Intriguing position battles for Jaguars in 2024 will shock some fans

RB 3: D'Ernest Johnson vs. Keilan Robinson

The Jaguars have a workhorse running back in Travis Etienne, who's crossed the 1,000-yard mark the past two years. Also in the mix is Tank Bigsby, who dealt with growing pains as a rookie but should make strides in Year 2.

If Bigsby does improve, the Jaguars will want him to take some of the workload away from Etienne. But if he falters, the Jaguars will need to lean on another running back. Last year, D'Ernest Johnson earned the No. 3 spot on the depth chart and eventually passed Bigsby. The Jags were pleased enough with his performance that they brought him back on a one-year deal. However, he's not guaranteed a roster spot.

Johnson will need to fend off rookie Keilan Robinson, who rarely got carries at Texas but has shown the ability to break off big plays. As a matter of fact, Jacksonville used a fifth-round pick on him because of his impact in the return game.

If Robinson shows upside in training camp, he could get the nod over Johnson, whose guaranteed salary for 2024 is $200,000. Jacksonville could release him without incurring in heavy penalties.

WR4: Tim Jones vs. ???

The Jaguars have an intriguing starting trio of receivers in Christian Kirk, Gabe Davis, and Brian Thomas Jr. Kirk should be back at full strength after missing time in 2023 with a core injury. Davis is nursing an injury of his own but he should be a full go. On the other hand, Brian Thomas Jr., the team's first-round pick in this year's draft is already garnering rave reviews.

Unfortunately, the rest of the receiver depth chart leaves a bit to be desired. Right now, Tim Jones is WR4. An undrafted free agent in 2021, he's made the team the past two years, but he's not done much of note, hauling in 14 receptions for 113 yards in that span. Sophomore Parker Washington got playing time when Kirk got hurt last season but won't probably see the field much in 2024 unless he's improved.

The Jaguars don't seem overly thrilled with their depth at receiver, so they brought in five-time Pro Bowl nod Jarvis Landry for a workout. Landry missed the 2023 season while rehabbing from an ankle injury he had the year prior but he could turn out to be a reliable option. Furthermore, the front office added five undrafted receivers after the draft, showing they're looking for ways to bolster the depth at the position.

Maybe Jones will be WR4 again in 2024 but he'll need to fend off Landry and his rookie counterparts first.