Christian Braswell Competes for Corner Spot with Jacksonville Jaguars

In the NFL, cornerback depth is a make-or-break factor for defenses tasked with stopping high-powered passing attacks—especially in the AFC South, where the Jacksonville Jaguars face quarterbacks like C.J. Stroud and Gardner Minshew twice a season. At the heart of the Jaguars’ 2024 cornerback competition is Christian Braswell, a second-year player who spent his rookie season learning the ropes on the practice squad and special teams, now vying for a rotational role in the secondary. Christian Braswell Competes for Corner Spot with Jacksonville Jaguars is more than a preseason battle; it’s a test of Braswell’s growth from a college standout at Rutgers to an NFL-ready defender, as well as the Jaguars’ ability to build depth behind starters Tyson Campbell and Darious Williams. After struggling with cornerback injuries in 2023—when they were forced to start undrafted rookies in four games—the Jaguars can’t afford thinness at the position this year, making Braswell’s performance in training camp and preseason critical to their defensive success.

Christian Braswell Competes for Corner Spot with Jacksonville Jaguars is defined by Braswell’s physical style and coverage versatility, traits that align perfectly with the Jaguars’ defensive scheme. At 6’0” and 195 pounds, Braswell has the size to match up with larger wide receivers and the speed (4.45 40-yard dash) to keep up with deep threats—two attributes that caught the Jaguars’ eye during the 2023 draft process. In college, he was a shutdown corner for Rutgers, recording 10 pass breakups and 3 interceptions in his final season, and he’s brought that playmaking ability to the NFL preseason. Through three 2024 preseason games, Braswell has tallied 9 tackles, 3 pass breakups, and 1 interception—including a crucial pick in the end zone to halt a Miami Dolphins drive in Week 2. Jaguars cornerbacks coach Tim Walton has praised Braswell’s competitiveness, noting, “Christian doesn’t back down from anyone. Whether he’s covering a rookie receiver or a veteran like Tyreek Hill in practice, he plays with the same intensity. That’s the mindset we need from our backups.” Braswell’s ability to play both outside corner and nickelback—lining up in the slot against quick slot receivers—also makes him a valuable asset, as the Jaguars often shift their secondary based on opponents’ formations.

Christian Braswell Competes for Corner Spot with Jacksonville Jaguars also highlights the Jaguars’ strategy of using special teams as a stepping stone to defensive playing time—a path that’s worked for other young players on the roster. Braswell excelled on special teams as a rookie, contributing to kickoff coverage and punt return units, and he’s continued that production in 2024. In preseason, he’s recorded 2 special teams tackles and even forced a fumble on a kickoff return against the Atlanta Falcons, showing a knack for making impact plays beyond defense. For NFL teams, special teams production is often the deciding factor for backup defensive backs, as it ensures a player can contribute even if they don’t see significant snaps on defense. Jaguars special teams coordinator Brian Schneider has emphasized Braswell’s work ethic, saying, “Christian stays late to practice special teams drills, and he’s always asking questions about how to improve. He understands that special teams is his ticket to staying on the roster—and eventually getting more defensive reps.” This focus on special teams not only boosts Braswell’s chances of making the 53-man roster but also gives the Jaguars a reliable contributor in a phase of the game that’s decided multiple close contests in recent seasons.

Christian Braswell Competes for Corner Spot with Jacksonville Jaguars has already made a positive impact on the Jacksonville Jaguars’ secondary depth in training camp, pushing both starters and fellow backups to raise their game. With Braswell making plays like intercepting backup quarterback Nathan Rourke or breaking up passes intended for wide receiver Calvin Ridley in practice, starters Campbell and Williams have had to sharpen their own skills to maintain their edge. This competition has made the entire cornerback group more consistent, with Walton noting that “practice reps are more competitive now—everyone is fighting to make plays, and that’s making us a better unit.” The Jacksonville Jaguars’ defense has also benefited from Braswell’s role on the scout team, where he mimics the playstyles of divisional rivals like the Houston Texans’ Nico Collins or the Indianapolis Colts’ Michael Pittman Jr. By emulating these receivers’ route-running and speed, Braswell helps the Jaguars’ starting secondary prepare for game days, ensuring they’re ready to face the AFC South’s top pass-catchers. Beyond pushing teammates, Braswell’s presence gives the Jaguars a safety net if Campbell or Williams gets injured—a scenario that derailed their secondary in 2023. For a team aiming to win the division, this depth isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity.

Christian Braswell Competes for Corner Spot with Jacksonville Jaguars also underscores the mentorship Braswell has received from veteran cornerbacks, which has accelerated his development. Williams, a 10-year NFL veteran, has taken Braswell under his wing, sharing tips on how to read quarterbacks’ eyes and adjust to different route trees. Campbell, entering his fourth season, has helped Braswell refine his technique in press coverage—teaching him how to use his hands to disrupt receivers at the line of scrimmage without drawing penalties. “Darious and Tyson have been great teachers,” Braswell said in a recent interview. “They don’t just tell me what to do—they show me film of their own mistakes and how they fixed them. That’s helped me avoid the same pitfalls as a young player.” The Jacksonville Jaguars’ locker room culture, which prioritizes teamwork over individual success, has played a key role in Braswell’s growth. Unlike some NFL teams where veterans view young backups as threats, the Jaguars’ cornerbacks have embraced Braswell, recognizing that his success strengthens the entire secondary. This mentorship has not only improved Braswell’s on-field performance but also boosted his confidence, making him more comfortable stepping into defensive roles during preseason games.

Christian Braswell Competes for Corner Spot with Jacksonville Jaguars concludes with the long-term implications of Braswell’s competition, both for his career and the Jaguars’ secondary. If Braswell makes the 53-man roster, he’ll likely start as a special teams standout and rotational cornerback, but his potential to grow into a larger role is clear. At 24 years old, he has room to refine his coverage skills—especially in zone defense—and reduce penalties (he’s drawn just 1 pass-interference flag in preseason, down from 3 as a rookie), which could help him challenge for a starting spot in the future. For the Jaguars, Braswell represents the value of patience in developing young talent; instead of cutting him after his rookie season, they’ve given him time to learn the scheme and adapt to the NFL’s speed, a strategy that’s paying off. Christian Braswell Competes for Corner Spot with Jacksonville Jaguars is more than a story about a backup cornerback; it’s a story about how hard work, versatility, and a willingness to learn can turn a practice-squad player into a key contributor. As the Jaguars wrap up training camp and prepare for the 2024 season, all eyes will be on Braswell, to see if he can seize his opportunity and become the latest success story in the Jaguars’ quest to build an elite defense.