How the Preseason Has Helped Gregory Junior Play His Way Onto the Jaguars’ Roster

Over 20 cornerbacks were drafted before Gregory Junior made history in the 2022 NFL Draft. 

Fast forward a year since Junior became the first player from Ouachita Baptist to ever be drafted, though, and there surely aren't over 20 cornerbacks from his class who have shown what he has this preseason. 

A little known name in last year's draft, Junior was picked by the Jaguars with the No. 197 overall pick. He spent his rookie year under the radar, appearing in one game and playing 18 snaps for the Jaguars, otherwise spending the rest of the Jaguars' playoff run on the practice squad.

“I think the position that he came in last year, throughout all last year, he worked on the practice squad some and got elevated up," Jaguars defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell said at the start of training camp at the end of July. 

"You could see him, to me, it looked like his body changed from when he first got here to the end of the season. His body changed and the techniques he kept working on it and working on it, now it’s his opportunity to go out there and compete.”

The Jaguars knew they had a talented corner in Junior -- he just needed to develop. And so far in 2023, he has become the latest developmentmal success story of the Jaguars' fall.

“I think just seeing his maturity. I think you’re seeing a second year understanding the defense, the terminology," Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson said early on in training camp. 

"Those are the things I see with him and those second-year players having the understanding of even how we practice. That goes a long way.”

Second-year players are always expected to take a natural jump. For some, it doesn't happen until the real bullets fly. But Junior was a standout player throughout the entirety of training camp, fighting his way to second-team nickel reps and earning a potential spot in a competition with Tre Herndon for the starting role. 

"Me and Greg and the other young guys in the group talk a lot just about coming into your second year and being fortunate enough to have the same defense you did your rookie year allows the game to slow down for you tremendously," Jaguars cornerback Tyson Campbell said in early August. 

"He’s has been telling me it’s slowing down for him and he’s learning, he’s able to communicate with us better. You can just see how the game slowed down for him. I’m proud of him.”

Junior has so far been able to take his high performance from the practice field to the preseason, too. This is never a given among young players. Some shine in practice but struggle when the lights come on, even in the preseason. Junior has done anything but struggle, though.

Through two preseason games, Junior has arguably been the standout player of the defensive depth chart. He has recovered a fumble, forced a fumble, played well on special teams, and recorded an interception vs. the Detroit Lions on Saturday.

In short, Junior has met every challenge thrown his way. He has established himself as more than a developmental win -- he has established himself as a legit playmaker in the cornerback room.

 “Yeah, he’s really embraced his opportunity. He knew coming in here he was in a little bit of a battle at the nickel spot, and he’s done a nice job," Pederson said on Monday. 

"He did a nice job the other day in the game as well so, he just continues to improve. He’s got another big week coming up against Miami and I like where he’s at right now. He and Tre Herndon [CB Tre Herndon] have a nice thing going. Really, I like the fact that he’s really embraced his opportunity. That’s what young guys need to do and they need to see that. I’ve been really pleased with that.”