Nick Marshall earns more time at nickel corner for Jacksonville
Despite giving up a 57-yard reception in Sunday's 51-16 win over the Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars rookie defensive back Nick Marshall has earned himself more playing time as the team's nickel cornerback over the final three weeks of the season.
Marshall, an undrafted free agent who played quarterback in college at Auburn, saw time at nickel against Indianapolis over veterans Demetrius McCray and Dwayne Gratz. Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley said Monday Marshall improved throughout the course of the game after giving up the big completion to Hilton.
Via the Jaguars' official website:
The 23-year-old Marshall finished the game with three tackles and one pass defended, and it looks as though the job is his to lose, at least for now. Gratz played in a reserve role, while McCray was a healthy scratch.
“We saw good progress in him,” Bradley said. “I think we felt last week, ‘Just open it up again and take a good look at that.’ He showed up in practice. We got him involved getting more reps with the first group last week and one-on-one sessions. We just felt he deserved that opportunity. I don’t know if there’s anything permanent, but he completed really well and he has earned his opportunity for another chance.”