5 Jaguars players who could lose snaps to rookies in 2024

Ronald Darby, cornerback

Jaguars assistant general manager Ethan Waugh told the media at rookie minicamp that the team waited to address to cornerback position because they see Ronald Darby as a starter. A second-round pick by the Buffalo Bills in 2015, Darby signed with the Jags in free agency. Even though he's missed 12 games with injuries the past two seasons, he's been dependable when he's on the field.

Since 2022, Darby has given up just one touchdown and surrendered a 75.2 passer rating, backing up Waugh's claim that he can play at a high level. That said, the Jags will probably want to see what 2024 third-round pick Jarrian Jones can do outside. Although head coach Doug Pederson said after the draft that he envisions seeing the former Florida State Seminole starting the season at nickel, it may be a matter of time before the coaching staff tries him out in the boundaries.

Simply, Jones is too talented to spend too much time on the bench. Granted, he may need to hone his skills before he gets a featured role but he's got the traits to seize a starting job at some point in 2024. That isn't great news for Darby.

Monatric Brown, cornerback

Ronald Darby may not be the only Jaguars cornerback who may see some of their playing time go to a rookie in 2024. Heck, third-year pro Montaric Brown could lose snaps to two of them. Jarrian Jones will make a strong push for the CB3 job and there's a good chance he'll get it. But even if he doesn't, he won't be the only corner Brown will need to fend off.

Deantre Prince, the 153rd overall pick in this past draft, will also be vying for playing time. He'll probably have a harder time than Jones moving up the depth chart but that doesn't mean Brown can take him lightly.

Brown, a seventh-round pick in 2022, was pressed into action last year when Tyson Campbell missed time. While he made a key pass defense against the New Orleans Saints in Week 7 that helped the Jags win that game, he also struggled at times, giving up 13.2 yards per reception and four touchdowns despite the fact that he only appeared in 59 percent of the team's defensive snaps.

It's possible that Brown hasn't reached his ceiling yet, but he'll have his work cut out if he doesn't want to lose snaps to either Jones or Prince.