CBS determines Jaguars' 'biggest need' before 2024 season

Most of the pieces are in place as Jacksonville prepares to evaluate its 91-man roster this August, before trimming it down to 53 players ahead of the 2024 season.

But while free agency, the NFL draft and, generally speaking, most offseason roster movement is in the rearview mirror, CBS analyst Josh Edwards scanned every team in the AFC for any holes remaining on their depth chart that could be filled before Week 1.

For the Jaguars, the cornerback position stood out to Edwards. Jacksonville’s offensive line appeared to be a close second.

Jacksonville’s offensive line needs to be more consistent but the Jaguars made some tweaks to the unit this offseason. Full season availability of Cam Robinson and another year under the belts of Anton Harrison, Walker Little, as well as the veteran leadership of center Mitch Morse should provide some stability.

Darious Williams was a casualty of the franchise’s search for salary cap health. He was replaced by 30-year-old Ronald Darby.

Amid the team’s scheme change under new defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen, the Jaguars released Williams and signed Darby in March. Jacksonville added another veteran to the room in May when it signed Tre Flowers, who played under Nielsen in Atlanta last season.

Darby should start opposite rising fourth-year Jaguars corner and former second-round pick, Tyson Campbell, this season.

The Jaguars also took Jarrian Jones in the third round and Deantre Prince in the fifth round of the NFL draft in April. Jones primarily projects as a nickel cornerback while Prince is better suited on the outside.

But if the Jaguars agree with Edwards’ analysis and plan to add another veteran to the group, several seasoned options remain on the free-agent market.

Per Over the Cap, seven unsigned cornerbacks played on at least 50% of their team’s snaps in 2023: Xavien Howard (formerly with Miami), Adoree’ Jackson (New York), Stephon Gilmore (Dallas), Patrick Peterson (Pittsburgh), Fabian Moreau (Denver), Ahkello Witherspoon (Lo Angeles) and Jerry Jacobs (Detroit).