Jaguars 53-man roster projector after 2024's mandatory minicamp
![Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson at EverBank Stadium’s Miller Electric Center in Jacksonville, Fla. Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson at EverBank Stadium’s Miller Electric Center in Jacksonville, Fla.](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_6000,h_3375,x_0,y_0/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/55/01j0f0989txmbre79b12.jpg)
The Jacksonville Jaguars wrapped up mandatory minicamp and will take a break before returning to training camp. While several veterans were excused from participating, a few others did show up. Out of the bunch, outside linebacker Josh Allen and defensive tackle Arik Armstead stood out.
Many of the Jags' young players took advantage of the veteran's absence and the extra reps to make an impression. This begs the question, how could the Jacksonville initial 53-man roster look? Here's a projection based on how things played out in minicamp.
Jaguars projected offense after mandatory minicamp Part II
Quarterbacks (2): Trevor Lawrence, Mac Jones
This is a no-brainer. Trevor Lawrence is the starter behind center and Mac Jones should be the primary backup. After all, the Jags didn't trade for the latter only for him to be the third-string quarterback behind C.J. Beathard. Sure, they only had to give up a sixth-round but that was a result of his market rather than what he brings to the table. Speaking of, the former Alabama standout was sharp in minicamp.
With Lawrence or Beathard away from camp, Jones was able to get all the reps at quarterback. He was off target now and then but completed passes left and right once he hit his stride. The Jacksonville native won't probably see a big workload again until the preseason, which is why he needed to make the most out of the chances he got. It's fair to say that he did.
For the sake of argument, let's say that Jones is QB2. Where does that leave Beathard? The Jags could carry three quarterbacks in the regular season but they might be better off using that spot at another position.
The team's brass could probably place Beathard in the practice squad and protect him. If they ever need him, they could simply elevate him to the active roster.
Tight ends (4): Evan Engram, Brenton Strange, Luke Farrell, Josiah Deguara
The Jaguars don't have to worry about the tight end position with Evan Engram in the fold. The former Ole Miss Rebel has become a key cog on offense, having hauled in 197 catches for 1,729 years with eight touchdowns the past two seasons. However, the team's brass surely wants 2023 second-round pick Brenton Strange to step up. If he doesn't, fourth-year pro Luke Farrell will take away some of his snaps.
Back in 2022, the Jaguars carried four tight ends. If they do the same next season, Josiah Deguara should get the nod over Josh Pederson, and Patrick Murtagh.