With the NFL draft almost here, let’s take a way-too-early look ahead to what the Jacksonville Jaguars’ 53-man roster could look like.
With the NFL draft almost here, let’s take a way-too-early look ahead to what the Jacksonville Jaguars’ 53-man roster could look like heading into Week 1 of the regular season.
Now, of course, a lot is going to change here depending on who the Jaguars add in the draft, along with how things unfold during training camp.
However, this exercise can provide us with a different lens to look through when it comes to the current state of the Jaguars’ roster, specifically going beyond where the big needs lie and where depth to round out a position group is needed.
The Jaguars will enter this year’s draft with 10 selections–the second-most in the draft–although they could be looking to acquire more. Jacksonville will then further add to the roster in undrafted free agency.
So here is how the Jaguars’ final roster could shake out, given what we know right now:
Quarterback (2): Trevor Lawrence, Nick Mullens
Maybe the Jaguars end up keeping a third quarterback on the roster, at which point a draft pick could potentially fill that role. But for now, let’s assume they keep only two.
Running back (3): Travis Etienne, Tank Bigsby, Draft pick
This year’s running back draft class is loaded. The Jaguars are going to add to this room at some point in the draft, and there is going to be a lot of talent to choose from.
Wide receiver (6): Gabe Davis, Dyami Brown, Brian Thomas Jr., Parker Washington, Draft pick, Draft pick
After moving on from four receivers during the offseason and only bringing one in (Brown), the Jaguars need depth here, along with some new talent to help further elevate this room.
Tight end (4): Johnny Mundt, Hunter Long, Brenton Strange, Draft pick
Even with the signing made in free agency, the depth at this position could be added to, not to mention that neither Mundt nor Long should preclude the Jaguars from adding to this room.
Offensive line (10): Walker Little, Ezra Cleveland, Robert Hainsey, Patrick Mekari, Anton Harrison, Chuma Edoga, Cole Van Lanen, Javon Foster, Luke Fortner, Draft pick
The Jaguars added heavily to this unit in free agency to help raise the floor, but in the draft, it will be about addressing the ceiling of this group. I also wouldn’t be surprised if a second draft pick was made here and someone listed above ends up not being on the team. There are still some unknowns here.
Defensive line (9): Josh Hines-Allen, Travon Walker, Myles Coles, Arik Armstead, Maason Smith, Davon Hamilton, Draft pick, Draft pick, Jordan Jefferson
This was a big need coming into the offseason, and after not adding to this position in free agency, I now expect multiple additions to be made here in the draft.
Linebacker (5): Devin Lloyd, Foyesade Oluokun, Chad Muma, Ventrell Miller, Yasir Abdullah
Depth is still needed at this position, so perhaps a draft pick could end up making their way onto the final roster here.
Cornerback (6): Tyson Campbell, Jourdan Lewis, Jarrian Jones, Montaric Brown, Deantre Prince, Draft pick
Adding competition on the boundary for Jarrian Jones would be a prudent move, and then, much like the rest of the roster, the back end of this depth chart has to be addressed.
Safety (5): Eric Murray, Darnell Savage, Antonio Johnson, Andrew Wingard, Draft pick
Similar to the rest of the roster, the free agent signing of Murray provided stability here, but depth and competition still is needed.
Special teams (3): Logan Cooke, Ross Matiscik, Cam Little
No surprises here.