Jacksonville Jaguars 53-man roster projection ahead of training camp
The Jacksonville Jaguars’ offense will undergo some meaningful changes.
The Jaguars brought back all their offensive line starters from last year. DJ Chark Jr. is still the team’s number-one receiver and Laviska Shenault Jr. will also see the field a lot. On the other hand, running backs James Robinson and Travis Etienne will now share the backfield. Also, Marvin Jones will be part of the starting lineup.
However, the most meaningful addition to the offense (and the franchise for that matter) is quarterback Trevor Lawrence, the top pick in this year’s selection meeting. The former Tiger has been dealing with a hamstring injury but he’s set to start in the season opener.
Quarterback (3): Trevor Lawrence, Gardner Minshew, and C.J. Beatheard
The Jaguars may opt to carry two quarterbacks if the Clemson product doesn’t show any setbacks in training camp. For the time being, they may be better off exercising caution, that’s why Beathard stays.
Running back (4): James Robinson, Travis Etienne, Carlos Hyde, and Dare Ogunbowale.
There was no longer room for 2019 fifth-round pick Ryquell Armstead in Jacksonville, so he was released in May. It’s uncertain how the Jags will split Robinson’s and Etienne’s carries. Carlos Hyde will be a solid change-of-pace back.
Wide receivers (6): DJ Chark Jr., Marvin Jones Jr., Laviska Shenault Jr., Collin Johnson, Jamal Agnew, Jalen Camp
The Jaguars will enter training camp with the surplus of wide receivers and may need to move on from players that would probably make the team if the unit weren’t so crowded. They signed Philip Dorsett in the offseason but he might already have reached his ceiling. Meanwhile, Jalen Camp could be a fine project.
Tight ends (4): Chris Manhertz, James O’Shaughnessy, Luke Farrell, Tim Tebow
Chris Manhertz is on track to start and O’Shaugnessy will be the primary backup while Farrell develops. Tebow won’t be a true tight end. Instead, he could carve a niche as a red-zone, short-yardage specialist.
Offensive linemen (9): Cam Robinson, Jawaan Taylor, Brandon Linder, A.J. Cann, Andrew Norwell, Tyler Shatley, Ben Bartch, Walker Little, Will Richardson
Jaguars offensive line coach George Warhop has said that Cam Robinson and Jawaan Taylor have made strides this offseason but they still have work to do. If either one struggles in 2021, Walker Little could take their place in the lineup. The rest of the offensive line will stay the same.