As with any offseason, the Jaguars' outlook for the business season will bring some inevitable changes. Those transitions will lead to role adjustments for current members of the roster.
The Jaguars could rely heavily on some of their minor 2017 additions next season. After a year in the system, the young depth on the roster could be asked to take on more responsibility.
CB Jalen Myrick
How Acquired: Selected with the 222nd overall pick (seventh round) in the 2017 NFL Draft.
2017 Regular Season Snaps: 22 snaps on defense (2.13%), 67 snaps on special teams (13.81%)
2017 Regular Season Stats: Five games, one pass breakup, blocked an extra point
Thoughts: Myrick was a healthy scratch for 11 of the Jaguars' 16 games this past season. While he was rarely used, he did receive praise from the coaching staff. Myrick was asked to play 13 defensive snaps when fellow cornerback Jalen Ramsey was ejected from the team's Week 9 clash with the Cincinnati Bengals. He held his own while battling against the Bengals and produced a pass breakup during the blowout win over the Houston Texans in Week 10.
With starting nickel cornerback Aaron Colvin set to hit free agency this offseason, the Jaguars could look to use Myrick more on defense. The former seventh-round pick also has kick returner experience, so he could be used if Corey Grant assumes a larger role on offense or leaves as a restricted free agent.
S Jarrod Wilson
How Acquired: Signed as an undrafted free agent in 2016.
2017 Regular Season Snaps: 52 snaps on defense (5.02%), 269 snaps on special teams (55.46%)
2017 Regular Season Stats: 15 games, 11 tackles
Thoughts: Wilson has mostly been used on special teams since joining the Jaguars in 2016. He has also been used as a safety in red-zone defense. During the playoffs, he was asked to step up when starting free safety Tashaun Gipson injured his foot against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Wilson produced two notable pass breakups in the second half, helping the Jaguars hold on to a divisional-round win.
With fellow safety Peyton Thompson set to hit restricted free agency, Wilson could have even more opportunities next season. Wilson was used over Thompson on defense against the Steelers, but with the veteran potentially heading elsewhere, the third-year safety could take on more responsibility on special teams, as well. Jaguars head coach Doug Marrone said the team has a lot of confidence in Wilson, so perhaps he can forge a bigger role as a rotational safety on defense.
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TE James O'Shaughnessy
How Acquired: Claimed off waivers from the New England Patriots prior to Week 1 in 2017.
2017 Regular Season Snaps: 236 snaps on offense (21%), 318 snaps on special teams (65.57%)
2017 Regular Season Stats: 16 games (one start), 14 receptions for 149 yards and a touchdown
Thoughts: O'Shaughnessy arrived in Jacksonville without an offseason to get adjusted to the playbook. He was thrust into action on special teams and developed an inconsistent role on offense. Towards the end of the season and in the playoffs, O'Shaughnessy was targeted regularly.
With Marcedes Lewis and Ben Koyack taking on the bulk of the blocking duties, O'Shaughnessy could have the opportunity to stick out as a receiver next year. The Jaguars are likely to bring in added help at the position in free agency or the draft, but they could also move on from Lewis if they decide to invest heavily in the position. O'Shaughnessy could be a valuable role player in his second year with the Jaguars.
LB Blair Brown
How Acquired: Selected with the 148th overall pick (fifth round) in the 2017 NFL Draft.
2017 Regular Season Snaps: 48 snaps on defense (4.64%), 224 snaps on special teams (46.19%)
2017 Regular Season Stats: 13 games (two starts), 15 tackles, shared a sack with Paul Posluszny
Thoughts: Among the players on this list, Brown may have the best shot at extended playing time. He played well when asked to start in place of Telvin Smith and earned strong reviews during his time at strong-side linebacker. Brown could become the third starting linebacker if Posluszny is not re-signed in free agency.
Brown has shown enough versatility that he could probably line up at all three linebacker positions. He has stood out at times on special teams and seems poised for more work. If he can offer up a strong training camp, the Jaguars could push Brown to the forefront of the defense.
Follow Mike Kaye on Twitter: @Mike_E_Kaye.
