Could Josh Evans be the First David Caldwell Draft Pick to be Cut?

Jacksonville Jaguars general manager David Caldwell has now had 2 full offseasons to try and reconstruct the dumpster fire of a roster left behind by former GM Gene Smith. Over 2 years he has acquired 17 players via the draft, and it’s only a matter of time before Caldwell has to start releasing some of the players he has drafted.

First, second, and third round picks are generally safe for a year or two, but day 3 picks are always fighting for a roster spot. Earlier in the offseason Ace Sanders was brought up as a potential roster cut due to his inability to get going as a punt returner last year, but Josh Evans has also been brought as a guy who could be pushed out of the lineup.

Evans was also the topic of a recent post by ESPN Jaguars blogger Michael DiRocco:

"Evans didn’t participate in any of the nine OTAs or the three-day minicamp because he was rehabbing after surgery to remove a bone spur in his foot… He’s expected to be cleared for training camp, but Winston Guytook all the first-team reps in his absence. Guy rotated with Evans during the last third of the season and now has the advantage. The Jaguars also signed several safeties…"

Releasing Evans certainly wouldn’t be a considered a failure since he was drafted in the 6th round, but it is a little bit surprising considering how high some people were on him at points during the 2013 season. Still, it’s hard to ignore some of glaring mistakes he had as a rookie, and there certainly wasn’t a noticeable dropoff when Winston Guy was inserted into the lineup.

At the end of the day, I think Evans makes the roster but not as a starter. He is probably the closest thing to a true free safety on the roster and can still contribute on special teams.

– Daniel Lago