CBS Sports argues CB Ronald Darby could play massive role for Jaguars in 2024

When you think of players who will shape the 2024 season for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Trevor Lawrence or defensive end Josh Allen surely come to mind. Maybe you think of safety Andre Cisco or running back Travis Etienne, but Zachery Pereles of CBS Sports came up with an unusual pick.

Pereles drew up a list of 50 under-the-radar players who could have a huge impact in the 2024 NFL season and included Jaguars cornerback Ronald Darby at No. 43 His reason is that the former Florida State Seminole hasn't registered an interception since 2019 but has been highly productive the past two years.

"Quietly, Darby has been excellent over the past two seasons, allowing just a 46.7% completion percentage when he's the primary coverage defender. The only two players who have been better are Emerson and Gardner, who is too good and too well known to be on this list. Darby hasn't picked off a pass since 2019, but he is very steady, and that's a boost for an up-and-down Jacksonville secondary."

It's worth noting that Pereles' ranking isn't star-studded Instead, you'll find players looking to bounce back from injuries or poised to earn bigger roles in 2024.

Darby, a second-round pick by the Buffalo Bills in 2015, played for the Philadelphia Eagles, the Denver Broncos, and the Baltimore Ravens before landing in Jacksonville in free agency. Back when he was in Philly, Doug Pederson was his head coach, and he cited their success in Philly as one of the reasons he signed with the Jaguars.

"I've been saying it all day, he's a straightforward coach," Darby said when he signed a two-year deal worth $8.5 million in the offseason. Throughout his career, he's appeared in 105 games with 95 starts, registering eight picks and 97 passes defensed.

Heading into Year 10, the Maryland native is still going strong. While he's missed 13 games the past two years, he's given up just one receiving touchdown in that span. In Jacksonville, Darby will tentatively start opposite fourth-year starter Tyson Campbell in Week 11.

Staying healthy will be pivotal for Jaguars RB Ronald Darby to contribute in 2024

The Jacksonville Jaguars cut ties with Darious Williams in the offseason even though he registered a team-best 19 passes defensed in 2023 and his four interceptions were tied for the most in Jacksonville. The reason was that his release created $11 million in space. To replace him, the front office brought in Ronald Darby, who didn't make as many big plays as Williams but was still productive (when available) last year.

The only concern surrounding Darby at this stage of his career is his health. He's never played a full season in his career, so expecting him to miss time in 2024 is reasonable. It won't be an issue if it's just a couple bouts but if it's for a considerable portion of the year, the Jaguars could be in trouble. The good news is that they have adequate depth at cornerback if he's out.

The Jags drafted Jarrian Jones 96th overall, and he's been a standout in offseason activities. With a strong training camp, he could make a case to get extended playing time as a rookie. In fact, he could be the first in line if Darby misses time in 2024.

Ideally, the Jaguars won't deal with injuries at cornerback. If that's the case, they'll have a dependable trio in Tyson Campbell, Ronald Darby, and Jarrian Jones. But if either Campell or Darby are unavailable at some point of the season, Jones should be ready to step up.

More Jaguars analysis here: