AFC Notes: Jaguars, Raiders & Steelers

Jaguars

• Michael DiRocco mentions that the battle between Luke Joeckel and free agent addition Kelvin Beachum will be the position battle worth keeping an eye on this summer for the Jaguars.
• According to DiRocco, some within the Jaguars’ view Beachum as a “top-10 left tackle”, which means the pressure could be on Joeckel.
• Sticking with Joeckel, DiRocco says that he’s really the only veteran on the Jaguars who could be out of a job in 2016.
• DiRocco writes that first-round pick Jalen Ramsey should be the only rookie in position to start for the Jaguars in year one. Even so, DiRocco is interested in seeing if second-round LB Myles Jack can push Telvin Smith for the weakside linebacker job.
• As for the running back position, DiRocco guesses that Chris Ivory gets most of the work on first and second down with T.J. Yeldon serving as their third-down pack with a few opportunities during games to be their primary back.

Raiders

• Paul Gutierrez mentions that the right tackle position is one spot worth watching this summer, as Menelik Watson and Austin Howard will likely battle for the job in training camp. Gutierrez says that Watson appeared to have the upper hand back in OTAs.
• Gutierrez says that first-round S Karl Joseph is expected to start for the Raiders for seasons to come, and could secure the job this summer.
• Three players who’s jobs could be in jeopardy include CB DJ Hayden, RT Austin Howard and RB Roy Helu Jr.

Steelers

• Jeremy Fowler of ESPN writes that first-round CB Artie Burns is worth watching this summer to see if he can secure a starting job over Ross Cockrell.
• Fowler expects second-round S Sean Davis to possible start for the Steelers right of the gate.
• According to Fowler, former first-round OLB Jarvis Jones‘ job could be in jeopardy, barring an impressive performance this summer. Should Jones step up, he could secure a long-term deal from the team at some point, but James Harrison could ultimately cut into his playing time.
• Fowler writes that Markus Wheaton will get every chance to be the team’s No. 2 receiver in 2016.