Coming off a disappointing 2023 season, the Jacksonville Jaguars were looking to bounce back last year. To make it happen, they revamped the roster and the coaching staff. Unfortunately, all the changes were to no avail.
In fact, the Jags managed to somehow get even worse. Not surprisingly, head coach Doug Pederson and general manager Trent Baalke ended up getting the boot. Then again, not everything was doom and gloom.
As underwhelming as the Jags were in 2024, they had a few bright spots and they cannot go unrecognized. With this in mind, here are the five most pleasant surprises for Jacksonville last season.
Maason Smith, defensive tackle
You could raise concerns about defensive tackle Maason Smith not being a bright spot. After all, he was drafted 42nd overall and was a non-factor early in his rookie season. That said, players' readiness is always variable, and once the former LSU Tiger got a chance, he made the most out of it.
Smith ranked third on the Jaguars with three sacks. Imagine what he could do in his sophomore season now that the game has slowed down for him and has gotten a good grasp of things.
Brenton Strange, tight end
Tight end Brenton Strange was unremarkable in 2023, registering five catches for 35 yards with one touchdown. You could make the case that he didn't get much playing time because of the presence of his veteran counterpart Evan Engram.
Then again, the former Penn State Nittany Lion might have had a bigger role if he had made a strong impression. He probably didn't based on his dearth of playing time. To make matters worse, Strange was underwhelming during offseason workouts last year. But suddenly, something clicked.
Strange showed noticeable improvement in 2024, hauling in 40 receptions for 410 yards with two touchdowns when Engram missed time.
Whether Engram stays next season, his younger counterpart has done enough to earn a bigger role.
Tank Bigsby, running back
Brenton Strange wasn't the only Jaguars 2023 draft pick that improved last year. Tank Bigsby became a staple of the offense and showed he can be a No. 1 running back, toting the rock 168 times for 766 yards with seven touchdowns. Heck, the former Auburn Tiger outplayed Travis Etienne at times and potentially made him expendable next season.
What's more impressive about Bigsby's promising play is that he was pretty bad for the Jaguars as a rookie, often making puzzling mistakes that hurt his team. Fortunately, he didn't let his growing pains get the best of him and became the player the team's brass expected him to be.
Walker Little, offensive tackle
Walker Little was on his way to be a top 10, maybe even a top-5 selection in the draft before tearing his ACL in 2019. He missed most of the year and later chose to sit out the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Not surprisingly, his stock took a hit, and the Texas native slid to Round 2 in 2021.
Although Little flashed when called upon, he didn't get a chance to start full-time until Cam Robinson was traded last year. He wasted no time making the most out of his opportunity and proved he could be Trevor Lawrence's blindside protector.
Along the way, Little got a three-year deal worth $45 million, and Jacksonville won't have to worry about the left tackle spot for a while.
Brian Thomas Jr., wide receiver
Of course, there was no brighter spot in Jacksonville last season than Brian Thomas Jr. The Louisiana native was the fourth receiver taken in last year's draft but was the best of the bunch, tallying 82 catches for 1,282 yards with 10 touchdowns.
Thomas' heroics earned him consideration for 2024 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, and a Pro Bowl nod (as an alternate). With Liam Coen taking over, the former LSU Tiger could be even better next season.