JUST ABOUT 5 MINUTES AGO: This Jaguars Position Group Expected to Make Biggest Leap

It’s not the star-studded young wide receivers or the deep offensive backfield. Don’t be surprised if Jacksonville’s defensive secondary becomes the primary catalyst for a Jaguars turnaround.

That’s according to On SI beat reporterJohn Shipley, who said Tuesday that after watching the team through its organized team activities and mandatory minicamp this spring, the defensive backs are prepared for a big leap.

“Obviously, they added Travis Hunter,” Shipley said Tuesday on 1010 XL 92.5 FM, “they added Jourdan Lewis, they added Eric Murray. But I think even just the change in scheme is going to do wonders for the secondary.

“I think the scheme they ran last year where you’re just pressing the man at the line of scrimmage every single play, your eyes are never really on the quarterback and on the ball. I just think it didn’t lead to many playmaking opportunities.”

Indeed, the Jaguars in 2024 ranked last among 32 NFL teams with only five forced fumbles, tied for last in fumble recoveries (two), 30th in interceptions (six) and 28th in sacks (34). They also ranked last in passing yards allowed per game (257.4).

coach in 2024 helped the Green Bay defense finish fifth in yards allowed and sixth in points. Before that, he coached under Brian Flores, Vic Fangio and Jim Harbaugh.

“This scheme’s going to be a lot more off-man coverage,” Shipley explained, “a lot more zone coverage where they’re off the ball and they’re able to just read the quarterback, read the route combinations and then be instinctive playmakers.”