Jacksonville Jaguars

Jaguars CB Gratz looking for more consistency in 2016

Published Jan. 11, 2016 12:06 p.m. ET

foxsports

Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Dwayne Gratz, who was inactive for two of the team's final three games of the season, is hoping the opportunity he had in Week 17's loss to the Houston Texans can carry over into 2016.

Gratz started four games this season, but was a healthy scratch in Weeks 15 and 16, falling behind undrafted rookie Nick Marshall on the team's depth chart. He made it back on the field for season finale against the Texans, recording two tackles in a reserve role.

Via the Florida Times-Union:

“It didn’t go the way I would have liked, but I got to finish on a good note this past week,” Gratz said. “It ended the season the way I wanted to. Now it’s building on it and trying to make the most of this next situation.”

A 2013 third-round pick, Gratz will be a free agent after next season and knows he has a ways to go if he hopes to earn another contract with the Jaguars.

“I wouldn’t say I was consistent,” Gratz said. “I did a lot of good things winning my battles. When the ball comes my way, I need to make more plays. The biggest thing is me going out there and making those plays when my team needs it and a few times I didn’t make those plays. It’s something I need to take care of.”

Gratz, who finished the season with 27 tackles, made it clear he'd like to remain in Jacksonville beyond next season.

“I love it here,” Gratz said.

In three seasons, the 25-year-old Gratz has appeared in 37 games with three interceptions and 13 passes defensed. If he's to carve out a role for himself moving forward, he'll need to better those number next season.