The Jacksonville Jaguars had nine selections at the beginning of the 2023 NFL Draft but they finished with 13 after a series of trades. While it seemed like they were going to use some of them to trade up on Day 2 or early on Day 3, they ended up making all the picks. That wasn't the end of it though.
Once the draft was over, the Jags signed 10 more players, putting the total tally at 23. Some of them will fill important roles next season but others might be victims of the numbers game and will end up in the practice squad or playing somewhere else.
So who will make Jaguars' 53-man roster? Here's a guess following the conclusion of this year's draft, projecting that they won't claim anyone off of waivers.
Jacksonville Jaguars Post-Draft 53-Man Roster Projection: Special teams
Last year, the Jags had a revolving door at kicker throughout the months preceding the regular season. After kicking Matthew Wright to the curve, they signed Ryan Santoso in free agency and inked Andrew Mevis as an undrafted free agent. Neither one proved to be the solution, so the team's brass then brought in Elliot Fry, who also came crashing in.
Just when it looked like kicker was going to be an issue through the 2022 season, the Jags landed swopped in and claimed James McCourt off of waivers but they quickly dumped him in favor of Riley Patterson, another waiver wire pickup.
Patterson ended up handling kicking duties in 2022. Even though he had a rough stretch, the team's confidence on him didn't waver. It doesn't look like the former Memphis Tiger is going anywhere and the same seems to be true for Logan Cooke and Ross Matiscik, the Jaguars' designated punter and long snapper.
Specialists: Ross Matiscik (LS), Logan Cooke (P), Riley Paterson (K)
Jacksonville Jaguars Post-Draft 53-Man Roster Projection: Defense
The Jaguars' starting defense won't see many meaningful changes but the unit should still be better in 2023 given that it will be defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell's second year on the job. Having said that, there will be a few backup roles for grabs, and the depth chart could end up looking a bit different.
Even though cornerback was a need ahead of the draft, it looks like Jags will role with the trio of Tyson Campbell, Tre Herndon, and Darious Williams in 2023. Rookie Christian Braswell might have a steep hill to climb to make the team but should find his way in.
On the other hand, outside linebacker Yasir Abdullah and defensive end Tyler Lacy should have a favorable chance of earning a roster spot. Similarly, both Antonio Johnson and Erick Hallett II are too talented not to see the field and the coaching staff will surely find a way to incorporate both of them in a few sub-packages.
Fourth-year edge rusher K'Lavon Chaisson didn't get his fifth-year option picked up and while he could be placed on the trade block, there's an equal chance he'll remain in Jacksonville one more season.
Defensive linemen (7): Roy Robertson-Harris, Adam Gotsis, DaVon Hamilton, Folorunso Fatukasi, Tyler Lacey, Michael Dogbe, and Henry Mondeaux
Outside linebackers (5): Travon Walker, Josh Allen, Yasir Abdulla, K'Lavon Chaisson, De'Shaan Nixon
Middle linebackers (4): Foyesade Oluokun, Chad Muma, Devin Lloyd, Shaquille Quarterman
Cornerbacks (6): Darious Williams, Tyson Campbell, Tre Herndon, Montaric Brown, Gregory Junior, Christian Braswell
Safety (5): Andre Cisco, Andrew Wingard, Rayshawn Jenkins, Antonio Johnson, Erick Hallett II
Jacksonville Jaguars Post-Draft 53-Man Roster Projection: Offense
The Jaguars carried only two quarterbacks last season and it's hard to see them reversing the trend in 2023. E.J. Perry, who spent last season in the practice squad was waived in the offseason and later claimed by the Houston Texans. Undrafted free agent Nathan Rourke will have a shot at taking his place in the practice squad.
The Jaguars did not select a QB in the 2023 NFL Draft or sign one as a UDFA.
— Justin Dunk (@JDunk12) May 1, 2023
That shows Jacksonville's belief in Canadian Nathan Rourke who is one of three QBs on the roster along with Trevor Lawrence and C.J. Beathard. https://t.co/5YJ6e6wJvR#Jaguars #DUUUVAL #NFL pic.twitter.com/1Vzs4yjWsy
Although JaMycal Hasty was the No. 2 running back on the depth chart, Tank Bigsby should beat him and D'Ernest Johnson for the right to back up Travis Etienne. Johnson has experience on special teams, so he should get a few snaps there but also get a couple carries per game.
Also, rookie Parker Washington should beat Tim Jones, who seized a roster spot after an impressive preseason but finished the regular season with just three catches.
Left tackle Cam Robinson doesn't appear on this 53-man roster because he will serve a suspension (probably to start the season) for violations to the league's performance-enhancing drug policy and players that are suspended don't count toward the 53-man roster.
Once Robinson serves his suspension, the Jaguars will need to free up a roster spot but that can be anyone, it doesn't have to be an offensive lineman, and could come from the defense.
Last but not least, the Jaguars will most likely carry four tight ends next season, and Gerrit Prince, who spent his rookie season in the practice squad, should have a good chance of making his regular-season debut.
Quarterbacks (2): Trevor Lawrence, C.J. Beathard (2)
Running backs (4): Travis Etienne, Tank Bigsby, D'Ernest Johnson, JaMycal Hasty
Wide receivers (5): Christian Kirk, Zay Jones, Calvin Ridley, Jamal Agnew, Parker Washington
Tight ends (4): Evan Engram, Brenton Strange, Luke Farrell, Gerrit Prince
Offensive linemen (8): Anton Harrison, Ben Bartch, Luke Fortner, Brandon Scherff, Walker Little, Tyler Shatley, Cole Van Lanen, Josh Wells