8 lesser-mentioned Jaguars players who need a dominant training camp in 2023
• A couple 2020 draft picks will be competing for a roster spot
• A running back could have a steep hill to climb to make the cut
Teams have started to report for training camp and there are a handful of players on the Jacksonville Jaguars set to grab the headlines. Trevor Lawrence is the first one that comes to mind but wide receiver Calvin Ridley, outside Josh Allen and safety Andre Cisco should also get lots of attention.
Having said that, there are other lesser-known Jaguars who will not get the spotlight but will still need to perform at a high level if they want to make the 53-man roster in 2023. In particular, the next eight will need to give their best in the upcoming weeks to avoid being left out.
Lesser-known Jaguars who must stand out in training camp - Part 4
Shaquille Quarterman, LB
Over the last two years, the Jaguars' linebacker corps has gone from a weakness into a strength. And given how stacked they're at the position, Jacksonville might find themselves having to make tough decisions on roster cutdown day. One player that could be on the bubble ahead of training camp is Shaquille Quarterman, who's fared well in a reserve role the last three years.
Quarterman, a fourth-round pick in the 2020 draft, turned heads when he made Tennesse Titans running back Derrick Henry fumble last year but he's usually fared well when called upon and has also carved a niche on special teams.
Having said that, he could be a victim of the numbers game due to the depth at the position. Either Chad Muma or Devin Lloyd will start next to team captain Foyesade Oluokun next season. That's three linebacker spots and rookie Ventrell Miller should also get the cut.
Unless the Jags decide to carry five off-linebackers in 2023, which isn't out of the question, Quarterman could be the odd man out.
Daniel Thomas, LB
The Jags seem to be set at safety ahead of training camp, with Ryshawn Jenkins, Andre Cisco, and Andrew Wingard at the top of the depth chart. Daniel Thomas could take the No. 4 spot but he might need to fend off a couple of rookies.
Thomas, a fifth-round pick in the 2020 draft, started a couple of games as a rookie and showed flashes before an arm injury sidelined him in the second half of the season. Since then, he's been mostly relegated to backup duties and special teams. Meanwhile, Erick Hallett II and Antonio Johnson have lots of upside and could earn tons reps in training camp if Thomas fails to impress.
Heading into a contract year, Thomas is likely incentivized to have a banner year but he may be in danger of being phased out in favor of Hallett or Johnson.