On one hand, the Jacksonville Jaguars couldn’t have asked for a better position heading into the new season after their 2018 performance. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence recently signed a record-breaking $275-million, five-year contract extension. With $200 million guaranteed, he sits atop the list of players most watched. Lawrence is set for financial security, but his development is still key. He’s fought through six limitations over the last two years, concussing twice in 11 months.
To complement Lawrence, the Jaguars have been extremely active in their efforts to improve a 4-7 roster. They selected two guards, Ezra Cleveland and Wyatt Milum, immediately improving their offensive line. Cleveland has already flashed promise, ranking eighth among guards in run block win rate a year ago. Milum had earned 43 career starts at left tackle for West Virginia. Somehow, he never surrendered a sack over his last two years there, and today, he’s in the mix for the left guard spot. New head coach Liam Coen aims to enhance the interior line to provide Lawrence with the confidence he needs to make plays.
Strengthening the Offensive Line
The Jaguars’ dedication to turning their offensive line around is apparent with the new players they’ve brought in. Trevor Lawrence’s five-year extension signifies the franchise’s investment in his potential. The team is aware that his success will be largely dependent on a good offensive line.
It was likely telling that Ezra Cleveland’s three-year, $24 million tender showed just how much the Vikings value him. The former third rounder delivered a strong 74.5% run block win rate a year ago, good for eighth among his positional counterparts. His pass block win rate of just 92.7% put him much lower on the list, showing a need for improvement in specific areas.
Once viewed as a strength, the Jaguars had hoped to increase competition and deepen their offensive line. They answered with the third-round selection of Wyatt Milum. Milum’s standout college performance has put Milum-Cleveland battle in contention for starting left guard spot.
“When Anton wants to go, [it’s] just consistently doing it on a day-in, day-out basis.” – Liam Coen
Coen seems intent on continuing to improve the interior offensive line. This dedication means that Lawrence will always have a supportive home in which to prosper. By encouraging competition by literally breaking up the ranks he hopes to build a more explosive offensive unit.
Optimizing Offensive Strategies
The Jaguars are not only focused on bolstering their offensive line but on optimizing their offensive strategies to maximize player effectiveness. No. 1 priority in Coen’s offense is getting running back Travis Etienne Jr. going this season. Known for his ability to make plays in space, Etienne’s performance will be crucial for Jacksonville’s success.
Throughout the spring, Coen’s offense highlighted a knack for putting Etienne in positions to be successful. His carries outside the tackles dipped from 25.4% in 2022 to 21.3% in 2024. This change is just that—a strategic shift to use his skills better.
“He’s been getting me a lot in space.” – Travis Etienne Jr
Etienne understands that meetering talent together is a big aspect of keeping the competition healthy on the team. His attitude encapsulates the idea that the best players are created through strong competition.
“I feel like we didn’t get here [the NFL] by not welcoming competition,” – Etienne
He claims that rolling up your sleeves and working hard will produce positive results come a long season.
“If I do everything I can before the season, the season’s going to take care of itself.” – Etienne
Now, heading into his second season, Etienne wants to refine his skill set and become more familiar with Coen’s offensive mindset.
Defensive Improvements Under New Leadership
The Jaguars have created a makeover defense. Under first-year defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile, they’ve turned a new leaf. His philosophy puts the focus on zone coverage schemes with the goal of frustrating opposing offenses, while playing to the strengths of players on hand.
The signing of nickel back Jourdan Lewis in free agency bolsters the depth and experience of the secondary – especially their versatility. Meanwhile, Montaric Brown’s performance last season, where he started ten games outside, indicates his potential as a reliable starter moving forward. Brown has spent a lot of time working individually with the starters this spring.
The Jaguars’ defense is going to have a lot of weight on their shoulders to carry the offense through the season. With so many new faces and a new, different approach, developing chemistry and execution will be the key in determining how successful their 2023 campaign will be.
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