Jaguars 53-man roster projection heading into 2024 training camp

The Jacksonville Jaguars are reporting to training camp on July 23, and they'll hold their first of many open practices the following day. The coaching staff will have a chance to assess the roster while players fighting for a job or looking to move up the depth chart will be able to raise their stock.

The team's brass will keep evaluating the roster into the preseason but training camp will give them an idea of where things stand. With that in mind, here's a look at how the Jags' 53-man initial roster could look.

Jaguars projected offense heading into 2024 training camp

Quarterbacks (2): Trevor Lawrence, Mac Jones

If there were any doubts about Trevor Lawrence's future with the franchise, the Jaguars put them to rest when they gave him a five-year, $275 million deal in the offseason. Whether he'll be able to live up to it remains to see. One thing is certain, though, he'll be behind center come Week 1 barring injury.

The Jags will do whatever they can to help Lawrence avoid getting hurt before the start of the season and throughout the year. But if he has to miss time, Mac Jones will most likely be the first in line to take his place.

Jones landed in Jacksonville via trade in March. Like Lawrence, he's a former first-round pick and led the New England Patriots to the playoffs in his rookie season. However, he's coming off an underwhelming two-year stretch, which is why he cost just a sixth-round pick. The Alabama product is slated to compete with incumbent C.J. Beathard for the top backup job. He should have no trouble coming out on top.

Beathard has been Lawrence's backup the last three years. He's been a great mentor but Jones is the more talented of the two.

When you take into account that the Jaguars have carried two quarterbacks into the season during the Doug Pederson era, Beathard could be on the outside looking in. If he doesn't make the team, he will be a strong candidate to land in the practice squad.

Running backs (4): Travis Etienne, Tank Bigsby, D'Ernest Johnson, Keilan Robinson

Even though Travis Etienne has posted back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, the Jaguars think he can still be more productive. They're right. He averaged 3.8 yards per carry in 2023 but that was mostly because the offensive line couldn't block.

The team's brass made reinforcements to the line of scrimmage in the offseason, so Etienne should have more room to run. Another thing that will help him to remain effective throughout game day is that Tank Bigsby is expected to take on a bigger role. If the former Auburn Tiger makes strides after a subpar rookie season, Jacksonville could have a dynamic running-back tandem.

If Bigsby struggles once again, the Jags will lean on D'Ernest Johnson, who didn't contribute much in the running game in 2023 but has been dependable throughout his career. The last spot at the position should go to rookie Keilan Robinson, a fifth-round pick in this year's draft. The Texas product will mostly contribute on special teams but could get a handful of snaps every now and then.

Tight ends (4): Evan Engram, Brenton Strange, Luke Farrell, Josiah Deguara

Evan Engram had a career year in 2022 and he was even better last season, hauling in 114 catches, the second most in team history, and three short of breaking Zach Ertz's league record of 116. The former Ole Miss Rebel will once again have a big role on the Jacksonville offense, but the coaching staff would surely like sophomore Brenton Strange to step up.

Strange, a second-round pick in 2023, was a non-factor as a rookie. He'll need to make strides in Year 2 if he doesn't want to lose snaps to Luke Farrell, who isn't much of a pass catcher but has carved a niche as a blocker for the Jags.

To round out their tight end group, Jacksonville signed Josiah Deguara in free agency. Deguara can play fullback and line up at several spots at the line of scrimmage. That kind of versatility could come in handy, and he could solidify his roster spot with a strong outing in training camp.

Wide receivers (6): Christian Kirk, Brian Thomas Jr., Gabe Davis, Devin Duvernay, Parker Washington, Joshua Cephus

The Jaguars carried seven wide receivers last year but they could allocate one of those spots to another position group. Right now, Gabe Davis, Parker Washington, Brian Thomas Jr., Devin Duvernay, and Christian Kirk look like looks to make the team. That would leave only one slot up for grabs.

Tim Jones could get it because he's a heck of a blocker but he'll need to fend off sophomore Elijah Cooks and undrafted free agent Joshua Cephus. Washington has been one of the team's most improved players from 2023, according to Doug Pederson. At 5'10", he's better suited to play inside but the coaching staff will look for ways to utilize his skill set, which is why he should be a good bet to make the team.

Going back to the last roster spot, there could be a three-way battle but Cephus could seize it by virtue of having the biggest upside.

Offensive linemen (9): Cam Robinson, Ezra Cleveland, Mitch Morse, Brandon Scherff, Anton Harrison, Walker Little, Javon Foster, Luke Fortner, Cooper Hodges

The Jaguars' biggest change in the offensive trenches was the signing of Mitch Morse, who'll replace incumbent Luke Fortner at center. Aside from bringing in Morse, the front office re-signed Ezra Cleveland, restructured Brandon Scherff's contract, and used a fourth-round pick on Javon Foster.

Morse should be an upgrade at center. On the other hand, injuries prevented Ezra Cleveland from hitting his stride after being traded at the 2022 deadline. Being healthy and spending the offseason in Jacksonville should allow him to build a better rapport with his fellow hog mollies. In case the team deals with injuries inside, either Fortner or sophomore Cooper Hodges can take the field.

On the other hand, the Jaguars should be able to withstand injuries at offensive tackle. Cam Robinson is back, and so is Walker Little. On the off chance they both go down, Javon Foster will get his number called.

Jaguars projected defense heading into 2024 training camp

Defensive linemen (6) Davon Hamilton, Arik Armstead, Roy Robertson-Harris, Jeremiah Ledbetter, Maason Smith, Jordan Jefferson

Arik Armstead will be for defense what Mitch Morse will be on the offensive side of the ball: A stabilizing presence. Although Armstead will start training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list, he's on track to be ready for the opener after undergoing meniscus surgery in the offseason.

The former Oregon Duck will give the interior defensive line a boost. He'll line up next to DaVon Hamilton, and Roy Robertson-Harris will round out their rotation. Jeremiah Ledbetter is back after signing a one-year deal in the offseason and will provide valuable depth.

Rookies Maason Smith and Jordan Jefferson won't get much playing time but that's not necessarily a bad thing. They'll get to hone their skills behind Robertson-Harris and Armstead.

Pass rushers (4): Travon Walker, Josh Allen, Trevis Gipson, Myles Cole

The Jaguars could most definitely use reinforcements in the pass-rush department. Travon Walker and Josh Allen are back after logging a combined 27.5 sacks between the two last year. However, the depth behind them leaves a bit to be desired. The front office signed Trevis Gipson in free agency and he could turn out to be a valuable contributor.

That said, Trevis has struggled to make an impact the past two seasons, so Jacksonville may want to consider looking for outside help before the start of the regular season.

For the time being, Gipson is No. 3 on the depth chart, and Myles Cole, a developmental prospect will be behind him. If the Jags don't bring in anyone else, Roy Robertson-Harris could get snaps on the edge.

Inside linebackers (5): Foyesade Oluokun, Ventrell Miller, Devin Lloyd, Chad Muma, Caleb Johnson

The Jaguars will be switching to a 4-3 defense in 2023 but don't expect them to play base defense much. Last year, they used a nickel formation on 63 percent of their defensive snaps, and it's hard to see the number decrease considerably. This means that Foyesade Oluokun and Devin Lloyd will get the lion's share of the snaps at inside linebacker.

Chad Muma will be the top reserve at the position but he'll probably need to beat sophomore Ventrell Miller, who missed his rookie season with a foot injury, in training camp to avoid tumbling down the depth chart. Caleb Johnson, on the other hand, will make the team because of his value on special teams.

Cornerbacks (6): Tyson Campbell, Jarrian Jones, Ronald Darby, Chris Braswell, Montaric Brown, Darnell Savage

The Jaguars' cornerback room underwent a makeover in the offseason. Gone are Darious Williams, Tre Herndon, and Chris Claybrooks. To replace them, the Jags signed Ronald Darby and later used a pair of draft picks on Jarrian Jones and Deantre Prince.

Tyson Campbell is poised to bounce back after dealing with injuries in 2023. Ronald Darby will tentatively start on the other outside spot, but Jarrian Jones could supplant him as the season progresses. Darnell Savage played safety during his stint with the Green Bay Packers but is projected to man the slot in Jacksonville.

Montaric Brown saw extensive playing time in 2023 and could be CB4 next season. Christian Braswell and Gregory Junior will also compete for snaps but only one may make the team.

Safeties (4): Antonio Johnson, Andre Cisco, Andre Wingard, Daniel Thomas

The Jaguars moved on from Rayshawn Jenkins in the offseason but they have an adequate replacement in Antonio Johnson, who's slated to start next to Andre Cisco, a candidate to break out in 2024.

Johnson mostly lined up in the slot as a rookie but the coaching staff will move him back to safety — his natural position — and see what he can do. Andrew Winard returns as the third safety. He and Daniel Thomas will mostly get snaps on special teams but will be ready if pressed into action. If injuries ravage the safety position, the Jags could move Darnell Savage.

Specialists (3): Ross Matisick, Logan Cooke, Cam Little

The Jaguars have a couple of keepers in long-snapper Ross Matisick and punter Logan Cooke. With them in the fold, they don't have to worry about either position. On the other hand, Cam Little will compete with incumbent Riley Patterson for the kicker job.

Little should be able to win the battle, but Patterson won't go without a fight. All things considered, the kicker battle might be the most intriguing to watch in Jaguars training camp.

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