The 2021 NFL preseason is around the corner, and the Jacksonville Jaguars, just like every other team, are doing everything they can to ensure they will be ready. Head coach Urban Meyer and general manager Trent Baalke have done a good job of upgrading the roster they inherited earlier this year. Both should be pleased with the early returns of their offseason additions.
In particular, the organization and Jaguars fans should be excited about rookie quarterback Trevor Lawrence. The Clemson product has looked as good as advertised during training camp and will give Jacksonville’s offense a major boost in 2021.
The Jaguars won’t probably compete for the division crown or a playoff berth in 2021. However, they should be able to consistently play competitive football, which is something they struggled to do last season.
Although Lawrence was the Jags’ most important offseason acquisition, he was by no means the only one. There are several newcomers — and plenty of returning players — that should make an impact this upcoming season. On the flip side, they will face some difficult decisions. Players that might have made the team in the past could have a harder time making a positive impression in this year’s preseason due to the talent level in Jacksonville.
The Jags’ first preseason game will be against the Cleveland Browns on August 14 at 7:00 p.m. ET. It will be a great time to evaluate their current roster, which they will need to trim down to 85 players on the 17th. Keep in mind that the league has reduced the number of preseason games to three and has expanded the number of regular-season games from 16 to 17.
Right now is a good time to look at how the Jaguars’ 53-man roster could look in the season opener.
The Jacksonville Jaguars’ offense should score more often in 2021.
The Jaguars should have no trouble scoring points more often in 2021. Here’s how their offense could look when they face off against the Houston Texans in the season opener.
Quarterback (3): Trevor Lawrence, Gardner Minshew, and C.J. Beatheard
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Jaguars may be better off carrying three quarterbacks into the season.
Running back (4): Travis Etienne, Carlos Hyde, James Robinson, and Dare Ogunbowale.
Travis Etienne is proving the Jaguars made the right decision when they made him the 25th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. He’s had an outstanding training camp and is set to make an instant impact. James Robinson has also shined, so there’s a good chance he will still be the number-one running back in Jacksonville in 2021.
Wide receivers (6): Laquon Treadwell, DJ Chark Jr., Laviska Shenault Jr., Marvin Jones Jr., Collin Johnson, Jamal Agnew
Here’s a potential surprise. Laquon Treadwell has raised a few eyebrows and has been living up to his first-round potential ever since signing with the Jaguars. He has a legitimate shot to make the team after failed tenures with the Atlanta Falcons and the Minnesota Vikings.
DJ Chark will be out for a few weeks after undergoing finger surgery but should be back for the season opener against the Houston Texans. Jalen Camp has also made plays in training camp but he will most likely be a victim of the numbers game.
Tight ends (4): Chris Manhertz, Ben Ellefson, James O’Shaughnessy, Luke Farrell
Earlier this year, it looked like Tim Tebow was a lock to make the team. However, he hit a few speed bumps once the pads went on. Also, Ben Ellefson has improved a lot and has garnered positive reviews throughout the offseason.
Offensive linemen (9): Jawaan Taylor, Cam Robinson, Brandon Linder, Andrew Norwell, Tyler Shatley, A.J. Cann, Walker Little, Will Richardson, Ben Bartch
With the lone addition of Walker Little, the Jaguars’ offensive line will be nearly identical to its 2020 counterpart. Robinson and Taylor are having a solid training camp but the Stanford product could take their place in the lineup if either one struggles.
The Jacksonville Jaguars defense is taking shape in training camp.
Jaguars defensive coordinator Joe Cullen has done a good job of getting the most out of his players. Also, the special teams are in good shape ahead of training camp.
Defensive tackles (4): Malcom Brown, Jay Tufele, Doug Costin, and DaVon Hamilton
Jay Tufele and DaVon Hamilton are having an outstanding offseason. They will both see plenty of time on the field. Former first-round pick Taven Bryan suffered an off-field accident and was later placed on the COVID/Reserve list. It doesn’t look like he will be on the team.
Defensive ends/edge (6): Josh Allen, K’Lavon Chaisson, Jordan Smith, Dawuane Smoot, Roy-Robertson Harris, Jihad Ward
Josh Allen should be poised to have a great year in 2021. The same is true for K’Lavon Chaisson and Dawuane Smoot.
Linebackers (4): Myles Jack, Joe Schobert, Damien Wilson, Shaquille Quarterman
With Leon Jacobs out of the picture, Shaquille Quarterman’s odds of making the team have increased considerably.
Cornerbacks (5): C.J. Henderson, Shaquill Griffin, Tyson Campbell, Tre Herndon, Sidney Jones
Until further notice, C.J. Henderson is still part of the Jaguars. While that could change at any time, it will be shocking if he doesn’t make the team. It’s not rare for teams to hold onto first-round picks but it doesn’t look like the Jags are ready to pull the plug on the ninth overall in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Safeties (5): Rayshawn Jenkins, Daniel Thomas, Andre Cisco, Rudy Ford, Jarrod Wilson
Andre Cisco has put his athleticism on full display throughout training camp. Fellow safety Rayshawn Jenkins says you wouldn’t be able to tell he underwent surgery after tearing his ACL in 2020.
Special teams (3): Josh Lambo (kicker), Logan Cooke (punter), Ross Matiscik (long snapper)
The Jaguars released Aldrick Rosas at the end of July, so Josh Lambo heads into the 2021 season as the unquestionable kicker in Duval.