Jacksonville Jaguars roster: 3 strongest positional groups

The Jacksonville Jaguars needed to make several changes this offseason after winning just one game last season. Moving on from head coach Doug Marrone and hire Urban Meyer to take his place was the first step in the right direction albeit just one of many. The team also needed to revamp the roster. After all, the Jags lacked playmakers in most position groups and were in dire need of a franchise quarterback.

The Jaguars took action and gave their roster this offseason. They drafted a franchise quarterback in Trevor Lawrence but they also added depth and difference makers in both free agency and the draft. Although they could still upgrade their tight end room, most position groups look in good shape and some of them may even be a strength this upcoming season.

These three are the Jacksonville Jaguars’ strongest positional groups.

1. Wide receiver – The Jaguars have had a pretty solid wide receiver corps since last year. The problem was that they didn’t have a quarterback that could take advantage of the unit. In 2020, their leading receiver was DJ Chark Jr., who made the Pro Bowl the season before. Laviska Shenault Jr. showed promise as a rookie two and could have a bigger role in 2021.

Keelan Cole left in free agency but the Jaguars signed Marvin Jones Jr., who is arguably a better player. Collin Johnson also showed playmaking potential as a rookie and is someone Jaguars legend Jimmy Smith thinks highly of. If it wasn’t enough, this Jacksonville team drafted Jaleen Camp in this year’s selection meeting and signed Josh Imatorbhebhe as an undrafted free agent.

The Jaguars wide receiver group has both talent and depth. As talented as Trevor Lawrence is, he will need weapons to succeed and he has them in Jacksonville.

2. Running back – James Robinson was one of the most pleasant surprises of the 2020 NFL season. Who would’ve thought the Jaguars’ running game wouldn’t miss a beat after moving on from Leonard Fournette last offseason? The Illinois State standout made NFL history when he totaled 1,414 scrimmage yards, the most ever by an undrafted rookie. Heading into the 2021 season, he should have a big role in the Jaguars’ offense but the team brought reinforcements this offseason.

The Jags drafted Travis Etienne 25th overall. The Clemson product will take snaps at wide receiver but will also be able to spell Robinson from time to time. Robinson had 86 percent of the team’s total carries last season and the Jaguars struggled to run the ball when he wasn’t on the field. The coaching staff can now ease his workload without having to worry about a drop in production.

If drafting ‘E-T-N’ wasn’t enough, Jacksonville also signed Carlos Hyde in free agency. Even though the Jaguars’ offense will most likely revolve around Lawrence, the running game will play a key role this upcoming season.

3 – Cornerback – The Jaguars’ cornerback room may not have as much talent as the other two positions in this list. However, it has depth and the potential to become an asset in 2021. After missing their top 3 cornerbacks to injuries last season, this Jacksonville team has bolstered the unit this offseason. They added Shaquill Griffin in free agency and drafted Tyson Campbell 33rd overall. Moreover, they brought back Tre Herndon and Sidney Jones.

Urban Meyer believes the team has as many as four starting cornerbacks and is pleased with the overall group. The Jacksonville Jaguars’ defense ranked 27th in passing touchdowns allowed. They have the personnel to improve in that area in 2021.