These head-turning training camp storylines could define the Jaguars in 2025

The Jacksonville Jaguars aren't necessarily flying under the radar ahead of the regular season, but they aren't seen as a Super Bowl contender either. Heck, there's a chance they may not finish 2025 with a winning record. On the other hand, there are plenty of things to like about the Jags.

With new head coach Liam Coen at the helm, Jacksonville is expected to have a high-powered offense. Similarly, the defense has nowhere to go but up after finishing near the cellar of most meaningful categories last year. Couple that with the upgrades the front office made to the roster, and it's easy to see them take several steps in the right direction.

That said, the Jaguars will need certain things to go their way if they want turn the corner next season and challenge the Houston Texans for the division crown. That's why these three storylines will be of the most utter importance in training camp.

Travis Hunter's transition to the NFL and viability to play two ways for the Jaguars

Players' readiness is always variable coming out of college, and while Travis Hunter had a promising offseason, there's always a chance he hits a rookie wall. It could happen at some point during the regular season or as early as training camp.

Hunter has made it clear that he's focused on football and being the best player he can be, but the fact that he will play two positions in the NFL could turn out to be overwhelming. It's also worth noting that the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner has yet to practice in pads, and it's hard to tell whether he will build off of his strong offseason or will struggle. If it's the latter, he may not be ready by the opener.

That wouldn't be the end of the world, but talking heads will rush to say that the Jags made a mistake, or that Hunter is not much more than a collegiate star. Working in his favor is that he doesn't have to be pressed into action because Jacksonville is stacked at both receiver and cornerback. This could ultimately take a bit of weight off his shoulders.

Either way, all eyes will be on Hunter and his transition to the NFL during training camp.

Related: Urban Meyer or Mike Mularkey: Who is the worst head coach in Jaguars history?

The defensive transition under Anthony Campanile

Ryan Nielsen most definitely won his press conference when the Jags hired him as their defensive coordinator last year. At the time, he said that he was going to prioritize technique and fundamentals. However, Jacksonville lacked both traits in 2024. Some of that was due to his convoluted scheme, but it certainly didn't help his cause with his arrogant demeanor, which rubbed players the wrong way.

To nobody's surprise, the Jags dismissed Nielsen after 2024 and hired Anthony Campanile to take his place. Right off the bat, Campanile has made several changes to separate himself from his predecessor. For starters, Jacksonville will switch from a man-heavy scheme to a zone system, one that's a better fit for nearly everyone in the secondary.

With Campanile at the helm, pass rushers Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen are back at their natural weight after being asked to bulk up last year. With Arik Armstead switching back to defensive tackle and Maason Smith expected to make strides in Year 2, the front four should be much more productive than it was last season.

So far, it looks like the only major challenge Campanile will face in training camp will be to sort out the safety room. But other than that, the defense figures to be better than it was in 2024. It's also worth noting that, like most new hires, Campanile has been a breath of fresh air and welcomed with open arms.

So far, so good.

Trevor Lawrence's health could define the Jaguars in 2025

Trevor Lawrence is entering the 2025 season needing to prove once and for all that he can be the franchise quarterback the Jaguars thought he was when they drafted him first overall in 2021. For that to happen, though, he'll need to stay healthy and build consistency. Simple, right? On paper, it most definitely is, but it's not that easy in practice.

No. 16 has dealt with injuries the past two years, and that's in turn prevented him from being consistent. Right now, he's recovering from a shoulder sprain and the subsequent surgery he underwent to repair it. While he hasn't had any setbacks, he raised a few concerns during Organized Team Activities when he wore a sleeve.

Lawrence and Liam Coen were quick to shut down speculation about any potential setback, but it's fair to say that his health will be center stage in the upcoming months. There's a chance that every time he misses a throw or struggles, his rehab will be brought up. And that's the thing, he'll need to deliver while he recovers, and everyone will be watching to see if the former Clemson Tiger can turn the corner and once again join the conversation about the top 10 quarterbacks in the NFL.

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