Jacksonville Jaguars 2024 Season Outlook 🐆
- Head Coach: Liam Coen (first season)
- PFF Projected Win Total: 7.9
- 2024 Record: 4-13 (third in AFC South)
Strength: Wide Receivers 💪
The Jacksonville Jaguars are on track to form one of the most dynamic wide receiver duos in the league with rookie Brian Thomas Jr. and first-round draft pick Travis Hunter. Last season, Thomas posted an impressive 83.4 PFF receiving grade, ranking among the top 20 in the NFL. Meanwhile, Hunter achieved an outstanding 89.0 PFF receiving grade, placing him seventh in the FBS, all while contributing nearly 800 snaps on defense.
With Trevor Lawrence leading the charge, the potential for explosive plays increases significantly, provided he has solid protection and remains in good health. The combination of these two talented receivers offers a plethora of options that could lead the Jaguars to great heights.
Weakness: Secondary 🚨
Despite the promise of their receiving corps, the Jaguars face challenges in their secondary, highlighting a critical area for improvement. Last season, Jacksonville ranked 26th in PFF coverage grade, with a particularly glaring deficiency at the safety position, which finished last in the league.
Rookie Travis Hunter may need to step up and provide valuable support on defense. The lineup, consisting of Hunter, Tyson Campbell, Jourdan Lewis, and Jarrian Jones, shows potential for strengthening the cornerback position. However, the safety situation remains a significant concern as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Quarterback Spotlight: Trevor Lawrence 🎯
- 2024 PFF Grade: 76.8
- Key Stat: 9.9-yard average depth of target (second highest in NFL)
During his previous season, Trevor Lawrence experienced some missteps in his passing performance, recording a career-high 9.9-yard average depth of target while simultaneously experiencing a career-low 70% adjusted completion rate. With new head coach Liam Coen at the helm, who previously guided Baker Mayfield to success in Tampa Bay, there is hope that Lawrence can rediscover his form and elevate his game.
Offensive Player to Watch: WR Brian Thomas Jr. 🌟
In a rookie class filled with talent, Brian Thomas Jr. made significant waves, garnering a PFF receiving grade of 83.4, placing him 19th among qualified wide receivers and third among fellow rookies. One of the more exciting revelations was his ability to gain yards after the catch—finishing with the fourth-most in the league. This capability adds a dimension of versatility to his game and keeps defenders guessing.
Defensive Player to Watch: EDGE Josh Hines-Allen 🔥
Josh Hines-Allen once again stood out as the Jaguars’ top-performing player in 2024. With an impressive 83.4 PFF pass-rush grade, he ranked 11th among qualified edge defenders. Hines-Allen's 63 regular-season pressures tied him for the 10th highest in the category. Over the past three seasons, he has consistently ranked within the top tier of edge defenders, striking fear into opposing quarterbacks, especially during key passing situations.
Rookie to Watch: WR/CB Travis Hunter 👀
The Jaguars made a bold move to draft Travis Hunter with the second overall pick, a choice expected to pay dividends on both sides of the ball. Hunter excelled during his collegiate career, securing a seventh-place finish among wide receivers and a third-place finish in coverage grades among cornerbacks in the FBS. His extraordinary athleticism sets him apart, making him a compelling player to watch as he seeks to carve out a unique role in the NFL.
Fantasy Spotlight: QB Trevor Lawrence 💻
Trevor Lawrence has had a rollercoaster journey as a fantasy quarterback over the last four seasons. Although he reached impressive heights in 2022 with 25 passing touchdowns and five rushing ones, his performance has been inconsistent, affected by injuries and fluctuating level of play. Nevertheless, Lawrence has showcased his big-play ability, averaging 1.8 “big-time throws” per game over the last two seasons.
Going into 2025, with Coen’s system potentially revitalizing his performance, the addition of talents like Brian Thomas Jr. and Travis Hunter could give Lawrence the edge he needs. He stands out as a high-upside second option in both traditional and superflex fantasy leagues.
Best Bet: WR Travis Hunter — Over 725.5 Receiving Yards (-110) 📈
While Hunter is a versatile two-way player, expectations lean towards his offensive usage as his NFL career begins. Lining up opposite Brian Thomas Jr. creates opportunities for Hunter, allowing him to exploit defenses. With 28 receptions of 15+ yards in 2024 alone, his ability to stretch the field can lead to impressive yardage totals.
Bottom Line 🔍
Under the strategic guidance of coach Liam Coen, the Jaguars aim for a resurgence with a healthy Trevor Lawrence and the addition of Travis Hunter. However, any leap into contention within the AFC South necessitates significant improvements in both the offensive line and secondary. The upcoming season promises excitement for fans, but they’ll be eagerly watching how the team addresses its weaknesses.