Welcome to the third installment of this series, which focuses on five more NFL players who either began 2024 as starters or filled in and started most of the year, in danger of losing a starting job. Due to restrictions on live contact and the absence of padded practices during OTAs and mandatory minicamp, position battles do not heat up until training camp begins in mid-to-late July. Many rookies, from top picks to late-round steals, are expected or could start in Week 1, potentially dethroning current starters.
Also Read: 5 NFL Players in Danger of Losing Starting Job Pt 1, 5 NFL Players in Danger of Losing Starting Job Pt 2
Jacksonville Jaguars: RB Travis Etienne Jr.
He will compete against Tank Bigsby and Bhayshul Tuten for the starting job. Etienne took first-team reps and is currently the favorite to start. However, Bigsby or Tuten could overtake the former first-round pick in the summertime, although there have been reports that the Jaguars are shopping him; Liam Coen shot that down.
Tennessee Titans: QB Will Levis
Will Levis struggled with his decision-making, missing time due to an injury, and being benched. He completed 63.1% of his passes and threw for 2,091 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, finishing with a 2-10 record. Levis missed Weeks 7-9 with a right shoulder injury, started Weeks 10-15, was benched in Weeks 16 and 17, and alternated with Mason Rudolph in Week 18.
He will compete against Cam Ward for the starting job. The first pick is receiving first-team reps during the spring, while Levis is with the second team. Ward is expected to win, but he will not be handed the job.
Denver Broncos: CB Ja’Quan McMillian
Ja’Quan McMillian had an up-and-down season, making plays at times but allowing a high number of passing yards for a slot cornerback. He recorded 81 tackles, four TFLs, one sack, two interceptions, one pick-six, and ten pass deflections in 17 games and nine starts. McMillian allowed a 64.4% completion percentage, 688 passing yards, three touchdowns, and an 85.7 passer rating.
He will compete against first-round pick Jahdae Barron, who looks to dethrone him in the slot. Currently, the competition remains open with no definitive leader. However, things could swing in Barron or McMillian’s favor once training camp is in full force.
Kansas City Chiefs: T Jawaan Taylor
Jawaan Taylor gave up many pressures and sacks and struggled in run blocking. He allowed 37 pressures, six quarterback hits, and seven sacks in 16 starts. Taylor also posted a 70.8 pass-blocking grade, a 56.6 run-blocking grade, and a 59.9 PFF grade.
If first-round pick Josh Simmons continues to impress in the summer, he may start at left tackle in Week 1. This would cause Jaylon Moore to slide to right tackle, and Taylor would head to the bench and serve as the swing tackle.
Also Read: Kansas City Chiefs: $80 Million Veteran In Danger of Losing Start Job
Las Vegas Raiders: G Dylan Parham
Dylan Parham moved to right guard and gave up a lot of pressures and sacks, but performed well in run blocking. He allowed 36 pressures, two quarterback hits, and five sacks, posting a 67.5 pass-blocking grade, a 75.6 run-blocking grade, and a 74.3 PFF grade in 15 games and 14 starts. Parham missed Weeks 7 and 8 with a foot injury and did not return to the starting lineup until Week 11.
He moved back to left guard and will compete against Jordan Meredith and Thayer Munford Jr. So far, the competition between Parham and Meredith is neck and neck, with both players splitting first-team reps. Raiders fans weighed in on who should start, and the former undrafted free agent has 63% of fans on his side over the former third-round pick.
