Demetrius Harvey
The Jacksonville Jaguars have recently begun their 2019 NFL training camp after an offseason of changes. There were multiple changes on the offensive side of the ball including the most important position — quarterback. For this season the Jaguars will have some hard choices to make on both sides of the ball, however, as we head into the grueling hot summer of training camp there is no better time than now to predict the 53-man roster.
There are some position groups that are stacked too heavy, and some are too thin. The Jaguars will have to make the choices by the end of August when the roster gets officially cut down to 53. Will there be any surprises?
Quarterback (2)
Depth chart: Nick Foles, Gardner Minshew
Thoughts: The Jaguars will opt to only keep two quarterbacks on their opening day roster, and Alex McGough barely misses the cut. During the offseason, Minshew has looked fantastic in just his rookie year and he will begin his career as the backup to Foles throughout the season. The Jaguars may want to attempt to stash McGough on the practice squad, although that would be risky. Tanner Lee was never going to make the opening day roster as his performance last season and into this offseason has been lackluster at best.
Running Back (4)
Depth chart: Leonard Fournette, Ryquell Armstead, Alfred Blue, Benny Cunningham
Thoughts: The running back position for the Jaguars could contain four of five players depending on where they stash the void left behind by the fullback. In this case, there is no room for an extra running back on the roster and they choose to stick with their four. Fournette backed up by Blue and Armstead directly will make for a great trio of bruisers at the running back position. Cunningham is more of a scatback and potentially a returner so he will be making the roster barring injury. Rawls has a shot as the fifth running back or if an injury situation occurs.
Wide Receiver (6)
Depth chart: Dede Westbrook, D. J. Chark Jr., Marqise Lee, Chris Conley, Keelan Cole, Terrelle Pryor Sr.
Thoughts: The Jaguars recently acquired WR Simms in undrafted free agency following the conclusion of the 2019 Supplemental Draft. This is important for how the Jaguars view the health of Lee as well as the overall competition at the position. Simms has a great shot to make the roster, however, without seeing him at all during the offseason it is hard to pencil him in here. Pryor Sr. has done an excellent job by all accounts after being signed late in the offseason and will continue to prove his worth during training camp.
The receiver position is likely the most fluid as it can go several directions depending on the development of younger receivers as well as the health and rehab of veteran Marqise Lee.
Tight End (5)
Depth chart: Geoff Swaim, Josh Oliver, James O’Shaughnessy, Ben Koyack, Michael Colubiale
Thoughts: After signing tight end Swaim in free agency, the Jaguars opted to double-dip with the selection of tight end Oliver in the third round of this year’s draft. Considering the Jaguars are foregoing the option of using a fullback this season, the tight end position will play a greater role on this year’s offense. If the Jaguars were to stack any position on the roster it may be here. UDFA tight end Colubiale is more of an h-back tight end which is exactly the type of player the Jaguars are looking for to replace fullback Tommy Bohannon.
Offensive Line (9)
Depth chart: Cam Robinson, Andrew Norwell, Brandon Linder, A. J. Cann, Jawaan Taylor, Cedric Ogbuehi, Will Richardson Jr., Donnell Greene, Josh Wells
Thoughts: The Jaguars attacked a couple of position groups in the offseason, and the offensive line group was absolutely one of them. The new addition of players such as Taylor, Ogbuehi, and Greene indicated a significant shift on the exterior of the offensive line with potential for an inside move in the case of Greene.
Defensive Line (9)
Depth chart: Calais Campbell, Marcell Dareus, Taven Bryan, Yannick Ngakoue, Josh Allen, Abry Jones, Eli Ankou, Lerentee McCray, Dawuane Smoot
Thoughts: The Jaguars defensive line for the Jaguars was shaken up only due to the addition of Allen this offseason. Allen will likely be the direct backup of defensive end Ngakoue and until Ngakoue returns, he will be squarely penciled in as the starter. Dontavius Russell and Ankou will be battling it out in training camp, however, Ankou will likely beat him out due to experience.
Linebacker (6)
Depth chart: Myles Jack, Quincy Williams, Leon Jacobs, Jake Ryan, Ramik Wilson, Najee Goode
Thoughts: The linebacker group is a complete toss-up. The Jaguars will be holding a competition to see who should replace linebacker Telvin Smith who has still not shown up for any offseason activities nor has he submitted papers to the league for retirement. Ryan stands a chance to replace him unless the Jaguars are planning on moving Jack from the middle linebacker position. Otherwise, Williams and Ryan along with newcomers Wilson and Goode will be in deep competition for the final linebacker position. Leon Jacobs started at strongside linebacker last season and likely will retain that position.
Cornerback (5)
Depth chart: A.J. Bouye, Jalen Ramsey, D. J. Hayden, Quenton Meeks, Tre Herndon
Thoughts: The Jaguars only made a couple of additions to the cornerback group this offseason, however, it is unlikely any of them make the team this season. Meeks proved capable during his time starting last season for an injured Bouye, and Herndon seems to be a coach favorite as the backup nickel. Bouye, Ramsey, and Hayden are locked in as the starters.
Safety (4)
Depth chart: Ronnie Harrison, Jarrod Wilson, Cody Davis, C. J. Reavis
Thoughts: Probably one of the weakest position groups on the roster, there is plenty that could change between now and September, however as of right now Harrison and Wilson will be the Jaguars strong and free safeties, respectively. The Jaguars do not have much wiggle room here and Davis proved last year to be an absolute stud on special teams. Reavis has a leg up on any of the newcomers due to experience.
Special Teams (3)
Depth chart: Logan Cooke, Josh Lambo, Matt Overton
Thoughts: Nothing surprising here. The Jaguars made their decision to keep Overton over Carson Tinker earlier this offseason as the long snapper. Lambo recently signed an extension with the team and will be their starting kicker this season. Cooke proved to be a capable punter last season and should look to continue improving.
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