With the preseason just around the corner, the Jacksonville Jaguars just dropped their first unofficial depth chart of the season. You could make the case that it doesn't mean much because it's "unofficial." However, it kind of reveals how the Jags built their roster in the offseason.
Moreover, this depth chart gives you an idea of how several position battles are unfolding. Granted, the team's brass will keep assessing the roster in the preseason, but you can see that it's most definitely taking shape.
With this in mind, here's a handful of takeaways about each position on the Jaguars' first official depth chart.
Observations from the Jacksonville Jaguars' first unofficial depth chart
Quarterback
Trevor Lawrence | Nick Mullens | Carter Bradley | Joey Aguilar
This is the one part of the depth chart that won't create any controversy at all. Trevor Lawrence is firmly entrenched as the starter, and Nick Mullens is the primary backup. Carter Bradley signed with the Jags last year and could become QB2 if Mullens leaves in free agency next year. That said, Jacksonville will probably just carry two quarterbacks next season, so Bradley has a strong chance of making the practice squad.
For his part, undrafted free agent Joey Aguilar should get ample reps in training camp to show he deserves to stick around as a developmental project on the practice squad, but a quarterback-needy team could also make a run for him if he's either waived or lands on the practice squad.
Running back
Bhayshul Tuten - or - Chris Rodriguez Jr. | Lequint Allen Jr. | Ameer Abdullah | DeeJay Dallas | J'Mari Taylor
Here are a couple things that stand out about the running back depth chart. For starters, it's one of two positions where the team used the "or" designation for the starter, meaning that the Jags haven't decided who'll get the nod for the regular season. Bhayshul Tuten seems to be the favorite, but Chris Rodriguez is turning heads after missing the offseason program.
Beyond the No. 1 spot, it's a bit of a surprise that J'Mari Taylor is in the cellar even though he's flashed. Then again, Ameer Abdullah has made a strong impression in training camp, and DeeJay Dallas may be listed above Taylor by virtue of being the veteran.
Wide receiver
Parker Washington | Jakobi Meyers | Brian Thomas Jr. | Josh Cameron | Travis Hunter | CJ Williams | Brady Boy | Chandler Brayboy | Tim Jones | Austin Trammell | Trebor Peña | Michael Wortham
The biggest takeaway at receiver is that there isn't anything that's particularly surprising. Parker Washington, Brian Thomas Jr., and Jakobi Meyers are the starters. Travis Hunter is the primary backup behind Thomas, which is expected since he'll have a bit of a drop-off in offensive snaps next season.
Josh Cameron and CJ Williams are listed as the other top backups. Maybe Austin Trammell will make a push for a roster spot, but it looks like the Jacksonville wide receiver corps is set.
Tight end
Brenton Strange | Nate Boerkircher | Tanner Koziol | Quintin Morris | Hunter Long | Patrick Herbert | Ethan Conner
Brenton Strange remains firmly entrenched as TE1, with Nate Boerkicher and Tanner Koziol listed as the No. 2 and No. 3 backups. If the Jags want to allocate four spots at the position, Quintin Morris may make the initial 53-man roster.
Hunter Long will be given a chance to showcase his skills in the preseason, but being listed as TE5 seems fair.
Offensive line
Left tackle: Anton Harrison | Rick Lee | Kilian Zierer
Left guard: Ezra Cleveland | Emmanuel Pregnon |Jerome Carvin
Center: Robert Hainsey | Jonah Monheim | Sam Mustipher
Right guard: Patrick Mekari | Wyatt Milum
Right tackle: Walker Little | Chuma Edoga | Geron Christian Sr.
Three things grabbed my attention. First, Anton Harrison is the starting left tackle, so the Jaguars are effectively making him Trevor Lawrence's blindside protector. Also, Patrick Mekari is listed as the No. 1 right guard, so he'll get his job back once he returns from injury, or the team's brass wants Wyatt Milum to prove he deserves to get the nod.
Last but not least, Walker Little is the right tackle. Not Milum or Chuma Edoga. Both of them have gotten reps at the position, but neither one appears to be a legitimate option.
Defensive tackle
Nose tackle: DaVon Hamilton | Albert Regis | Quinton Bohanna | Kevin Rose
Defensive tackle: Arik Armstead | Matt Dickerson | Ruke Orhorhoro | T.J. Bollers | Jalen Hunt
The top of the defensive tackle depth chart looks fine, with DaVon Hamilton and Arik Armstead as the starters. Albert Regis could be the heir apparent for Hamilton next season, but he's the backup for now. On the other hand, Matt Dickerson is behind Armstead because he's filled in for him when he's taken the day off.
Having said that, Ruke Orhorhoro could move ahead of Dickerson as the season progress.
Defensive end
Josh Hines-Allen | Travon Walker | Danny Striggow | B.J. Green | Zach Durfee | Wesley Williams | Bryan Thomas Jr. | Quindarious Dunnigan
Here's another position where everything looks good. B.J. Green II has done enough to earn the No. 3 job behind Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen, but Danny Striggow and Zach Durfee should also earn a role in the rotation. Bryan Thomas Jr. could be an intriguing developmental prospect.
Linebacker
Foyesade Oluoku | Ventrell Miller -or- Branson Combs | Dennis Gardeck | Jack Kiser | Yasir Abdullah | Parker Hughes | Jahlani Tavai | Jalen McLeod |Amari Burney
This is the other position in which a starting job got the "or" designation, with Brenson Combs competing with Ventrell Miller for the job next to Foyesade Oluokun. Yasir Abdullah may need to fend off sophomore Jalen McLeod but is currently the backup behind LB3 Dennis Gardeck.
Cornerback
Cornerback: Travis Hunter | Jabbar Muhammad |Devon Marshall
Cornerback: Montaric Brown | Christian Braswell | Corey Ballentine
Nickel corner: Jourdan Lewis | Jarrian Jones | Preston Hodge
To nobody's surprise, Travis Hunter is starting opposite Montaric Brown. Jourdan Lewis remains the top nickel, and Jarrian Jones is his backup, but both of them could line up in the boundaries if needed. Jabbar Muhammad and Christian Braswell will compete for the CB5 job. Whoever loses the battle, along with rookies Preston Hodge and Devon Marshall, could land on the practice squad.
Safety
Antonio Johnson | Caleb Ransaw | Cam'Ron Silmon-Craig | Devin Neal Jr.
Eric Murray | Rayuan Lane | Jalen Huskey | Trevian Thomas
Antonio Johnson and Eric Murray are listed as the starters, while Rauan Lane and Caleb Ransaw are the top backups. Things should stay the same next season. Jalen Huskey may not get much playing time as a rookie, barring anything unexpected.
Special teams
Kicker: Cam Little
Long snapper: Ross Matiscik
Punter: Logan Cooke
You won't see any changes here anytime soon.
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