Jaguars rookie stock report: Preseason Week 1

We just got our first in-game look at the Jacksonville Jaguars’ 2024 rookie class and there were a lot of positives to take away from their performances. It’s a small sample size and you don’t want to overreact, but at the same time, you only get one chance to make a first impression.

Let’s break down whose stock is trending up, down or staying steady as we head into this weekend's preseason Week 2 showdown against the visiting Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Stock Trending Up

Brian Thomas Jr., WR

Thomas Jr. caught just one ball on two targets in Saturday night’s victory over KC but that’s all it took for Jags fans to be thrilled with the potential of what BTJ can be in this offense.

Late in the first quarter, Thomas was sent on a go route on 3rd-and-1 and C.J. Beathard let it fly in his direction without hesitation. The first-rounder out of LSU made an incredible play as he fought through contact with the DB down the sideline and came up with a very difficult catch 41 yards down the field which helped set up a field goal.

The Jags’ coaching staff felt that was probably all they needed to see from the talented young wide receiver as he was pulled shortly after. If he can consistently make those types of catches for Trevor Lawrence and this offense, the sky is the limit for Thomas Jr.'s stock in 2024.

Jarrian Jones, CB

The Jags’ third-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft led all defensive players in snaps against the Chiefs with 30. He showed off a lot of what made him such an intriguing player as he showed a willingness to get dirty in the run game, showed good speed when coming downhill, and nearly came away with an interception late in the game after a batted ball.

Jones is set to play a significant role in this Jacksonville secondary during his rookie year. All signs point to his stock meter continuing on this upward trajectory throughout the preseason.

Cam Little, K

I don’t think it’s hyperbole to say that Cam Little might be the best rookie kicker the Jaguars have ever had. The sixth-round pick out of Arkansas has been nuking kicks for weeks and went 3-4 against the Chiefs in his first action, with his only miss coming from 62 yards out (it would have been good from 70 if it was on line).

It’s too early to make any definitive statements but the Jaguars’ lengthy kicking woes may end in 2024. Stock is way up for the young kicker.

Myles Cole, DE

While the previous names all have a certain level of expectations in 2024, the Jags’ last pick of this past draft cycle, Myles Cole, has been thought of as purely a developmental player who could contribute in time.

Don’t tell Myles Cole that because the 6-foot-6, near 280-pounder out of Texas Tech turned in an excellent performance against the Chiefs on Saturday. In just 18 snaps, Cole was credited with a pressure and tallied a half sack while showing great closing speed. He was a space-filler in the run game as well.

If he keeps this level of play up, Cole may see some action sooner than anybody expected in Jacksonville.

Stock Steady

Maason Smith, DT

Although he played just 21 snaps, Maason Smith showed power and control in his first action with the Jags. Not just that, but Smith had the benefit of getting some play with the ones which is only going to help with his learning curve as he transitions to NFL play.

That said, Smith didn’t register anything in the box score outside of a lone pressure so we can’t move that stock meter up just yet. However, something tells me we’ll see him with that first group after Saturday night.

Javon Foster, OT/OG

Javon Foster’s first performance in a Jags uniform had its ups and downs but overall he had a nice outing against Kansas City. The fourth-rounder out of Missouri played 28 snaps on the evening where he lined up at his usual left tackle spot. He had some nice wins and showed off his experience and length, but he also had a few moments where he was overpowered in the run game. While the stock meter is sitting steady for now, Foster should only get better and better as the weeks pass.

(Watch #62 at LT. Foster stuffs former first-round pick Felix Anudike-Uzomah)

Deantre Prince, CB

Like Foster, Deantre Prince showed flashes in his 25 snaps, particularly in the run game, but he also did allow receivers to get the best of him a few times, including a tremendous catch from Justyn Ross that he snagged directly on top of Prince’s head.

Nonetheless, cornerback is arguably the hardest position in the game so there will be an adjustment period for Prince to get used to the speed and physicality of receivers at the NFL level. I look forward to seeing his progress for the rest of the preseason.

Stock Down

Jordan Jefferson, DT/NT

I believe it was the great Bill Parcels that once said “Availability is the best ability” which is precisely why Jordan Jefferson has to be on the stock down list for now. A fourth-round pick out of LSU, Jefferson has been expected to be in the mix for a legit role on the interior of the defensive line in 2024, but his absence has opened the door for some potential competition this preseason.

2023 draftee Tyler Lacy and newly signed Jonathan Marshall made some nice plays at nose tackle against Kansas City and are fighting for a roster spot in this crowded interior defensive line room.

While Jefferson has since returned to practice and is set to make his preseason debut on Saturday night, he could stand to put some good moments on tape to stay in the mix for meaningful snaps during his rookie campaign.

Keilan Robinson, RB/KR

The same thing we discussed with Jefferson can be doubly applied to Keilan Robinson, who has not even been in pads due to a lingering toe issue. While injuries happen and it doesn’t seem serious, Robinson’s absence could result in losing an inside track to a rookie role.

Both Parker Washington and Tank Bigsby popped off big returns on kickoffs against the Chiefs, and UDFA running back Jalen Jackson continues to stack impressive days as he fights to potentially win a spot on the final 53. If Robinson doesn’t get back on the field soon, it’s not out of the realm of possibility that the fifth-rounder finds himself looking at a potential practice squad designation as a rookie.