5 Jaguars players not named Calvin Ridley already turning heads in training camp

No. 1 Jaguars player not named Calvin Ridley who has stood out: Josh Allen, OLB

Outside linebacker Josh Allen is entering a critical year of his career. A first-round pick in the 2019 draft, Allen logged 10.5 sacks and four forced fumbles as a rookie. However, he hasn't been nearly as productive, at least in terms of sacks, over the last three years. Back in 2020, the former Kentucky Wilcat was held back by a knee injury and he, like every other Jaguars player, had to deal with the Urban Meyer debacle the following season.

Under the leadership of Doug Pederson, Allen was expected to make a leap and he did. Even though he only registered 7.5 passes, he ranked fourth production-wise among edge rushers in the league in true pass sets last year. Then again, the Virginia native said that he believes he can be even better in 2023 and he's proving it early in training camp.

Allen has always started training camp strong but John Shipley of Sports Illustrated says he looks even more dominant now. Shipley says the fifth-year outside linebacker looks explosive and powerful, "like he had a clear chip on his shoulder."

While sacks aren't the only way to measure a pass rusher's success or lack thereof, registering more than 10 in 2023 will help Allen get the spotlight and secure a contract extension that reflects his status as one of the Jaguars' best defensive players.

Here are other recent Jaguars stories you might also like: