Injuries are an inherent part of football. Teams cannot prevent them, but they can be prepared for them. And in the case of the Jacksonville Jaguars, third-year cornerback Christian Braswell will get extra work in light of Tyson Campbell's absence.
Campbell didn't suit up for the practice after the preseason 31-25 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. John Shipley of Sports Illustrated reported that Braswell filled in for him, and head coach Liam Coen said that the 2023 sixth-round pick will have a chance to make an impression.
What did Jaguars HC Liam Coen said about Christian Braswell?
Liam Coen met with the local media and praised Braswell but also noted that he'll need to keep taking advantage of his opportunities.
"Bras has done everything we've asked him from the beginning. He works his tail off. You know? He's quick twitch, he's strong. He filled the run nicely the other night," Coen said when asked what he's seen in Braswell (6:04 mark). "You know, I think he has an opportunity to continue to take advantage of those ops. And he's a smart player. He understands, maybe where strengths and weaknesses are, and needs to continue to do good things on special teams as well, then continue to try to make this team."
Later the same day, special teams coach Heath Farwell also talked to the press corps and said that Braswell has stood out in that phase of the game.
"All these guys have done really well. Braswell, I thought he did a good job at corner. He had some gunner reps, I mean, he's done a good job. Obviously, with the opportunity to take advantage of, but he's done that since he's been here, he's done a good job. And when I saw him this morning, I told him how well he played. So he's done well," Farwell said (17:04 mark).
On the other hand, Farwell pointed out that Braswell and other players are facing stiff competition to earn a roster spot.
"But there's a bunch of guys, Daniel [Thomas] did really well. Jack Kiser has done a good job. So we've got good young players that are mixing with our veteran players that are competing for a tough roster to make."
Farwell isn't wrong, as special teams was a bright spot for the Jaguars last year, and they currently have several enticing options, whether it's veterans such as Andrew Winard and Daniel Thomas, or rookies such as Danny Striggow or Rayuan Lane.
Circling back to Braswell, he played 30 defensive snaps and gave up one reception on two targets for six yards. As Farwell noted, he also logged playing time on special teams.
Related:Winners and losers from the Jags game vs. the Steelers in Week 1 of the preseason
What does Christian Braswell must do to stay with the Jaguars in 2025?
A sixth-round pick in the 2023 draft, Christian Braswell made the Jaguars 53-man roster as a rookie and ended up suiting up for three games. Despite showing progress last year, he didn't make the cut and instead landed in the practice squad. Still, the former Rutgers Scarlet Knight was elevated to the active roster and ended up playing in three games.
In light of injuries to fellow cornerbacks Montari Brown and Tyson Campbell, Braswell has a chance to make an impression and earn the fifth roster spot. Both Campbell and Brown are virtually locks to make the team. Ditto Jarrian Jones and Jourdan Lewis. Travis Hunter is also in the mix, but he'll only take one slot, so he could be grouped with the receivers.
Based on his coaches' remarks, Christian Braswell is trending in the right direction but can't stop taking advantage of his chances if he wants to make the initial 53-man roster in 2025.
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