Jags’ Duvernay may benefit from new rule
Return specialist has the ability to make big plays
With the NFL adopting a new hybrid kickoff rule for the 2024 season, implementing the XFL/USFL model, it wouldn't be surprising if the Jaguars are among a small group of teams taking advantage of the radical change.
Since kicks will generally land between the goal line and 20-yard line (balls kicked out of the end zone automatically go to the 30-yard line, along with fair catches in the end zone), it is expected more than 80 percent of kickoffs will be returned, compared to less than 22 percent last year.
The new rule, where 10 defenders line up at the opposing team's 40-yard-line and nine blockers are between the 30 and 35, gives kickoff teams a much greater chance to impact the game. Defenders outside of the kicker are prohibited from moving until the ball is touched or hits the ground.
As New Orleans Saints special teams coordinator put it: “We feel like we've revived a dying play.”
For Jaguars' special teams coordinator Heath Farwell, that should be good news
Darren Rizzi
because Jacksonville's personnel in the kick return game could give them an edge in that department.
Last year, the Jaguars were 11th in the league with a 23.7-yard kick return average, thanks mostly to the exploits of
Jamal
Agnew,
who finished with a 26.1-yard average. They finished in the bottom five in kickoff coverage at 25.4 yards, a number elevated by allowing an 85-yard kickoff TD return by Houston Texans fullback
While Agnew is now a free agent, the signing of Baltimore Ravens return specialist 26, in free agency should offset that loss because of his home-run ability.
Since Duvernay came into the NFL in 2020, he's one of only four players – along with
and at least two kick return TDs.
It's too early to know how the NFL will adjust to the new kickoff rule, but it should help the Jaguars that they retained some key special-teams core players like and
Despite the Jaguars having only two kick return TDs in the past 15 years (Agnew in 2021 against the Denver Broncos,
against the Houston Texans in 2016), the amended kickoff alignment will create more opportunities to gain ideal field position.
Devin Duvernay,
Kene Nurangwu, Cordarrelle Patterson Nyheim Hines
Daniel Thomas, Caleb Johnson D’Ernest Johnson.
Marqise Lee
Andrew Beck.
– who has
In 36 games with the Jaguars, including the playoffs, Oluokun has accounted for 384 tackles (251 solos), 21 quarterback hits, 20 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, 11 pass breakups, one interception and a touchdown.
A highly productive player, Oluokun led the league in both total and solo tackles in 2022 with the Jaguars, accounting for 184 total tackles with 128 solos. In 2023, Oluokun led the league in solo tackles with 111.
Oluokun has been a captain for the team since signing in 2022 and likely will hold the title moving forward. With Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson emphasizing leadership with his players at the Annual Meetings earlier this week, it underscored the importance of retaining Oluokun beyond this season.
The Jaguars were set to enter 2024 with several players on a one-year deal, including Oluokun. Now, the team will retain one of its most productive players for years to come, while giving the team more space to work with on other deals, including one to extend outside linebacker Josh Allen and quarterback Trevor Lawrence.