The Jaguars Have Decisions To Make On Special Teams

The Jacksonville Jaguars have plenty of decisions to make with regard to which players will make the team based on special teams play.

There is plenty to talk about when it comes to the Jacksonville Jaguars and their special teams unit. Fans got a glimpse of just how competitive the return game is this preseason in the game against the Minnesota Vikings. Five different players touched the ball Saturday afternoon, whether it was on kickoff coverage or in the punt return game.

Making the team and one of the final roster spots might depend on how well players perform under the guidance of special teams coach Joe DeCamillas and who gives this team a chance to come up with a big play at in a crucial situation.

Jaydon Mickens touched the ball on both kickoffs and punts this past weekend. Rashad Greene had a 56-yard punt return that ultimately helped to set up the game-winning touchdown. Niles Paul, who was signed this offseason because of his special teams play, got in the act as well as a kick returner.

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Dede Westbrook and Shane Wynn fielded punts as part of their audition for more playing time on this roster. Westbrook is almost a guarantee to make the 53-man roster, but right now may be the fifth pass catcher in the group.

"“I feel good. There is a lot of versatility in those guys,” head coach Doug Marrone told the media on Monday during his press conference when asked about the play of the wide receivers. “A lot of those guys play all different positions. That obviously helps us.”"

The final spot on this roster may come down to a wide receiver who can double up and give this team a spark besides in passing situations.

Mickens was one of the feel-good stories of 2017. A player who became a big part of this special teams unit and was honored for his accomplishments, twice winning the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week last season.

This season is a different story as he is in the middle of some heavy competition with Wynn and Greene for what could be the final wide receiver spot.

The Jaguars and Marrone also have other decisions to make that could ultimately affect the special teams units. Will the team keep only three running backs? Will Paul be one of four tight ends on the roster? Are five receivers enough, which means rookie DJ Chark may be asked to help in the punt return game?

These are good “problems” to have going into the season. This means there is plenty of depth and with a fast corps of pass catchers, any number of them could be called up and be able to deliver what could be a game-changing play for the team’s offense.