Tweaking the Roster – Jags Cuts and Signings May 7th

It’s roster analysis season for the NFL.  Teams are evaluating rookies and veterans on a mini-camp and workout basis.  Players work for roster spots, hoping to impress coaches.  Fans and writers expound about hidden gems and talented prospects.  But we don’t really know who is going to be around until the end of the preseason.

Here at B&T, Daniel Lago and David Johns have been writing about the Jaguars’ Post-Draft Roster and projecting who will be in the final 53 man roster.  It’s a tough go of it, slogging through hours of video and sifting through coach speak to find the truth, but things get easier every time the team releases who they’ve cut and who they’ve signed.

The Jags got a jump on and opened their rookie mini-camp this past weekend to evaluate talent.  The camp ended Sunday and yielded some interesting changes:

Cuts:

• QB Dan LeFevour (3rd string)
• WR Jarett Dillard
• S Akwasi Owusu-Ansah (special teams)
• WR Nelson Rosario
• WR Jarrett Boykin
• DE Frank Trotter

Signings

• QB Jordan Palmer
• FB Naufahu Tahi
• DT Odrick Ray
• WR Mike Brown
• WR Chris Forcier
• LB Donovan Richard
• DB Jeremiah Brown

Of the Players cut, the biggest name is Jarett Dillard who was always kind of been a sacred cow for Gene Smith.  A talented player who was often injured and could never truly translate his skills to the game.  Dan LeFevour’s cutting isn’t much of a surprise following the recent touting of newly signed Jordan Palmer.

Of the signings, there is one really intriguing one:  Naufahu Tahi is now the third fullback on the roster behind Brock Bolen and Greg Jones.  Tahi played for the Vikings sporadically over the past five seasons.  I doubt the Jags will carry three fullbacks into the season, but if Tahi is worthy of a signing it could be an indication of what the front office and coaching staff thinks of current fullbacks Jones and Bolen.  Money may be becoming an issue with Jones’ contract despite his superb play.

The roster will continue to be tweaked over the next few months.  If the results continue to add intrigue like this then the offseason could be more enjoyable than usual!  Expect more changes with the new coaching staff finally getting to work hands-on with the players.

– Luke N. Sims