Jaguars 53-man roster prediction before final preseason game

How will the Jaguars defense look in Week 1 of the 2022 season?

This will be Mike Caldwell’s first year as a defensive coordinator. He was previously the Tampa Bay Buccaneer’s linebacker coach. He will run a 3-4 scheme, so there will be some carryover from last year. Here’s how his unit could look this upcoming season.

Defensive linemen (7) Folorunso Fatukasi, DaVon Hamilton, Jay Tufele, Adam Gotsis, Dawuane Smoot, Arden Key, and Roy Robertson-Harris

The Jaguars decided to give DaVon Hamilton and Jay Tufele more time at defensive tackle and released veteran Malcom Brown. Adam Gotsis is back on a one-year deal after becoming an important part of their defensive line rotation in 2021.

Dawuene Smoot and Arden Key can get to the quarterback from a two-point stance but they can also play with their hand on their ground, which is what they will often do in Mike Caldwell’s system.

Folorunso Fatukasi will be a force against the run but will also be an important part of the Jaguars’ pass-rush puzzle. The same is true for defensive end Roy Robertson-Harris, who is entering his second year with the team.

Linebackers (7) Josh Allen, Travon Walker, K’Lavon Chaisson, Foyesade Oluokun, Devin Lloyd, Chad Muma, and Shaquille Quarterman.

Josh Allen and Travon Walker will be the Jags’ top two pass rushers. Foyesade Oluokun and Devin Lloyd (tentatively) will start inside in Week 1 but Shaquille Quarterman and Chad Muma should also get plenty of work.

Cornerback (6) Shaquill Griffin, Tyson Campbell, Darious Williams, Tre Herndon, Chris Claybrooks, and Xavier Crawford

Tre Herndon could be a surprise roster casualties but he and Xavier Crawford are in a good position to make the cut. Rookies Montaric Brown and Gregory Junior have practice squad potential.

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

The Jaguars’ 2021 safety group is back. The only difference is that Andre Cisco is set to start next to Rayshawn Jenkins in Week 1. Rudy Ford’s versatility and special teams work should help him secure a roster spot.