The Jaguars exited the 2024 NFL draft with nine new contributors, bolstering their roster with potential after signing eight free agents between March and April in their offseason-long effort to reclaim postseason status this year.
How impactful might Jacksonville’s rookie class be as the team chases a playoff spot?
Jaguars Wire is projecting roles and rookie production for each of Jacksonville’s 2024 draft picks, continuing the series by focusing on the Jaguars’ third-round, No. 96 overall selection, cornerback Jarrian Jones.
Jarrian Jones’ projected role with the Jaguars
Cornerback, specifically the nickel spot, was one of Jacksonville’s biggest positions of need entering the draft.
But the Jaguars waited until the end of the third round to select one, Jones. They added a second in the fifth round, Deantre Prince.
As things stand, Jones is expected to primarily align at nickel corner while Prince works on the outside. That being said, the Jaguars believe Jones will be able to work inside and out throughout his career while also participating on special teams.
“He’s definitely a position flex guy. I can see him playing inside day one,” Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson said about Jones on April 26. “He’s also a really good special teams player, so he’s going to give us value there as well.”
Jones’ productive, five-season college career and his early returns with the Jaguars from their offseason workout program suggest he could quickly step into Jacksonville’s secondary and contribute.
He turned heads during OTAs and mandatory minicamp, specifically for his performances in coverage by recording an interception and multiple pass breakups during the practices that reporters could observe.
The Jaguars signed veteran safety Darnell Savage in March with a plan to move him into the nickel role, before drafting Jones. Jones’ selection won’t necessarily change that strategy, but with a capable nickel prospect now on the roster, Jacksonville won’t be forced to rely upon only Savage at the position.
Instead, the Jaguars could create a rotation in the nickel this season, perhaps with Savage offering run support on early downs before deepening out at safety on late downs, when Jones can step into the slot for coverage purposes.
Jarrian Jones’ projected rookie stats
- 30 total tackles
- One interception
- Four defended passes
- 55% completion percentage allowed
30 total tackles would have ranked No. 25 among rookie defensive backs from the 2023 NFL draft class, one interception would have been tied for No. 8, and four defended passes would have been tied for No. 12.
A 55% completion percentage allowed would have ranked No. 14 among 2023 rookie defensive backs who played at least 25% of their team’s defensive snaps during the regular season.
