Pro Football Focus put together their list of early breakout candidates for the 2025 NFL season. So, which Jacksonville Jaguars player did they select?
Although, overall, the Jaguars’ defense gave up a lot of yards and a lot of points in 2024, one of the bright spots was cornerback Jarrian Jones, who PFF’s Bradley Locker selected as the team’s breakout candidate.
Jones was a third-round pick by the Jaguars in last April’s draft out of Florida State and was the defense’s starting nickel cornerback throughout much of the year.
From the slot, run defense is a very important element to playing that position, and Jones was among the best in that regard by PFF’s metrics. His run defense grade ranked sixth among all cornerbacks in 2024.
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.
Looking ahead to the 2025 offseason, both the cornerback and safety positions will have to be addressed by the Jaguars. This was a secondary last season that ranked 30th in yards per pass attempt allowed, was 24th in completion rate, and had the third-fewest interceptions.
