Jaguars CB Tyson Campbell shows top-notch cover skills vs. elite WR in joint practice

Cornerback Tyson Campbell is coming off a somewhat underwhelming season but the Jacksonville Jaguars think he's a franchise cornerstone. That's why they didn't hesitate to give him a top-market contract in the offseason. The former Georgia Bulldog showed in joint practices with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers why the Jags felt comfortable making such a heavy investment in him.

During joint practices ahead of Week 2 of the preseason, Campbell was tasked with covering Pro Bowl wide receiver Mike Evan. He held his on and then some.

Granted, it's just one play but it shows that Campbell can go against the best in the business. For context, Evans has had ten consecutive 1,000-yard seasons to start his career, a feat no other receiver has achieved in NFL history. On top of that, he's made the Pro Bowl five times.

Circling back to Campbell, he appears to be at full strength. He was limited in training camp because of an ankle injury and didn't suit up for the win over the Kansas City Chiefs in the season opener. If he manages to stay healthy, though, the Florida native will have no trouble bouncing back in 2024.

A second-round pick in the 2021 draft, Campbell struggled early as a rookie but got better as the season progressed, registering a team-high two interceptions. He was much better in Year 2 and joined the conversation about the top cornerbacks in the NFL by the end of 2022.

Unfortunately, hamstring and later groin injuries prevented Campbell from building off his successful sophomore campaign. But despite injuries and changing defensive coordinators, the Jaguars' brass saw 2023 as an outlier rather than a sign of things to come and gave him a four-year contract worth $76.5 million, the highest ever for a cornerback who's never been selected to the Pro Bowl, let alone earn an All-Pro designation.

Tyson Campbell isn't the only Jaguars CB poised to make an impact in 2024

Throughout the offseason, cornerback was dubbed the Jacksonville Jaguars' biggest need. It remains the case ahead of the regular season but the truth is that they aren't in as bad shape at the position as analysts may suggest.

Apart from Tyson Campbell, veteran Ronald Darby and rookie Jarrian Jones have been making plays throughout training camp. One of the biggest concerns regarding the former was that he sat out 13 games last year. However, he's managed to stay healthy throughout the summer. The latter, on the other hand, is making the case to get extended playing time in his first NFL season.

Behind Campbell, Darby, and Jones, the Jaguars have a dependable trio in Montaric Brown, Christian Braswell, and Deantre Prince. One of them will be left out if Jacksonville carries five corners, but nobody would bat an eye if they keep all three.

The bottom line is that Tyson Campbell is ready to reclaim his place as a top cornerback. Stymieing Mike Evans should be a reminder of just how talented he is. That said, he's not the only cornerback who's set to make an impact for the Jaguars in 2024.

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