Let’s take a look at the Jaguars current 90-man roster
By Kathy Clark
The 90-man roster for OTAs is set as the Jaguars start the third phase of their offseason program on Tuesday from the practice fields of TIAA Bank Field.
The Jaguars 90-man roster heading into voluntary OTAs, mandatory minicamp, and training camp could be called good or bad depending on your point of view. The 2019 season is not just around the corner but the preparation has already begun. The voluntary OTAs begin on May 21 and continues until June 7.
The voluntary OTAs are followed by a mandatory minicamp on June 11-13. These workouts will give us a better idea of where we stand but our current roster holds some clues. Most of the starting positions have a solid player in place but as always injuries can play a huge role. I want to look at four position groups.
THE GOOD – The biggest surprise is that the Jaguars current offensive line group may be the best position group on the team. What? The offensive line? Per Pro Football Focus, the Jaguars line in 2017 was ranked 15th overall.
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The best player was Brandon Linder, described as one of the best centers in the NFL. Cam Robinson was an up and coming left tackle, Andrew Norwell was a prized free agent at left guard. A.J. Cann did an adequate job at right tackle. This group was decimated by injuries in 2018 but should return healthy and injury free.
In addition, the Jaguars added Jawaan Taylor to play right tackle. Taylor, a right tackle from Florida, is described as the grizzly bear of the NFL draft.
"“He doesn’t block people as much as he mauls them”, the review states."
He has a mean streak and plays on the edge. Our starting 2017 line with the addition of Taylor could be one of the best in the league with a decent quarterback and a healthy season. The team’s only starter who does not return is Jermey Parnell. There appear to be enough backups to provide some rest for the starters and make that healthy season a reality.
The other promising group is receiver. To start the Jaguars drafted a tight end Josh Oliver, known for pass catching. They added Chris Conley a solid veteran who is young enough to show growth. Keelan Cole had a difficult season in 2018 but showed great promise in 2017.
Dede Westbrook had a breakout year in 2018. DJ Chark was a second round draft choice with great potential. His rookie season is over and he must step up his game. Finally, Marqise Lee should be able to return at some point. Obviously, this group is young but if they live up to their potential the sky is the limit.
It can’t hurt to have an accurate quarterback throwing the ball.
THE BAD – The running back group is very limited. The team has the often injured and troubled Leonard Fournette leading the way. Can he return to his 2017 form? Time will tell. The Jaguars added Ryquell Armstead in the draft.
His style is similar to Fournette and he had a great senior season at Temple. Three journeymen free agents were added to the group. They will be role players at best.
The safety group is an opposing offensive coordinator’s dream. The potential starters are relative newbies Ronnie Harrison and Jarrod Wilson. C. J. Reavis, an undrafted free agent in 2018, returns and veteran Cody Davis was added as a 2019 free agent. If Harrison and Wilson play well, Reavis shows growth, and Davis provides veteran leadership all could be well.
Jaguars: Three bold predictions for training camp. dark. Next
To conclude it is of course too early to make predictions. There will be disappointments and surprises as the preseason unfolds. Players will be added and others will leave. Stay tuned.