Is Jarrian Jones ready? Jaguars rookie's time is now with Tyson Campbell out

Ryan OLeary

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Is Jarrian Jones ready? Jaguars rookie's time is now with Tyson Campbell out image

The Jacksonville Jaguars lost top cornerback Tyson Campbell to another hamstring injury in their 20-17 loss to the Miami Dolphins in Week 1. Head coach Doug Pederson confirmed Monday that the team’s $76.5 million corner will “miss some time” after pulling up lame in the fourth quarter Sunday. 

Thin in the secondary, at least in terms of NFL experience, defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen and the Jaguars could be banking on rookie Jarrian Jones sooner than expected this season. 

Jones, Jacksonville’s third-round pick out of Florida State in the 2024 NFL Draft, made his pro debut against the Dolphins with 17 snaps. According to PFF, Jones was tested in coverage four times by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, allowing three receptions for 59 yards.

Jones saw the majority of his reps in the slot, but that could change with Campbell out. Former seventh-round pick Montaric Brown, who filled in as a boundary corner following Campbell’s exit Sunday, is the other option.

Now in his third season, Brown could get the start outside in the Week 2 home opener against the Cleveland Browns based on experience alone. But as the No. 96 overall pick, Jones’ time is coming after a dominant senior year with the Seminoles and a strong first pro training camp:

Is Jones ready to step in as a starter if Campbell does indeed miss an extended stretch of games?

“I’m ready for any moment that appears,” Jones said following Sunday’s loss, “whether it be a package or coming in for (Tyson), whatever it may be. I’m just ready for my moment, and I’ve prepared really well.”

Fellow rookie corner Deantre Prince dressed for the Jaguars Sunday but did not play a snap. The team will either have to make a move now to address its lean secondary depth, or hope a rising talent like Jones can catch on quickly. 

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Ryan OLeary

Ryan OLeary Photo

Ryan O'Leary has spent his entire professional career in sports multimedia, working as journalist, editor, podcaster, and in live events as a content manager and show emcee. His career highlights include working as a podcast host and audio editor for USA TODAY Sports Media Group, where he led a series of NFL podcasts for the company’s top-performing NFL sites. A born and raised New Englander, Ryan’s career kicked-off in newspapers after graduating from the University of New Hampshire with a degree in journalism. He developed an affinity for small-town youth, high school and college sports, while also realizing his childhood dream of covering the Patriots in multiple AFC Championship Games. Ryan enjoys kicking it with family and friends, beating his dad and brother in chess, and arguing with anyone crazy enough to insist that Tom Brady isn’t the GOAT.