When describing the nature of the team's OTAs, Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen was fairly straightforward. Near the beginning of the offseason program, he stated, "It's a learning phase, not necessarily a competitive phase." The message seemed to be that jobs would not be won or lost during OTAs.
"Trying to give guys opportunities knowing they're not truly getting judged and graded on the competition right now."Liam Coen
But, don't tell that to Keilan Robinson, who was waived during the workouts. While the cutting of the seldom-used sophomore isn't necessarily designed to send a message, it was a reminder to all that the NFL is perpetually watching and evaluating. So, even though OTAs are not a critical piece of the puzzle for the Jaguars' brass as they construct the 2025 opening day roster, it still is a part of the overall evaluation process.
And with the 2025 OTAs now finished, the puzzle is a few pieces closer to completion. With that, here's a guess at where the Jaguars' 53-man roster could land for opening day:
Jaguars offense (25 players)
Quarterbacks (2)
Trevor Lawrence, Nick Mullens
There is not much intrigue here. With a numbers crunch in other position groups, expect the Jags to stash a quarterback like Seth Henigan on the practice squad.
Running Backs (4)
Tank Bigsby, Travis Etienne, Bayshul Tuten, LeQuint Allen
There is definite smoke surrounding the idea that Travis Etienne could be moved, and if the other three backs on the team exceed expectations, the Jaguars could look to move on from the fourth-year veteran. But, for now, it would be premature to project him as not part of the plan.
Tight Ends (3)
Brenton Strange, Hunter Long, Johnny Mundt
The Jaguars could elect to add a fourth tight end (e.g., Quintin Morris), but naturally, that would have to come at the expense of another position group.
Wide Receivers (6)
Brian Thomas, Jr., Dyami Brown, Travis Hunter, Parker Washington, Josh Cephus, Trenton Irwin
Most would say the top 4 is set, with the last two WR slots up for grabs. But, don't be surprised if Parker Washington is not the lock everyone thinks he is. His special-teams prowess gives him a leg up on the competition, but the OTA signing of Irwin raises eyebrows as it relates to Washington and the rest of the room. The new regime has stressed competition, and that should be no more evident than in the battle for the last 2-3 spots in the wide receiver room.
Offensive Line (10)
Walker Little, Ezra Cleveland, Robert Hainsey, Patrick Mekari, Anton Harrison, Fred Johnson, Chuma Edoga, Wyatt Milum, Cole Van Lanen, Jonah Monheim
Keeping 10 offensive linemen is a luxury, but James Gladstone has expressed a desire to have a deep room on the OL in order to allow for attrition. Monheim made the cut here as the backup center, but Mekari's versatility could eliminate the need to keep Monheim, instead making way for another player, such as UFA Sal Wormley, or potentially a fourth tight end, instead.
Jaguars defense (25 players)
Defensive Tackle (5)
Arik Armstead, Davon Hamilton, Maason Smith, Jordan Jefferson, Eli Mostaert
The Jaguars are counting on a huge return to form for a misused Arik Armstead and a healthy Davon Hamilton. Maason Smith also looks poised to take a huge step forward. Several players will be battling Tyler Lacy for the fifth spot, but the new front office and coaching staff could look to go with one of their guys moving forward.
Travis Hunter gives the team flexibility on defense and would extend an extra roster spot to the position group of their choosing. This projection sees that slot going to the linebacker room, but if they choose to carry an additional DT, Tyler Lacy would be the most likely candidate.
Edge (4)
Josh Hines-Allen, Travon Walker, Emmanuel Ogbah, Jalen McLeod
If recently signed Dennis Gardeck is being brought in to play edge, that could indicate the practice squad for rookie Jalen McLeod. But if Gardeck is envisioned as more of a linebacker, it could shake up the linebacker room instead.
Linebackers (6)
Foye Oluokun, Devin Lloyd, Ventrell Miller, Jack Kiser, Dennis Gardeck, Chad Muma
As with other position groups, Gladstone and company have done a good job beefing up the competition in this room. Gardeck's ability to chip in at edge, along with the extra roster spot on defense that Hunter provides could benefit Chad Muma if the linebacker room gets the extra slot. However, if they go with the traditional five linebackers instead, Tyler Lacy could be the beneficiary.
Cornerbacks (5)
Tyson Campbell, Jarrian Jones, Jourdan Lewis, Montaric Brown, Aydan White
With Travis Hunter also playing corner, the Jags can afford to roll with only five cornerbacks. Many are expecting the team to move on from Montaric Brown. But, word out of OTAs was that he was looking good. Beyond the top four (five, including Hunter) spots at corner, Deantre Prince is battling a collection of UFAs and practice-squad-level guys. It would not be surprising to see the team look outside of their current roster to add the fifth (sixth counting Hunter) corner.
Safety (5)
Eric Murray, Darnell Savage, Caleb Ransaw, Andrew Wingard, Rayuan Lane III
Can Savage have a resurgence at his natural position in a new system? Projections have him anywhere between starting and not even making the team. His contract likely indicates he'll get a chance to prove himself this year, with Ransaw hot on his heels in 2026.
Dewey Wingard's ability to pick up systems quickly was on display at OTAs and should help him make the roster. Lane was brought in to replace Thomas. As a sixth-round pick, beating out Thomas is hardly assured for Lane.
Special Teams (3):
Logan Cooke, Cam Little, Ross Matiscik
This is as good a group of specialists as you will find.