As training camp nears and rosters become set, we begin to look at one of the strengths the Jaguars plan to lean on this season: cornerback. They have acquired some new faces in the secondary this off season including top pick Jalen Ramsey and free agent signing Prince Amukamara. One of the weaknesses last year has become a legitimate strength. But what will the Jaguars cornerback depth chart look like come week 1?
Jacksonville Jaguars Cornerback Depth Chart Projection
Left Cornerback
One of the more underrated players on this Jaguars team last season was Davon House. House figures to be the number one corner on the team as he was last year. The 26-year-old was a free agent signing last off season that was questioned by some at first, but has done nothing but prove those doubters wrong.
He had a few rough games last year, as he got torched multiple times when he went up against DeAndre Hopkins. But after the early season benching he came on very strong and looks like a key piece on defense long term. He broke the pass deflections record for Jacksonville with 23. With how much talent that has been added, we could see another uptick in overall play.
Prince Amukamara
Amukamara, a former first round pick for the New York Giants, was signed by the Jaguars in free agency on a one year deal back in March. He figured to slot in opposite House after he signed. But with the addition of Jalen Ramsey, Amukamara likely moves inside and slots in as the third cornerback on the depth chart.
He has battled injuries in his NFL career so far causing some serious questions. This is part of the reason the Jaguars gave him just a one-year deal. 2016 is certainly a make or break year for him. If he continues down the path of an injury-riddled NFL career, he isn’t likely to get a long term commitment from a team next off-season. There isn’t any doubt when it comes to ability with Amukamara though. When healthy, he has impressed. He’s a perfect fit in the new scheme with Jacksonville, so if he can stay healthy he could be in line for a big year and more importantly for him, a long term deal.
Right Cornerback
Jalen Ramsey
This will be an interesting battle to watch, as Prince Amukamara figures to battle it out with the fifth overall pick in the draft. Ramsey was viewed as one of if not the top prospect by most in the draft and fell right into the Jaguars lap. He’s a freak athlete that could play corner or safety at the NFL level.
He figures to slot in at cornerback with the signing of Tashaun Gipson from Cleveland. Most expect him to have a decently easy transition to the NFL and be a premier player in the not so distant future. One thing that is in question is how many turnovers he will force at the next level, as it wasn’t something he did a ton of in college.
With the signing of Amukamara and Ramsey being drafted, Colvin figures to slot in as the fourth corner on the depth chart. It didn’t help his case when he got busted for PEDs back in early April. This has resulted in a four game suspension to start the year. He was a solid contributor for the Jaguars last season and once he returns from his suspension figures to be an important piece as well.
Colvin may have gotten knocked down a couple pegs on the depth chart, but in this day and age the more solid corners you have the better. He’s still a young and ascending player. All of this competition should hopefully bring out the best in him.
The Rest of the Depth Chart at Cornerback
After the top four corners, things get a little less clear. There are some guys you have on the roster bubble who haven’t met expectations, such as Dwayne Gratz and Demetrius McCray. The Jaguars also have young guys that the coaches seem to really like and could make a push to make the final roster such as Peyton Thompson and Nick Marshall.
This is an interesting position group to watch. Gus Bradley has preached competition since he got to the Jaguars, and now there is going to be plenty of it at the corner position.