August 17, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blaine Gabbert (11) talks to his teammated during their preseason football game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-US PRESSWIRE

This week the Jaguars travel to Baltimore for week three of the preseason. What can be expected are a few developing story lines, as the roster will face the most intense analysis to prove who will have a job, as well as who is at the front of the line.

Quarterback

Blaine Gabbert has a firm hold on the position, so examining his play will more likely than not come from the media. After two games, he seems to have better poise and footwork, as well as the ability to step up in the pocket to throw even though he might get hit. While these are preseason games that don’t count, it still matters as it is encouraging to see that Gabbert now looks prepared and focused and not scared and skittish. Playing against the Ravens is a good test to see these skills on display, especially if there are any second half adjustments to be made. As far as Chad Henne and Jordan Palmer are concerned, the Jaguars will make strides at evaluating both, but Henne may ultimately win out this duel as more was invested in him as a backup. Unless the Jags are looking to carry three quarterbacks this season, expect more time for Henne.

Running Back

After all the news about Maurice Jones-Drew this week, it feels a bit exhausting to talk more about him. While MJD is on hiatus, Rashad Jennings has clearly been running on all cylinders, averaging a healthy 5.1 average per carry on 23 attempts. The better he does, the more difficult the MJD situation becomes. However I still don’t see a trade for Jones-Drew, he’s too good. The rest of the lineup includes Montell Owens who will remain on the roster as a special teams monster. The fight for the third slot will be interesting to see as Keith Toston has shown big play ability but currently has a hamstring injury. If Jalen Parmele, DuJuan Harris, or Richard Murphy step it up this week in his absence, the depth chart could easily change.

June 12, 2012; Jacksonville FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Mike Thomas (80) gives a stiff arm to safety Dawan Landry (26) after catching a pass during minicamp at Florida Blue Health

Wide Receiver

Justin Blackmon should get the ball early and often, and it should be time for him to get a deep ball his way sooner or later. Establishing this connection is key, and its easy to see why with his big play ability. Laurent Robinson has experienced an up and down camp, but he won’t b allowed to fail with the amount invested in him. The last thing the Jaguars want is another Jerry Porter. Thomas has been a pleasurable surprise as he seems “ all in” himself. This cast is rounded out by Brian Robiskie (who leads in receptions thus far), Cecil Shorts, and Chastin West who will fight for the remaining spots. Mike Brown and Kevin Elliott might just end up on the practice squad.

Fullback

Greg Jones is a premier fullback, even if its not a premier position. Brock Bolen is his back up but don’t expect this to change at all.

Tight End

Marcedes Lewis had a disappointing 2011 season, but should have a better year this year. He does only have two receptions thus far, but once the season kicks in, he will provide Gabbert a big target as a safety valve. If I was Zach Miller or Zach Potter, I would be afraid…very afraid.  Colin Cloherty has proven he can move the chains and is a good target for Gabbert. All of these players are in their contract year, but Cloherty has not been injured. If Cloherty can rack up some more yards Thursday, consider him on the depth chart.

Offensive Line

The line proved its worth last week against the Saints, giving Gabbert ample amount of time which allowed him to go 13/16 for 112 yards and two touchdowns. The line is still missing Eugene Monroe and Will Rackley but hasn’t been terrible. Cameron Bradfield is currently at left tackle, so watching him against the blitz will determine his stock. During the second half the two’s will take the field. Of these linemen, only half will be taken so it’s important to watch if any of these players allow sacks or pressure to Palmer and Henne.

Defensive line

The defensive line has been reinforced with more meat with 7th round Jeris Pendleton and D’Anthony Smith returning. Tyson Alualu and Terrance Knighton will be the season starters even though C.J. Mosley has started through the preseason. Jeremy Miney has shown he can get to the quarterback, but Andre Branch only has a few pressures to his name. Getting to Joe Flacco will solidify Branch’s role opposite Mincey as he has been stout against the run.

July 27, 2012; Jacksonville FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars punter Bryan Anger (19) punts during the first afternoon of training camp practice at Florida Blue Health

Linebacker

The backer position has experienced a bit of turmoil, but nothing worth worrying about. Clint Session is still suffering concussion symptoms and reserve backer Russell Allen has taken his spot. While the starters are solid, the backups need to show they can provide depth for the team. Julian Stanford has been highly praised this offseason but has not shown it on the field yet. Rookie Brandon Marshall seems to be in the same situation.  The second half will be important for these two players to see who has their name above the other on the depth chart.

Defensive Back

The cornerback group will be interesting to watch as Rashean Mathis will take the field for the first time this season. Seeing if he can perform at a high level will be important in establishing the pecking order for the season. Following his injury he was given a one year “prove it” contract. If he can flash, he will stay as either the left corner or nickel. If he fails, it could cut short his days in teal. While Derek Cox is nursing a hamstring injury, William Middleton will most likely start in his place as he is the best candidate to play against Torrey Smith. With Dwight Lowery and Dawan Landry at locks for safety, the play of Courtney Green, Chris Prosinski and Rod Issac will determine which two stay.

Special Teams

Scobee is a kicking machine, and Bryan Anger is projected to be one as well, even if the Jaguars are the only ones who think he should be a third round pick. A few coffin corner punts would help ease our minds or maybe even a Shane Lechler 80 yard punt would suffice. Either way, every fourth down is another chance to see why the Jaguars covet this player so much.

- Antonio Furgiuele

• Jordan Palmer, QB – After a brilliant start to the preseason against the Giants’ third stringers, Palmer could not continue his success against the Saints.  He was still throwing the ball well, but going 5/14 for 39 yards and a touchdown (with most the yards of the drive earned on bogus pass interference calls) will not gain him any ground against second stringer Chad Henne.
• Jalen Parmele, RB – I don’t know why he can’t seem to perform in games, but gaining a meager nine yards on four carries won’t cut it in the NFL.  Montell Ownes, Keith Toston, and Richard Murphy all outperformed him this past week.  Expect a continued fall down the depth chart.
• Kevin Elliott, WR – There is just something about this guy that I don’t find right.  He has the physical tools to do well, but for some reason can’t make the catch that’s needed.  The final four passes that were targeted at him will be tough for the coaching staff to overlook.  It’s a good thing he finally caught that touchdown.

On the whole most everyone played to about their ability and things are taking shape a lot more than they were before.  I still think Palmer could surge up the depth chart (if combatting for a spot higher can be considered a surge), but I think Parmele’s chances of staying on the roster are getting more and more slim.  Not a lot of players looked bad for the Jaguars on Friday night, and that’s a good thing.

It will make the final roster moves a little bit harder though.

- Luke N. Sims

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A roster has 53 players, however. During this grueling time of offseason dullness where it seems like everything has come to a standstill, my favorite thing to do is to look at the roster and see what we have. What happens when someone goes down? Do we have an adequate replacement?

It seems to me that Gene Smith likes plucking undiscovered talent from other teams. He trusts his coaching staff to coach these players up and hopefully they develop into something good. When he strikes gold he gets Jeremy Mincey. When he strikes out he gets Guy Whimper.

These players that fill out the middle to lower end of our roster all had different roads to the NFL. You won’t find one, however, that was picked higher than the 2nd round in the draft.

There are players who were UDFAs with other teams and signed with Jacksonville after their tenure with their original team expired. These are players that the Jaguars seems interested in, but some have stayed injured and the front office really doesn’t know what they have yet. Some have made their living on the practice squads. Some have appeared in a few games, but have yet to make a significant impact. These investments can pay off, but it’s still important to know when to cut your losses and move on.

There are also a handful of NFL veterans on the roster right now. They have several years of NFL experience, but they are far from household names. These are players that were cut from their original teams that acquired them via draft or free agency, but have remained in the NFL bouncing from team to team. They are able to make it in the NFL because they know how to cut out a role on each team that has signed them.

Many of these players ended up with the team last season when the Jaguars essentially became the walking wounded. Some performed admirably considering the circumstances while others crashed and burned. Many remain on the training camp roster and will compete for a spot on the team along side the rookies.

Much has been said and analyzed about the new crop of rookies, the players acquired through free agency, and players that are expected to have a big year. I’m going to use this post for a closer look at the other guys: the projects and journeymen.

I became very curious about some of these players and wanted to take a look at their overall NFL career. I took to the Jaguars mothership to gather my information.

Projects:

Russell Allen, LB: Allen was a UDFA in 2009, and stepped up in a big way in 2011 after Sessions went down for the year. He racked up 48 tackles, 2 FF, and one interception. I believe he has a permanent role with this team, and I certainly hope he continues to show improvement in his play as he showed last year that he is able to provide just not solid depth, but quality depth.

Kyle Bosworth, LB: I don’t believe he has the same kind of stability at his position as Allen. He’ll have to work very hard to earn his spot. I see Marshall pushing him for a back up spot.

Cameron Bradfield, OT: UDFA in 2011, one of three rookies to make the gameday roster. Has the ability to play both guard and tackle. Excellent option for a swing tackle in 2012 and could possibly challenge for a starting role if Britton doesn’t work out.

Daniel Baldridge, OT: UDFA 2010, spent majority of his short career on the practice squad. Maybe he could be brought along to eventually be a good back up, but nothing more.

Brock Bolen, FB: UDFA in 2009, Bolen appeared in 12 games in 2011. He has been providing solid depth at the fullback position for a few years now. He also had 12 special teams tackles last year.

John Estes, C: Estes was a UDFA in 2010, but spent his rookie season on IR. He came back last year to become the back up center. He’ll have his hands full with Mike Brewster during training camp.

DuJuan Harris, RB: Harris was signed as an UDFA last season. He saw action in spot duty and served as the team’s punt returner at the end of 2011. I don’t like his chances.

T.J. Heath, CB: Go JSU! As excited as I am to see a fellow JSU alumni on the roster, he only appeared in a handful of games last year and made no tackles. He was signed as an UDFA last season for depth purposes. Maybe he makes the practice squad.

Aaron Morgan, DE: Morgan made the gameday roster in 2010 as an UDFA. He’s a pass rushing specialist who appeared in 7 games his rookie season. He spent 2011 on IR, and it looks as if the team wants to continue with his development. Maybe he could get in on the defensive line rotation.

Richard Murphy, RB: He was a UDFA in 2011 who was injured and put on IR in preseason. He played his college ball at LSU and wore #18. This is a very high honor. I believe the team wants to see what this kid can do in camp.

Kevin Rutland, CB: Made the gameday roster last season as an UDFA. He had 18 tackles, one interception, and 4 passes defended as a rookie. Considering he was an undrafted rookie free agent, that is an amazing rookie season.

Chastin West, WR: First year WR/KR signed as an UDFA with Green Bay in 2010. He spent his entire rookie season on the practice squad. He was signed by Jacksonville to the active roster in 2011. He caught 13 balls last year for 163 yards and 2 TDs. That looks pretty bad, but considering where he was on the depth chart, and how awful the passing game was it’s not bad for a 5th receiver. I’d like to see West stick around.

Colin Cloherty, TE: First year TE who spent his rookie season on Indy, Cleveland, and San Fran’s practice squads. He was signed last year for depth purposes when Miller went down. Now that Miller is healthy, I don’t see Cloherty even pushing Potter for a spot.

Zach Potter, TE: He was signed off the New York Jets practice squad in 2009. He’s a very good blocking #3 TE. He sticks with the team.

Journeymen:

John Chick, DE: Chick is only a journeyman by age. By all other accounts, he’s a project in my eyes. He did a pretty good job last year in the rotation, and I really think the coaching staff wants to see what they have there. I think he can get even better this year.

Chick was an UDFA in 2006 by the Houston Texans. He was waived after camp and then signed with the Colts where he was a practice squad guy. He played in the CFL for a few years before being signed to Jacksonville’s practice squad last season. He was eventually called up to the active roster.

Courtney Greene, SS: He was a 7th round pick of the Seahawks in 2009. He can play both safety spots. His career numbers: 84 tackles, one FF, one FR, one INT, 6 passes defended, one TFL, and 19 special teams tackles. He’s a solid vet and you know exactly what you have in him. He can step in and play free safety or strong safety and assist on special teams.

Corvey Irvin, DL: Drafted by Carolina in the 3rd round of the 2009 draft, Irvin has spent time on Carolina, Detroit, and Jacksonville’s practice squads. He appeared in 4 games for the Jaguars last year.

William Middleton, CB: 5th round pick of the Atlanta Falcon in 2009, Middleton has done time on both Atlanta and Tampa Bay’s practice squads. He’s a 3rd year pro who excels on special teams and the nickel defense. He’s played in 39 games for Jacksonville and provides depth and solid special teams play.

C.J. Mosley, DL: Mosley is a seasoned veteran. Drafted by the Vikings in the 6th round of the 2005 draft, Mosley has bounced around the league. He signed with Jacksonville in 2010. Last year he totaled 24 tackles, 1 FF, and 1 sack. I think we should keep him around if there’s no one who beats him out in camp. He’s just a steady football player.

Taylor Price, WR: 3rd round pick of the Patriots in 2010, he was waived in December of 2011. Jags claimed him off waivers that same month. I remember this kid from Ohio State, and he had a pretty good career there. We’ll see what he can do right?

Brian Robiskie, WR: Taken in the 2nd round by the Browns in the 2009 draft, Robiskie just didn’t pan out in Cleveland. He was picked up by the Jags off waivers last season. Hopefully he and Price will make the battle of wide receivers even more interesting than it already is.

George Selvie, DL: He was drafted in the 2010 draft by the Rams in the 7th round. He’s appeared in 27 career games totaling 27 tackles and 2 sacks. He played in the final 7 games for Jacksonville in 2011.

Morgan Trent, CB: 3rd year pro who has spent time in Cincinatti and Indy. He was drafted in the 6th round by the Bengals in the 2009 draft. He has appeared in 36 NFL games racking up 67 tackles, one sack, 3 interceptions, 2 FR, and 7 passes defended. I’m looking forward to seeing him, Rutland, Middleton, and Harris battle it out for the last few cornerback spots.

Guy Whimper, OG: He was a 4th round pick by the Giants in the 2006 draft. He’s a 6th year pro who has 51 career games with 16 starts. He can play both guard and tackle. Anyone out there a Guy Whimper fan?

Ashton Youboty, CB: He was a 3rd round pick by the Bills in the 2006 draft. He signed with Jacksonville last year, but he played 5 years in Buffalo. He’s appeared in 25 games with 7 starts accumulating 56 tackles, 2 sacks, one INT, one FF, and 7 passes defended. Let’s go ahead and throw Youboty in the cornerback mix.

William Robinson, OT: Danger Will Robinson! Couldn’t help myself. Robinson is a 3rd year pro who has spent time with Seattle, Washington, and New Orleans on both practice squads and active rosters. He has played in one regular season game and one playoff game.

I admire what Gene Smith is attempting to do. Besides wide receiver Laurent Robinson, the Jags aren’t a “splash move” team. They prefer their talent to be home grown. That’s what makes a team. I think some of these guys will create serious competition at their respected positions while others could actually make the team.

OTAs start soon and training camp will be here before you know it. Pretty soon our incumbent starters, the newly signed free agents, rookie draft picks, UDFAs, and these “other guys” will begin battling out for a spot. Competition at every position is key in building a good roster.

Is there anyone on this list you are pulling for to make the team? Let me know in the comments section!

-David R. Johns