Jacksonville Jaguars move on from Costin, Wilson, final roster takeaways

The Jacksonville Jaguars put an emphasis on the defensive line.

Earlier this year, Jaguars head coach Urban Meyer told the local media the team was going to fortify the defensive front and revamp the secondary. The Jags made several additions to both groups in the offseason and kept most of them.

Defensive tackles (5) DaVon Hamilton, Jay Tufele, Malcom Brown, and Taven Bryan, Daniel Ekuale.

Even though the Jaguars declined to exercise the team’s fifth-year option on defensive tackle Taven Bryan, they kept him over sophomore Doug Costin. The Florida product fell down the depth chart last season but the new coaching staff could at last untap the potential that made him a first-round selection in 2018.

Defensive ends/EDGE rushers (8): Josh Allen, Roy Robertson-Harris, Dawuane Smoot, Adam Gotsis, Le Jordan Smith, K’Lavon Chaisson, Lerentee McCray, Aaron Patrick

The Jaguars revamped their defensive front this offseason but kept several players that the former regime brought in. Defensive coordinator Joe Cullen believes this group can realistically double the team’s sack totals from 2020.

Linebackers (5): Myles Jack, Shaquille Quarterman, Chapelle Russell, Dakota Allen, Damien Wilson.

Damien Wilson was a better fit in Joe Cullen’s scheme than Joe Schobert and hence the Jaguars decision to trade the latter. Shaquill Quarterman had a good training camp and improved in the offseason.

Cornerbacks (5): C.J. Henderson, Tre Herndon, Chris Claybrooks, Shaquill Griffin, Tyson Campbell. 

The Sidney Jones trade paved the way for Chris Claybrooks to make the roster. C.J. Henderson quickly made up for the time he lost in training camp and will most likely start opposite Shaquill Griffin in the season opener.

Safeties (5) Rayshawn Jenkins, Daniel Thomas, Rudy Ford, Andre Cisco, Andrew Wingard

The Jaguars had a crowded safety room ahead of the roster cutdown deadline. In the end, they decided to go younger and released Jarrod Wilson, who shouldn’t be out of work for long.

Special teams (3): Logan Cooke (punter), Ross Matiscik (long snapper), Josh Lambo (kicker).

This group has been set for a while.