Jaguars Depth Chart – On the Bubble

Dec 30, 2012; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson (28) is tackled by Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Daryl Smith (52) during the second half at LP Field. Mandatory credit: Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports

David Caldwell and the new front office have wasted no time instilling their message for the team heading into the season – young players competing for rosters spots. This means no overpaid veterans who are “obligated” to start because of their dent in the salary cap. This meant several starters from last year’s roster were let go or went unsigned.

• Derek Cox
• Daryl Smith
• Terrance Knighton
• Rashean Mathis
• Dawan Landry
• Laurent Robinson
• Greg Jones

All were key starters on the 2012 roster and were either headed towards pricey contracts or were already chained to lead contracts. With so much turnover in the roster already, one would think most of the major moves have already been made.

Well I wouldn’t be shocked if we saw a few more veterans on the chopping block as we move towards the beginning of the season, especially if it looks like some of the young talent has earned more playing time. Some of potential victims are as follows.

Paul Posluszny

While some would point to Posluszny’s statistics, particularly tackles, and argue that he’s lived up to his contract, the reality is his impact on the defense can be found for a much more reasonable price. While he filled the stat sheet with 139 total tackles, he only forced 5 turnovers and notched 2 sacks all season. Someone at his price tag ( $15 million guaranteed total) should be a playmaker, not just a sure tackler. It’s unlikely, but Posluszny could be deemed expendable before the season begins.

Maurice Jones-Drew

I recently wrote about the possibility of Jones-Drew’s departure this season, and that it would have nothing to do with his recent legal issues. MJD is a 28 year old running back coming off of a major foot injury. Disregarding his injury, he’s shown some decline over the last two years and clearly is less explosive and less of a threat. The fact that there is no real guaranteed contributor behind him is one of the main factors keeping MJD’s roster spot safe.

Brad Meester

It may seem odd to cut Brad Meester after signing him to a one year deal this offseason, but that’s the point of a risk-free one year deal. If a young player steps up and shows to be a capable enough player, he’ll get the call. Caldwell and Gus Bradley have already made it clear that whoever wins the open competition at a position will start. That may not be Brad Meester.

– Daniel Lago

Yell at me on Twitter @dlago89