Slot cornerback dubbed Jaguars biggest weakness following Week 1 of the 2023 season

The Jacksonville Jaguars need some of their players to step up but they don't really have a glaring weakness right now. However, the Bleacher Report staff believes their secondary, more specifically the nickel position, could use a boost.

B/R recently took a look at all 32 clubs and identified what they think are their biggest weaknesses. In the Jaguars' case, they believe is slot cornerback, followed by safety, the defensive line, and the pass rush. They point out that Jacksonville has enough firepower to compete with the top guns in the AFC but think their secondary may not be up to the challenge. This is why they suggest they sign a free-agent cornerback Logan Ryan, who can line up at nickel and safety.

"If the Jaguars are going to contend with the Kansas City Chiefs, Cincinnati Bengals and Buffalo Bills in the AFC, they are going to need the best secondary possible. They have lingering questions at both slot cornerback and safety. Logan Ryan can be a stopgap veteran who helps out with both.

The two-time Super Bowl champion has a wealth of experience playing in the slot and as a deep safety. That versatility would make them more injury-proof and elevate their ceiling."

B/R then says that the Jags should go after Uchenna Nwosu next year to round out their pass rush. Nwosu, a second-round pick by the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2018 draft, signed with the Seattle Seahawks last year. He's currently part of a deep rotation, which is why B/R believes he could be available in free agency next offseason.

Heading into the 2023 season, left guard, slot cornerback, and the pass rush seemed like the Jaguars' biggest needs. However, none of them were an area of concern in the opener. Nickel Tre Herndon played well against the Indianapolis Colts and registered a Pro Football Focus overall grade of 77.0. Behind him is sophomore Gregory Junior, one of the most improved players on the roster.

In regards to the left guard position, Ben Bartch spent the offseason rehabbing a knee injury but he's back in the fold. He didn't miss a beat and picked up where he left off last year. Then, there's the pass rush, Josh Allen and Travon Walker dominated at the line of scrimmage, consistently bringing the heat. They finished the game with a combined four sacks and eight total pressures.

The Jaguars could certainly bolster their pass rush and interior O-Line in 2024

This isn't the first time B/R suggests the Jags sign Logan Ryan. However, neither cornerback nor safety are needs. That said, the team's brass could most definitely make upgrades on the interior offensive line and their pass rush rotation.

Veteran right guard Brandon Scherff is currently dealing with an ankle injury. Tyler Shatley, the primary backup inside, will fill in for him but is entering the last of year of the contract he signed last offseason. It would be a good idea to draft a guard or even two to develop, especially when you take into account that Ben Bartch will be a free agent next season.

Regarding the pass rush, the Jaguars need Travon Walker and Josh Allen to keep playing at a high level but if either one gets hurt, their ability to get after the quarterback could be compromised. K'Lavon Chaisson, a former first-round pick, hasn't done much to make you think he can pick up the slack. Similarly, rookie Yasir Abdullah isn't ready to step up into a feature role.

Right now, the Jaguars have enough talent to compete in the AFC. However, they'll need to continue to retool their roster if they don't want to take a step back next year.

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