Jaguars Then & Now: Rookie CB Seasons

Beasley, Bryant, Mathis and Cox (pictured left to right)

Derek Cox has struggled at times this season and is thought by some as the weak point in the secondary. However, the skill set is there and the expectation for growth is evident from the fans, as most believe Cox will be an excellent cornerback in the NFL. Derek has started 11 of his first 11 career games in the NFL, a huge accomplishment in its self and he looks to have a bright future ahead of him.

But how does his rookie season compare to those of Jaguars who established themselves as accomplished CBs for the Jaguars franchise? Aaron Beasley was a 3rd round selection out of West Virginia by the Jaguars in the 1996 draft and went on to play 6 seasons for the team before leaving to the Jets in 2002. Fernando Bryant was a 1st round selection in the 1999 draft from Alabama and played 5 years for the franchise before departing for Detroit in 2004. Rashean Mathis was a 2nd round selection in the 2003 draft out of Bethune Cookman and has played for Jacksonville the last 7 years. How does Derek Cox's first 11 games compare to the first 11 games of the franchise's best cornerbacks?

Playing Time:

A decent indicator of a rookie's ability is how often the coaches allow them to play. Obviously there are several factors that could influence a player's playing time that don't involve ability, but as a general rule. A rookie who starts a majority of games in a season has proven to the coaches that he is a better player than the veterans who are competing for the spot. 

Beasley: Aaron joined the Jaguars as an All-American in college, but didn't get to see the field until Week 8 of the 1996 season as he backed up veteran Dave Thomas. Beasley's strong play in Week 8 and 9 earned him a starting spot after the Week 10 bye and he started opposite Mickey Washington for the Jaguars in the final 7 games of the season and into the playoffs. 

Bryant: Fernando was a 1st round draft pick by the Jaguars and usually that means the player is forced into action much more so than a mid round draft pick. Bryant started Week 1 of the season opposite veteran Aaron Beasley and remained as the starting left cornerback for the entire season racking up impressive stats for a rookie. The two created a tandem that assisted the Jaguars in becoming the 3rd ranked pass defense.

Mathis: Rashean was instantly an impact player for the Jaguars in his first season and was experimented with as kick returner, punt returner, free safety and eventually found his home at cornerback. Jack Del Rio even started the rookie at free safety for 6 games in the season. Through the season Mathis started all 16 games, 6 at free safety and 10 at corner opposite Fernando Bryant.

Cox: Derek was a huge risk by the Gene Smith-run front office when the team traded away a 2nd round selection in 2010 for an additional selection in the 3rd round of 2009 to select Cox with. The magnifying glass was instantly upon the rookie and he earned a starting spot on the team opposite Rashean Mathis. Through the first 11 games of his rookie season, Derek has started all 11.

Tackles:

Tackles can be a deceiving stat for secondary players because often if a cornerback or safety is loading up on tackles, it's very possible that this is due to poor coverage and their man getting open or that other teams are targetting their receiver. However, a high amount of tackles may also indicate that they have the ability to play the run defensively and also make the tackles in the secondary. We've all seen Reggie Nelson show the importance of that.

Beasley: Aaron finished 1996 with 20 tackles and 9 assisted tackles. Through 9 games that's a 2.22 solo tackle and 1 tackle assist per game average.

Bryant: Fernando finished 1999 with 68 tackles and 38 assisted tackles. Through 16 games that's a 4.25 solo tackle and 2.38 tackle assist per game average.

Mathis: Rashean finished 2003 with 71 tackles and 10 assisted tackles. Through 16 games that's a 4.44 solo tackle and 0.63 tackle assist per game average.

Cox: Derek has 41 tackles and 9 assisted tackles so far in 2009. Through 11 games that's a 3.73 solo tackle and 0.82 tackle assist per game average.

I found it interesting and noteworthy that both Rashean Mathis and Fernando Bryant had their career highs in single season tackling during their rookie campaigns.

Interceptions:

The obvious glamour statistic for any player in the secondary is the interception count. If a player manages to rack up enough interceptions in a season, they are put in the pro bowl, it's as simple as that. 

Beasley: Aaron recorded his first career interception in week 14 of the '96 season against the Bengals and finished the season with only one interception. Although in the playoffs he recorded one more during the AFC championship against the Patriots.

Bryant: Fernando recorded his first career interception in week 2 of the '99 season against the Panthers and finished the season with two interceptions. During the playoffs he recorded an additional interception during the AFC championship against the Titans.

Mathis: Rashean recorded his first career interception in week 1 of the '03 season against the Panthers and finished the season with two interceptions. The Jaguars did not make the playoffs that year.

Cox: Derek recorded his first career interception in week 1 of the '09 season against the Colts and recorded another interception against Tennessee week 4. Through the first 11 weeks, Derek has 2 interceptions. 

Summary:

I find it interesting that the careers of these cornerbacks all overlap. Bryant was drafted and played opposite Beasley before eventually taking over his spot as the #1 corner for Jacksonville. Then Mathis was drafted and played opposite Bryant before eventually taking over his spot as the #1 corner for Jacksonville. It would appear that Derek Cox is in line to follow in this cycle. The similarities are there and the stats seem to indicate that the Jaguars have a future star cornerback in Derek Cox.