6 OBSERVATIONS FROM THE JAGUARS INITIAL 53-MAN ROSTER

My top takeaways from the trimmed-down Jaguars roster. 

BY JORDAN DE LUGO

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The Wide Receiver Room

Wide receiver had been considered one of the deepest positions on the Jaguars' roster, but after trimming their active roster to 53, it's a group that now lacks depth. Marvin Jones, DJ Chark, Laviska Shenault, Jamal Agnew, and Tavon Austin are the only receivers that remain. Phillip Dorsett, who seemed like a lock, didn't make the cut, partially due to health (he's been dealing with a hamstring issue). Collin Johnson, a 2020 fifth-round pick, is out, along with Jalen Camp, a 2021 sixth-rounder. The Jaguars have the number one waiver priority, and Urban Meyer confirmed the team would likely attack the wide receiver market post cuts. 

"That's concern number one for me," said Meyer. "We have Dorsett as dinged right now. We brought in Devin Smith, and he goes out there and makes a catch that I told him I haven't seen our guys make, but he's also had two ACL's. He's an older player, but he gives you the top end. He can knock the top off the coverage. That's my biggest concern, and also three running backs with Etienne being out. That's 24/7 conversation as we continue."

Running Back

As mentioned above, Urban Meyer wants to add another piece at running back. Currently on the roster are James Robinson, Carlos Hyde, and Dare Ogunbowale. The team waived Devine Ozigbo and Nathan Cotrell yesterday. The plan would've been to keep Travis Etienne as the final piece to the puzzle, but he suffered a season-ending foot injury in preseason week two. Former Cheifs RB Darwin Thompson could be a name to watch. 

Incredible Depth for Defensive Front

The Jaguars kept 14 players for their defensive front. In the past, Jacksonville has normally held around ten guys up front on defense. This falls in line with Urban Meyer's desire to have a top-eight defensive line. With depth and a variety of skill sets, Meyer and defensive coordinator Joe Cullen will look to improve the run defense and pass rush.

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Andre Cisco Will Start

The Jaguars released veteran safety Jarrod Wilson and placed Josh Jones on injured reserve. Those two moves cleared the way for Andre Cisco to enter the starting lineup next to Rayshawn Jenkins. Cisco, a rookie selected at the top of the third round, has been exceptional throughout training camp and the preseason. He missed most of 2020 with an ACL tear but has shown no signs of that slowing him down on the field. 

Special Teams Emphasis

It's pretty simple for Urban Meyer: if you're a backup, you need to have special teams value. We see that throughout the roster, especially at safety, where Rudy Ford, Andrew Wingard, and Daniel Thomas are all excellent special teamers. Jamal Agnew takes a WR spot but will serve as the primary return man. Lerentee McCray will rarely see the field on defense, but this staff coveted his leadership and special teams ability. 

Cornerback Depth

The Jaguars only have four healthy cornerbacks. Tre Herndon is still dealing with a sprained MCL, which leaves Shaquill Griffin, CJ Henderson, Tyson Campbell, and Chris Claybrooks are the only cornerbacks that could suit up in a game. We haven't been updated on Herndon's status for a couple of weeks, so it's possible that he'll be ready once the regular season rolls around. Still, keeping only five cornerbacks on the active roster seems a bit risky.

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