NFL training camps are officially in full swing. Training camp, along with preseason games can be extremely exciting as players battle out for roster spots. Sometimes the lesser known players can shine and catch the attention of the coaches and win roster spots. We saw this with Allen Hurns (now a Dallas Cowboy) in 2014, and Keelan Cole in 2017. There are a handful of players on this team that can do the same thing and win roster spots on this extremely talented team. Here is my prediction of the final 53 man roster for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Quarterbacks
Blake Bortles, Cody Kessler
For the first time in his career, Bortles is the unquestioned leader and quarterback of this offense. Bortles will look to have the best season of his career in 2018. Kessler is a solid backup quarterback with starting experience. If forced into action, Kessler would be a serviceable option.
Runningbacks
Leonard Fournette, Corey Grant, T.J. Yeldon, Tim Cook, Tommy Bohanon
Nothing too noteworthy here. Tim Cook is a name to watch. Cook is a big running back listed at 6’0 and a whooping 242 pound. He should be the one to replace Chris Ivory as the complement power back to Leonard Fournette.
Wide Receivers
Keelan Cole, Dede Westbrook, D.J. Chark, Donte Moncrief, Marqise Lee, Rashad Greene
The first 5 names here are virtual locks to make the team. The last spot will come down between Rashad Greene, Allen Lazard, and Jaydon Mickens. Ultimately, I see Greene winning that last spot. According to reports, Greene has been impressive this offseason. Add in the success he had in 2016 and the fact that he is more familiar with this offense than the other two receivers, and Greene comes out on top. He will also serve as the punt returner on this team.
Tight Ends
Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Niles Paul, Ben Koyack, James O’Shaugnessy
Expectations are set high for free agent addition Austin Seferian-Jenkins. According to reports, him and Bortles have built strong chemistry throughout the offseason and it looks like he will be a big focal point in this offense going forward. Bortles and Seferian-Jenkins got off to a hot start on the first day of training camp with this beautiful pass and throw.
Bortles hits ASJ, who catches one-handed over Gipson during team drills. #Jaguars pic.twitter.com/MMiYECovaS
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) July 26, 2018
Offensive Tackles
Cam Robinson, Jeremy Parnell, Will Richardson, Josh Wells
Expect rookie Will Richardson to be a “swing” tackle in 2017 as he can okay both the tackle and guard positions. With Parnell potentially retiring or being cut after 2018, Richardson can be in line to be the full time starting right tackle in 2019.
Offensive Guards
Andrew Norwell, A.J. Cann, Chris Reed
The signing of Norwell tremendously boosts the potential of this offense and automatically makes the left side the strongest side of the offensive line. The Jaguars will hope that A.J. Cann can put together an above average season. Cann seems to be the only possible weak link on the offensive line.
Centers
Brandon Linder, Tyler Shatley
Expect Linder to have his best season yet. This might finally be the season in which Linder will be voted into the Pro Bowl like has deserved in the last couple seasons.
Defensive Ends
Yannick Ngakoue, Calais Campbell, Dante Fowler Jr., Dawuane Smoot
Campbell and Ngakoue are the true leaders of this group and the defense overall. The one game suspension handed to Fowler may change the initial group here. But, ultimately, this will be the main group.
Defensive Tackles
Malik Jackson, Marcell Dareus, Taven Bryan, Abry Jones
This group can compete with the defensive ends and the secondary as the best group on the team. The addition of 1st rounder Taven Bryan makes this group even more talented. The biggest question mark here is whether or not Marcell Dareus will be suspended for his off the field trouble this offseason.
Linebackers
Myles Jack, Telvin Smith Sr., Blair Brown, Leon Jacobs, Lerentee McCray, Donald Payne
Watch for Leon Jacobs to compete with Blair Brown for a starting spot now that long time Jaguars linebacker Paul Posluszny is retired. According to reports, Jacobs has started training camp as the starting SAM linebacker. This can get interesting! Also, Myles Jack wasn’t down.
Cornerbacks
Jalen Ramsey, A.J. Bouye, D.J. Hayden, Quentin Meeks, Jalen Myrick, Tyler Patmon
The top two corners in the NFL are on the same defense. Amazing. But, who will win the nickel spot? Hayden is the obvious candidate, but the other three corners listed are more than capable of taking over that spot as well. The nickel position will be one of the more intriguing battles to watch in training camp and preseason.
Safeties
Barry Church, Tashaun Gipson, Cody Davis, Ronnie Harrison
Barry Church and Tashaun Gipson are locks for 2018. However, rookie Ronnie Harrison will look to make a push for playing time and a starting spot in 2019. His play can make Church or Gipson expendable in the next offseason. Cody Davis is a poor man’s Micah Hyde. Davis is an extremely versatile defensive back that can play all of the secondary positions and also special teams. He was a great signing for the Jaguars.
Special Teams
K Josh Lambo, P Logan Cooke, LS Carson Tinker, PR Rashad Greene
NOTABLE CUTS
WR/PR Jaydon Mickens, WR Shane Wynn, DT Michael Bennett, DT Eli Ankou, S Jarrod Wilson, WR Allen Lazard (Practice Squad)
