4 players not named Tim Jones the Jaguars must add to practice squad

The Jaguars must reduce their roster to 53 players by August 30 but the truth is that most of the spots have probably been decided. The Jags, on the other hand, might have a hard time putting together their practice squad, which consists of 16 slots.

Wide receiver Tim Jones should make the team after hauling in 14 receptions for 219 yards in four preseason games. But if doesn’t get a roster spot, he would be one of a handful of prime candidates the Jags must stash in their practice squad. Here are four more.

No. 4 candidate for Jaguars practice squad: Cole Van Lanen, OL

This should be a no-brainer. The Jags acquired offensive lineman Cole Van Lanen from the Green Bay Packers just a few days before their game against the Atlanta Falcons in the preseason finale.

A sixth-round selection by the Packers in the 2021 draft, Van Lanen was probably going to struggle to make Green Bay’s 53-man roster due to the depth they have in the trenches. Nevertheless, he’s a solid addition to the Jags’ offensive line.

Van Lanen saw playing time against the Falcons. He appeared in 61 snaps and posted a Pro Football Focus overall grade of 81.5. It was just one game and the sophomore faced off against second and third-stringers. However, the Jaguars’ coaching staff should be thrilled about his upside.

At this stage of his NFL career, Van Lanen is still a work in progress, but giving him time to develop in the practice squad could end up paying dividends down the road.