd overall, Thomas will be tasked with replacing Calvin Ridley, who accounted for 1,016 yards in 2023. Granted, he won't be asked to have that kind of production as a rookie, but he'll need to make enough plays to tip the scale in the Jaguars' favor in 2024.
Thomas has the speed to stretch the field, but being fast alone won't cut it in the NFL. He'll need to work on his route running and his release at the line of scrimmage. If he does develop into the deep threat the Jags envision, he'll open things up for the rest of his teammates. Conversely, they may have a hard time moving the ball and scoring in 2024 if the LSU product fails to make an impact.
Cam Little will be an X-Factor for the Jaguars in 2024
Kickers don't often get as much praise as they deserve but if they weren't important, teams would ask random players to come off the bench and make a field goal with the game on the line. The Jaguars, in particular, have struggled to find a long-term answer at the position. Each of the last four years, they have a different kicker handle duties to open the season. fortunately for them, Cam Little will have a shot at ending the streak.
Little was sixth-round draft pick in this past draft. He will compete with incumbent Riley Patterson in the summer but the expectation is that he'll win the job. For the sake of argument, let's say that Little does come on top. There's a strong chance he'll have to come through in the clutch in the season, and delivering could be the difference between securing a playoff spot or going home.
Mitch Morse will be an X-Factor for the Jaguars in 2024
It's not often that centers get the spotlight in the NFL but that's where Mitch Morse finds himself ahead of 2024. A grizzled veteran, Morse will battle incumbent Luke Fortner for the starting spot in training camp. That said, the Jaguars wouldn't have brought in the former if they thought the latter did a good job last year.
Last year, the Jags couldn't run the ball in the middle or give Trevor Lawrence enough time to throw because the offensive line couldn't block. That's where Fortner struggled and Morse is expected to bring stability. While he's never been a Pro Bowl, the former Mizzou Tiger should be an upgrade at center. An added benefit of signing him in the offseason is that he could help mentor some of the younger guys in the trenches.
In the end, Morse won't get nearly as much attention as other players in 2024 but will be as important for the Jaguars' success on offense.
Travon Walker will be an X-Factor for the Jaguars in 2024
Outside linebacker Josh Allen had a breakout season in 2024, registering a team-best 17.5 sacks. Travon Walker wasn't nearly as productive but he still managed to cross the 10-sack mark. Heading into Year 3, he'll need to be even better and become the dominant pass rusher the Jaguars envisioned when they drafted him first overall in 2022.
And that's the thing, Walker has made strides the past two years but you don't want strides from a first-round pick, let alone the first overall. The Jaguars will need him to wreak havoc next season. This is especially true when you take into account that the Jags don't have much depth behind him and Allen.
Working in Walker's favor is the arrival of defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen, whose expertise is the defensive line. Moreover, he'll be lining up with his hand on the ground, where he's at his best, more often next season. Add the signing of Arik Armstead, who'll create pressure from the interior, and Walker should have no trouble putting up even better stats than he did in 2023.