2013 Jacksonville Jaguars training camp preview: Cornerbacks

The Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback position looks completely different entering training camp than it did to end the 2012 season. There's only two returning players at the cornerback position in Mike Harris and Kevin Rutland, with all but two of the new players being rookies.

The Players

Alan Ball
Ht 6-2 Wt: 197
Age: 28 Exp: 6
Start of Camp Status: Starting corner

Ball was brought in during the 2013 free agency period behind the idea he'd be competing for one of the Jaguars starting cornerback positions. Ball's had an up and down NFL career so far playing corner, safety, and nickel corner in his past stops. There's some thought his best fit is playing press corner, so he'll get a shot at starting for a team re-shaping their secondary.

Camp Outlook: Right now Ball enters training camp as one of the Jaguars starting corners, but that's not set in stone. If two of the rookie corners impress, he could be a backup.

Dwayne Gratz
Ht 5-11 Wt: 201
Age: 23 Exp: R
Start of Camp Status: Starting corner

The Jaguars selected Gratz at the top of the third round, to the surprise of a lot of draft gurus, being that he was drafted before his more highly rated Connecticut teammate. Gratz reportedly impressed the Jaguars with his athleticism and physicality, so the team feel he fits what they want at the cornerback position.

Camp Outlook: Gratz enters training camp as one of the teams starting cornerbacks and barring a massive meltdown in the preseason should enter the season as a starter.

Mike Harris
Ht 5-10 Wt: 188
Age: 24 Exp: 2
Start of Camp Status: No. 1 inside corner

The Jaguars drafted Mike Harris out of Florida State in the sixth round of the 2012 NFL Draft and he was pressed into action early due to injuries at the position, but he played well in 2012. Harris filled in as the nickel corner and even played some outside, showing enough ability to lead fans to think he can be a longterm fixture on the inside.

Camp Outlook: Harris enters training camp competing for the No. 1 nickel corner spot, but he'll have to fight off wily veteran Marcus Trufant to hold it out.

Jeremy Harris
Ht 6-2 Wt: 185
Age: 22 Exp: R
Start of Camp Status: Backup, outside corner

Harris was one of the corners the Jaguars double-dipped with in the seventh-round of the 2013 NFL Draft. Not much was known about him before the draft, but his former college head coach is the Jaguars defensive backs coach.

Camp Outlook: Harris will be competing for a spot on the outside corner depth chart and is likely a longer-term project. He's big and lean with long arms, but also has experience in press coverage.

Demetrius McCray
Ht 6-0 Wt: 185
Age: 22 Exp: R
Start of Camp Status: Backup, outside corner

Like Harris, McCray was the other corner the Jaguars drafted in the seventh-round of the 2013 NFL Draft. He's an aggressive corner who has some experience in man coverage, but like Harris is also more of a longer-term project at the position.

Camp Outlook: McCray is likely to be competing for a backup and special teams role. Both Harris and McCray can earn a starting role if they have fantastic camps, but that's a longshot.

Kevin Rutland
Ht 6-0 Wt: 193
Age: 25 Exp: 3
Start of Camp Status: Backup

Rutland has been off and on with the Jaguars since he was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2011. He has played in a total of 27 games the past two seasons, starting five games, but might have a tough time making the roster this season.

Camp Outlook: Rutland enters camp fighting for a roster spot with a bunch of other young corners.

Lionel Smith
Ht 5-11 Wt: 184
Age: 25 Exp: 1
Start of Camp Status: Backup

The Jaguars signed Lionel Smith recently, but after joining the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2012, he's spent time with both the Cowboys and on the Lions practice squad in 2012.

Camp Outlook: More than likely Smith enters training camp as another body, fighting for a spot on the final 53-man roster or practice squad.

Marcus Trufant
Ht 5-11 Wt: 197
Age: 32 Exp: 11
Start of Camp Status: Backup, inside corner

The Jaguars picked up veteran corner Marcus Trufant before OTA practices began, reuniting him with his former defensive coordinator in Gus Bradley. Trufant brings some leadership to a young secondary, as well as a good understanding of the defensive scheme and what is to be expected from the position.

Camp Outlook: Trufant's final roster position is tenuous entering camp, but if he can show he still has the ability to play on the inside should make the roster.

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