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Trio of Jaguars’ Defensive Rookies Look Solid in Preseason Debut
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- Trio of Jaguars’ Defensive Rookies Look Solid in Preseason Debut
(USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
The Jacksonville Jaguars made their preseason debut with a 24-20 victory against the New Orleans Saints on Saturday.
Undrafted rookie running back J'Mari Taylor led the Jaguars back from a 20-6 halftime deficit in what was an otherwise dreadful performance from Jacksonville's offense .
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Saturday's game gave everyone a chance to see Jacksonville's rookies play in an actual game for the first time. For some, it was a chance to show enough to prove they deserve a spot on the 53-man roster. For the higher picks, who usually don't need to worry much about not making the team, it was a chance to stake a claim for meaningful playing time once the real games begin.
Offensively, rookie guard Emmanuel Pregnon had a strong showing . Sixth-round wide receivers Josh Cameron and CJ Williams each made a play or two. Neither of the Jaguars' rookie tight ends, Nate Boerkircher or Tanner Koziol , made much of an impact.
Aside from Taylor, Jacksonville's rookies on defense had the more noticeable debuts.
Bobby Kownack of NFL.com believes that a trio of Jaguars' defensive rookies stood out in particular: defensive tackle Albert Regis (Round 3), safety Jalen Huskey (Round 3), and edge rusher Wesley Williams (Round 4).
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"Jacksonville rested most of its household names to open the preseason, allowing some defenders from the team's incoming draft class to see some much-needed game action. Defensive tackle Albert Regis (Round 3, No. 81 overall), safety Jalen Huskey (Round 3, No. 100) and defensive end Wesley Williams (Round 4, No. 119) were able to contribute to varying degrees. Regis delivered the highlight-reel play in the third quarter, shoving Saints offensive lineman Torricelli Simpkins III to the side to pursue Zach Wilson straight down the middle for a 14-yard sack. Huskey contributed three tackles and held pass-catchers to two receptions for nine yards on his three targets, while Williams contributed two QB pressures and a tackle. All in all, it was a useful day at the office for some Jacksonville youngsters."
Jaguars Top Defensive Rookies
Regis, Huskey, and Williams were the top three defensive rookies the Jaguars drafted this year. The team has big hopes for all three in the future, so it was great to see them all look solid in their debuts.
Regis, in particular, stood out with his sack of Zach Wilson. He is primarily known for his run-stopping ability. If he can unlock another level as a pass rusher, he could become one of the best value picks in the draft. Jacksonville's draft was heavily criticized for being full of "reaches," but if Regis develops into a capable pass rusher, he will make those who drafted him look like geniuses.
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Huskey is a terrific ballhawk who has shown an impressive knack for creating turnovers during his collegiate career. However, his lack of top-end speed can make him a liability in coverage at times. Only allowing two short completions and recording a nice PBU on the three plays he was targeted is an encouraging sign.
Many have wondered if the Jaguars will have enough of a pass rush this season behind star edge rushers Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker . Williams was the highest-profile addition Jacksonville made to its group of edge rushers this offseason, and the team is expecting him to make a big impact. He is off to a good start and should be able to earn a meaningful role as part of the team's edge rotation as a rookie, with the versatility to move inside in some situations.
Final Thoughts
Jacksonville has very high expectations this season. Their offseason has been ripped apart by critics for months, leading many to doubt whether the team will be able to build on last year's success
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If the Jaguars' rookie class can have a few players turn into immediate contributors, it will go a long way towards both silencing the critics and helping the club go on a long playoff run.
Saturday's preseason opener was an encouraging start for several of Jacksonville's rookies. If they can keep it up and continue improving as we get closer to the regular season, we may be seeing a lot of these rookies once the real games begin.
