4 Jaguars veterans who might not survive final round of roster cuts

No. 3 Jaguars veteran who might get booted: Rudy Ford, S

A special teams player throughout most of his career, safety Rudy Ford signed a two-year deal with the Jags last offseason and went on to become an integral part of their secondary. With nickel cornerback Tre Herndon dealing with an MCL injury, the coaching staff moved Ford to the slot and the decision paid dividends right off the bat.

Ford had a big role in the Jags’ Week 9 upset over the Buffalo Bills, recording his first NFL interception. Imagine getting your first start of the season and even though this is your fifth year in the league, this is the first pick you get. It must’ve been a great feeling. The former Auburn Tiger ended up making four starts and logging 53 total tackles last season.

Having said that, Ford will probably be relegated to special teams once again with Herndon back in the fold and Andre Cisco and Rayshawn Jenkins firmly entrenched at safety.

Ford could still make the team if the Jags decide to carry five safeties into the season but it’s hard to see him making the cut over Andrew Wingard or Daniel Thomas if they keep four. Similarly, Jacksonville is loaded at cornerback, so that’s not a viable path for him to earn a roster spot.

Maybe the Jaguars’ brass likes Ford’s work on special teams (something he excels at) enough to give him a roster spot but he currently seems like a longshot to make the final 53. Either way, don’t expect him to give up without a fight.