Jacksonville Jaguars: 5 Best players under 25 on the roster

These five players on the Jacksonville Jaguars current roster can become cornerstone pieces to a winning franchise in the future.

With the recent moves the Jacksonville Jaguars have made this offseason, the team has gotten younger in a hurry. That is a good thing, but it also could hurt the franchise as the adjustment period for rebuilding the foundation may take longer than expected.

It’s a new outlook and cultural balance for this organization that has used free agency and the NFL Draft to upgrade many positions with starters and depth. It’s possible the negativity the national media has had toward this team could mean another year like 2017 where the Jaguars shocked the world.

If you are looking for an NFL team that could make a lasting impression in the future it could be the Jaguars. Youth could be served, which would be magical. The fans are once again being asked to be patient while the front office – general manager and head coach Doug Marrone – try to help this team get back on track.

These are the five best Jacksonville Jaguars players under 25 entering the 2020 season.

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Gardner Minshew, Quarterback

It’s odd starting this story with the quarterback position because it’s the most important player on the field. Gardner Minshew is still a work in progress and if you ask the Jaguars coaching staff, they are fine with that analogy.

The 24-year-old threw for 3,271 yards last season with 21 touchdowns and six interceptions in 14 total games last year. He won more games under center than any other rookie quarterback in the NFL in 2019. He has been handed the keys to a new offense run by Jay Gruden.

Minshew has already faced plenty of criticism this offseason from the national media about whether he can become the franchise quarterback this organization needs. The front office added more playmakers to the roster. That can only help Minshew become a more consistent threat with his arm.

One of the things to look for this year is how the former sixth-round draft pick can remain in the pocket and let the play evolve. The offensive line should be better this season – although not much was done to provide more depth.

If there is time to find receivers, this could be a fun offense to watch in 2020.

Jawaan Taylor, Offensive Tackle

Sometimes, the best-laid plans don’t work out but still have a happy ending. Jawaan Taylor was projected to be first-round draft pick last season, with many mock drafts giving the Jaguars their right tackle with the seventh pick.

Josh Allen was on the board. Taylor was passed over by 31 other teams and landed in the second round where the Jacksonville Jaguars scooped him up.

Taylor settled in at the right tackle spot and played every single down of the regular season. Many can argue the point that the rookie was the Jacksonville Jaguars’ best lineman last year.

That’s a good thing for the Jaguars.

This season, Taylor will be asked to do the same thing, and help the Jaguars establish a better running game especially at the goal line. With the team still looking for a solid left tackle, knowing the right side is secure is a beautiful thing

DJ Chark, Wide Receiver

The other day I was asked if I thought DJ Chark was a true No. 1 wide receiver since he might be a second or third option on other teams. I said it did not matter what he does with another organization because he plays for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

That’s all that matters.

Chark came into his own last season, becoming a true deep threat and the most reliable pass-catcher on the roster. He and Minshew have solid chemistry they can build on this season. At. 6’4” and 199 pounds, the former second-round pick from LSU can take an even bigger step forward as one of the better players at his position in the division and the NFL.

Chark’s speed and his ability to win 50-50 balls will pay off once again this season. He made the Pro Bowl as an alternate last season. This year, he could be a first-team choice. He is the best wide receiver the team has had on the roster since Jimmy Smith and his wide receivers coach Keenan McCardell.

Yannick Ngakoue, Defensive End

There are plenty of Jacksonville Jaguars fans who are hoping Yannick Nagkoue has a change of heart and wants to play in Jacksonville. Then there are others who want to see him go after bashing the team through Twitter.

Ngakoue is a special type of pass rusher who puts fear in opposing quarterbacks and has a motor that never stops. The defense could use a lot of that this season as it transitions to a 3-4 scheme in Todd Wash.

If Ngakoue can have the same kind of season he did in 2019, with eight sacks, or even better, the Jaguars defense could be better than it has been in two years. Having a solid pass rush and speed on the outside is something the front office has worked to build on this offseason.

I still think Ngakoue signs his franchise tag tender of $17.8M and plays his best season in a Jaguars uniform before he departs at the end of 2020.

Josh Allen, Defensive End

Everything Josh Allen did last season was the icing on the cake the Jacksonville Jaguars received when the former Kentucky star fell to the team with the seventh pick in the NFL Draft. While he plashed superior ability in the pass rush, he is still learning techniques and positioning.

Just think what happens when he puts it all together.

Josh Allen is a freakish athlete who can play on the line or drop back in coverage. A 3-4 scheme this season may see more his talent that hasn’t been on display yet. And another 10-sack season isn’t out of the question.