Jacksonville Jaguars rightfully omitted on Pete Prisco’s top 100 list

The Jacksonville Jaguars are in rebuilding mode, which is another way to say they haven’t been very good but are taking the steps to improve. Over the last two years, they’ve done a good job of replenishing a roster that was in need of talent but they still have a long way to go. Thus, it’s not surprising that none of their players appeared on Pete Prisco’s top 100 list.

Prisco recently posted on CBS Sports what he thinks are the best 100 players in the NFL right now and no Jaguar made the cut. Right tackle Brandon Scherff was an honorable mention but that was it. Jacksonville was one of six clubs without a player on the list. The others were the New York Giants, the New York Jets, the New England Patriots, the Houston Texans, and the Detriot Lions. Meanwhile, the Indianapolis Colts had four and the Tennessee Titans had three.

While countdowns and lists of this variety tend to be subjective, Prisco got it right. The Jaguars do have some talented roster and a few potential franchise building blocks. However, they’re coming off a season in which they won just three games. Moreover, they’ve amassed a combined 15 victories over the last four years. That kind of win/loss record won’t get you on many lists, let alone the top. Having said that, not everything is doom and gloom, and there are reasons for optimism.

The Jaguars are steadily putting together a solid roster

General manager Trent Baalke has spent the last two seasons revamping the roster. He didn’t have a great track record when he held the same position with the San Francisco 49ers but he’s off to an adequate start in Jacksonville. Last year, the Jags signed cornerback Shaquill Griffin, wide receiver Marvin Jones, and safety Rayshawn Jenkins. They all started a combined 44 games in 2021 and are poised to play key roles again.

Moreover, the team’s brass drafted several players that should have important roles this upcoming season, and that’s without including Trevor Lawrence who was dubbed the best quarterback prospect to come out of the college ranks since Andrew Luck. The former Clemson Tiger showed flashes as a rookie and is a favorite to have a breakout season in 2022.

The Jags didn’t stop last year though and they continue making upgrades this offseason. They added wide receiver Christian Kirk, right guard Brandon Scherff, and tight end Evan Engram to their offense in free agency while the defense got linebacker Foyesade Oluokun, defensive tackle Folorunso Fatukasi, defensive end Arden Key and cornerback Darius Williams. All of them will either get starting roles or significant playing time. Last but not least, the Jaguars drafted several players in 2022 that should become defensive building blocks.

While no Jaguar made Prisco’s list, there is some enticing talent on their roster. On the other hand, there are several Jacksonville players that should make big leaps this upcoming season, and as long as they help the Jags win more games, it won’t matter if they don’t get much recognition around the league.