Jaguars cut once promising draft pick in preseason 53-man roster projection

And just like that, the Jacksonville Jaguars wrapped up the preseason. Sure, their record isn't what they would've liked, going 0-2-1 after losing 14-6 to the Miami Dolphins in the finale. However, players managed to hone their skills, while the team's brass got a chance to assess the roster.

And now that the preseason is in the books, Jacksonville will have to trim down the roster to 53 players before the cutdown deadline.

With that in mind, here's an initial 53-man roster projection. Sure, the Jags will keep making moves after cutdown day, but here's how the Jags will look should like after the preseason.

Quarterbacks (2): Trevor Lawrence, Nick Mullens

This wasn't going to change. Trevor Lawrence is entrenched as the starter, and Nick Mullens is the backup. The Jaguars are keeping two quarterbacks. Simply, why would they devote another roster spot to the position when they can allocate it to a player who'll also contribute on game day?

Seth Henigan seemed to have potential as an undrafted free agent but didn't ultimately do enough in the offseason to make an impression. His fourth-quarter interception against the Dolphins didn't help his case. That means John Wolford will get the nod for the practice squad.

Wide receiver (6): Brian Thomas Jr., Travis Hunter, Dyami Brown, Parker Washington, Trenton Irwin, and Eli Pancol

Sophomore Joshua Cephus seemed like a lock to make the team but was shockingly released after Week 2 of the preseason. That means that the WR6 spot should go to undrafted free agent Eli Pancol. That said, don't expect him to get too comfortable.

The Jaguars already inquired about Devaughn Vele, and they will most likely turn to the waiver wire to hunt for reinforcements at wide receiver. The other five spots are virtually earmarked for Travis Hunter, Brian Thomas Jr., Dyami Brown, Parker Washington, and Trenton Erwin.

Running backs (4): Travis Etienne, Tank Bigsby, Bhayshul Tuten, and LeQuint Allen

It may be a matter of time before the Jags trade Travis Etienne. Once they do, Tank Bigsby should be at the top of the running back depth chart, followed by Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen.

For the time being, Etienne makes the cut, but once he does, Ja'Quinden Jackson should be RB4. That said, the Jags will cut Jackson and hope he's not claimed if Etienne is on the roster come cutdown day.

Jaguars tight ends (3): Brenton Strange, Johnny Mundt, Hunter Long

This group was set since the moment the Jaguars released Evan Engram and signed Johnny Mundt and Hunter Long in free agency to back up Brenton Strange. Sure, they added Quintin Morris in the offseason, but that was a depth move with the benefit of hindsight.

Jagaurs offensive linemen (10): Walker Little, Chuma Edoga, Patrick Mekari, Ezra Cleveland, Robert Hansey, Anton Harrison, Fred Johnson, Cole Van Lanen, Jonah Monheim, Wyatt Milum

To nobody's surprise, the Jaguars cut ties with Luke Fortner, sending him to the New Orleans Saints in return for defensive tackle Khalen Saunders. The fourth-year center didn't seem to be part of the team's long-term plans, so trading him was the best course of action. With him out of the picture, the Jacksonville offensive line depth chart is crystal clear.

Walker Little, Anton Harrison, Robert Hainsey, Ezra Cleveland, and Patrick Mekari are the starters. Chuma Edoga, Wyatt Milum, Fred Johnson, Cole Van Lanen, and Jonah Monheim are the backups. Nearly all of them can play inside or outside. That kind of versatility will be welcomed.

Jaguars defensive line (10): Josh Hines-Allen, Travon Walker, Maason Smith, Arik Armstead, Khalen Saunders, DaVon Hamilton, Emmanuel Ogbah, Dawuane Smoot, Danny Striggow, and BJ Green

The Jaguars added much-needed depth on the interior defensive line when they traded for Khalen Saunders. With him, Arik Armstead, and Maason Smith in the mix, the defensive tackle position looks in good shape.

On the other hand, the Jags have a well-rounded pass rush in Josh Hines-Allen, Travon Walker, Emmanuel Ogbah, and Dawuane Smoot. Undrafted rookies BJ Green II and Danny Striggow make the team after an encouraging preseason.

Jaguars linebackers (5): Devin Lloyd, Dennis Gardeck, Foyesade Oluokun, Jack Kiser, Ventrell Miller

Foyesade Oluokun and Devin Lloyd are the starters. Ventrell Miller is No. 3 on the depth chart. Jack Kiser beat Chad Muma for a roster spot, and Dennis Gardeck should carve a niche as a blitz specialist and a special-teams ace.

Jaguars cornerbacks (5): Tyson Campbell, Jarrian Jones, Jourdan Lewis, Montaric Brown, Christian Braswell

Montaric Brown missed training camp and the preseason with a leg injury. If he isn't ready for the opener, he could make the 53-man roster and then land on the Physically Unable to Perform list, so he doesn't sit out the whole year. For the time being, he gets the nod, and so does third-year pro Christian Braswell.

Tyson Campbell, Jarrian Jones, Jourdan Lewis, and Travis Hunter (who takes a roster spot at receiver) are the Jaguars top cornerbacks.

Jaguars safeties (5): Caleb Ransaw, Darnell Savage, Andrew Wingard, Eric Murray, Rayuan Lane

This could be a tough decision, but the Jaguars will move on from the once-promising Antonio Johnson. Otherwise, who do they cut? Andrew Wingard has been the heart and soul of the locker room. Darnell Savage has been a dependable starter, Caleb Ransaw is the future, and Rayuane Lane will contribute on special teams.

Either Savage or Wingard will start next to Murray. That said, Johnson shouldn't have trouble latching onto a team as soon as he's released.

Jaguars special teams (3): Cam Little,Ross Matiscik, and Logan Cooke

This group won't change anytime soon.