With the dust having settled on the 2024 season, let’s take a look back at how the Jacksonville Jaguars rookie draft class fared through the Pro Football Focus’ lens.
However, before we do that, I do feel it’s important to mention that PFF’s grading system is far from the be-all-end-all. While helpful in quantifying a player’s performance, it is one metric out of many that are out there and should be treated as such.
Here is a look at PFF’s grading system to provide some context behind the numbers:
90.0+: Elite
80-89.9: High quality
70-79.9: Good
60-69.9: Above average
50-59.9: Average
40-49.9: Below average
39.9 or less: Poor
Now, with that out of the way, let’s dive in:
WR Brian Thomas Jr.
PFF grade: 82.0
It was an exceptional rookie year for Thomas. Not only was he the most productive receiver in a loaded draft class at that position, but he was one of the most productive receivers in all of football. Thomas would total 1,282 yards–the third-most in football–and 10 touchdowns. Perhaps most impressive was that defenses knew the ball was coming his way and still struggled to stop him.
DT Maason Smith
PFF grade: 43.7
Smith played 384 snaps as a rookie and totaled 14 pressures and three sacks. Smith ranked 133rd in PFF’s run defense grade and was 100th among defensive tackles in pass rush win rate.
CB Jarrian Jones
PFF grade: 69.0
Playing from the slot, Jones’ run defense grade was the sixth-best among cornerbacks, according to PFF’s metrics. In coverage, Jones allowed just 10.2 yards per target with six pass breakups and an interception. PFF would note that out of 42 eligible slot cornerbacks, Jones ranked 11th in passer rating, 13th in yards per snaps, and ninth in snaps per target.
OT Javon Foster
PFF grade: N/A
Foster did not play any offensive snaps in his rookie year. He appeared in four games on special teams and totaled 12 snaps during that span.
DT Jordan Jefferson
PFF grade: 62.7
Jefferson appeared in eight games on defense and played 151 snaps. He recorded three pressures and a sack as a pass rusher, but by PFF’s metrics, made a bigger impact in the run game.
CB Deantre Prince
PFF grade: 50.6
Prince played in six games on defense, totaling 101 snaps. He allowed five receptions on nine targets in coverage at 13.8 yards per catch and had one pass breakup. He was also penalized once as well.
RB Keilan Robinson
PFF grade: 60.0
Robinson played just five snaps on offense over three games late in the season. He did not get a carry and instead blocked on those plays.
K Cam Little
PFF grade: 90.2
There’s always some unknown with rookie kickers, but Little was terrific. He finished his rookie season making all 27 of his extra point attempts, and he was 27-for-29 on field goal attempts. On kicks from 40-49 yards, Little was 8-for-9 and from 50-plus he was 5-for-6.
DE Myles Cole
PFF grade: 34.0
A terrific athlete at 280 pounds but refinement is needed. Cole played 135 snaps on defense in 2024 and totaled one pressure and eight tackles.
