Jaguars 53-man roster projection after 1st week of training camp

Just like that, the Jacksonville Jaguars are nearly halfway through this year's training camp. After a rough start, they seemingly turned the corner and should continue to get better as the preseason comes closer. Along the way, the team's brass has probably begun to sort out their roster.

Granted, the Jags will keep assessing their personnel well into the preseason but they'll have a clear idea of where everybody stands. With that in mind, here's a 53-man roster projection after one week of training camp.

Jaguars quarterbacks (2): Trevor Lawrence, Mac Jones

One of the biggest plots early in Jaguars training camp was that Trevor Lawrence, along with Mac Jones and C.J. Beathard were struggling. It ended up being a nothing burger as all three have performed much better in recent days.

In fact, the reason the Jags couldn't get anything going on offense is the way they went about their installs, beginning with third down and the red zone, and later moving to first and second down. Having gone over the most difficult part of the installs, Lawrence and his fellow quarterbacks can now work on the finer details of the scheme.

When it comes to the quarterback depth chart, though, there hasn't been much movement. Lawrence remains the starter while Jones has the edge over C.J. Beathard in the competition for the primary backup job.

If Jacksonville carries only two signal-callers like they've done the past two years, Lawrence and Jones will get the nod and Beathard will likely land in the practice squad.

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

One of the most encouraging developments of Jaguars training camp is that Tank Bigsby has taken several steps in the right direction. After a dreadful rookie campaign and an unremarkable offseason, the former Auburn Tiger has taken advantage of his reps, breaking off a handful of long runs.

If Bigsby keeps improving, he'll be the undisputed backup behind Travis Etienne, who's firmly entrenched as the starter. D'Ernest Johnson could get a few carries every game but could also contribute on special teams, so it's easy to envision him getting a roster spot. On the other hand, rookie Keilan Robinson has been dealing with a toe injury but has still managed to get some work done.

Robinson even got a shoutout from special teams coach Heath Farwell, so he looks like a good bet to make the team.

Jaguars tight ends (4): Evan Engram, Luke Farrell, Brenton Strange, Patrick Murtagh

Unlike fellow 2023 draft pick Tank Bigsby, Brenton Strange hasn't been able to stand out in training camp. He's made a few plays but hardly enough to raise his stock. He still has time to put it all together but could end up being locked in a battle for playing time with fourth-year pro Luke Farell, who's delivered when called upon.

Evan Engram is still at the top of the depth chart and the coaching staff will give Strange every chance to be No. 2. Farrell should be a lock whether he's ahead or below his younger counterpart. The one surprise could be Patrick Murtagh, who could carve a niche on special teams as a non-kicker.

If Murtagh proves he can contribute on special teams, he will get the nod over Josiah Deguara, who signed a one-year deal with the Jaguars in free agency.

Jaguars wide receiver (6): Gabe Davis, Christian Kirk, Brian Thomas Jr., Devin Duvernay, Parker Washington, Joshua Cephus

The Jaguars have earmarked three roster spots for Gabe Davis, Christian Kirk, and Brian Thomas Jr., their top three receivers. Devin Duvernay will get the fourth by virtue of being their main return specialist. Sophomore Parker Washington is nearly a lock to make the team. That would leave only one slot up for grabs unless Jacksonville carries seven receivers like last year.

If that's the case, Tim Jones and undrafted free agent Joshua Cephus will make the cut, but if they had to choose one, only the latter should get the cut. After all, the former UTSA has made a strong impression in training camp and may have a higher ceiling than his veteran counterpart.

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

The starting offensive line isn't set in stone yet but it's close. Right guard Brandon Scherff, left guard Ezra Cleveland, and right guard Anton Harrison are returning from last year. Mitch Morse will tentatively line up at center, leaving Luke Fortner as the primary backup at the position. The only spot that isn't set is left tackle, with Walker Little and Cam Robinson tentatively competing for the job.

It's hard to tell if the Jaguars will consider trading whoever loses the battle but rookie Javon Foster could then become their swing tackle. Conversely, they could keep Robinson and Little to ensure they're well-equipped to overcome injuries. Cooper Hodges, for his part, has had a strong training camp and should have a favorable case to make the cut.

Jaguars defensive linemen (6): Maason Smith, DaVon Hamilton, Roy Robertson-Harris, Jordan Jefferson, Arik Armstead, Jeremiah Ledbetter

Things have gone the way the top brass expected. Arik Armstead is on the Physically Unable to Perform list while he continues to recover from the meniscus surgery he had in the offseason. His absence has allowed other players, especially rookies Rodan Jefferson and Maason Smith to get extra reps.

So far, there haven't been any changes to the pecking order on the defensive line. Once Armstead returns to the lineup, DaVon Hamilton and Roy Robertson-Harris will take turns playing next to him. Jeremiah Ledbetter signed a one-year deal in free agency and should also get playing time in 2024.

Smith and Jefferson won't get many snaps early in the regular season but their workload will increase as they develop.

Jaguars pass rushers (4): Josh Hines-Allen, Travon Walker, Trevis Gipson, Rasheem Green

Upgrading the pass rush was one of the remaining items on the Jaguars' to-do list after the draft. While they didn't make a splash signing, they checked off that box when they signed former third-round pick Rasheem Green.

Even though Green isn't a 10-sack kind of player, he's been a solid rotational piece in the past, so it's reasonable to expect him to earn a roster spot. The former USC Trojan will join a group that includes Josh Hines-Allen, Travon Walker and Trevis Gipson.

The downside of signing Green is that rookie Myles Cole may have a hard time making the team now.

Jaguars off-Linebackers (5): Foyesade Oluokun, Chad Muma, Ventrell Miller, Devin Lloyd, Caleb Johnson

Devin Lloyd and Foyesade Oluokun will be the starters in defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen's 4-3 system. In theory, the Jags would need a third linebacker but they won't because they'll play nickel most of the time. That means that Chad Muma will be the top reserve but he'll need to fend off sophomore Ventrell Miller, who's having a strong training camp.

Caleb Johnson has also shown out in training camp but he'll get a roster spot because he's a core special teams player.

Jaguars cornerbacks (6): Darnell Savage, Tyson Campbell, Ronald Darby, Jarrian Jones, Montaric Brown, Christian Braswell

There probably won't be any surprises when it comes to the cornerback room other than it's in better shape than the national media thinks it is. The downside is that players such as rookie Deantre Prince and Gregory Junior will potentially be victims of the numbers game.

Tyson Campbell, Jarrian Jones, and Ronald Darby will be at the top of the depth chart. Darnell Savage will man the slot while Montaric Brown and Christian Braswell take on reserve roles.

All things considered, the Jaguars' cornerback unit has a nice mix of youth and veteran talent going into the 2024 season.

Jaguars Safety (4): Andre Cisco, Antonio Johnson, Daniel Thomas, Andrew Wingard

The Jaguars moved on from safety Rayshawn Jenkins in the offseason, but they have an intriguing in-house replacement in sophomore Antonio Johnson, who lined up in the slot last year. Johnson will play next to Andre Cisco, a breakout candidate. Daniel Thomas got a two-year deal in the offseason but will mostly play on special teams.

The biggest news surrounding the safety group is that Andrew Wingard has missed time in training camp with a knee injury. If he misses time, he could start the season on the injury reserve list. If he does, Erick Hallet II or even newcomer Tanner Muse could take his place.

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

The kicker battle is over. Cam Little prevailed and the Jags released Riley Patterson, who's since been claimed off waivers by the Washington Commanders.

Little will join long-snapper Ross Matiscik and punter Logan Cook as the team's specialists. If things go as planned, this group won't see many changes in the upcoming years.

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