MEET THE TEAM: THE 2019 JAGUARS' SAFETIES

David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire

The Jaguars' starting safeties lack experience, but the talent is there. 
​

BY ANDREW CHOYNOWSKI

---

It's week two of the preseason, and we're almost back to real football. Finally. It's time to introduce you to another position group. This week, safeties. 

Both week one starters from the 2018 season have departed. Strong safety, Barry Church, only started 11 games for the Jaguars last year before being benched in Week 13. He is currently a free agent. Free safety, Tashaun Gipson, who started all 16 games for the Jaguars in 2018 got released in March due to salary cap issues. Four days later Gipson signed a three-year, $22.5 million contract with division rival Houston Texans. So who's going to fill the void? 

King & Crown Tee

$25.00

Only a few left!

Shop

Ronnie Harrison was drafted by the Jaguars in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft and went on to replace Barry Church as the starter at strong safety in Week 13 of his rookie year. After taking the reins, Harrison registered a sack, an interception, and a pass defended. The consensus is that Harrison is the right man to take over the job. He'll play a significant role in what's considered to be one of the Jaguars' top strengths: their pass defense.

Jarrod Wilson made the Jaguars' roster after signing with the team as an undrafted free agent in 2016. Despite primarily backing up Tashaun Gipson at free safety his first three years with the Jags, Wilson has found himself on the field each week by contributing on special teams. He made his first career start last year in a Week 16 matchup against the Miami Dolphins. Wilson finished the season with a total of 21 tackles, two passes defended, and a forced fumble. He signed a three-year, extension in January that locked him up through the 2021 season. 

It's not set in stone yet, but expect to see C.J. Reavis and Cody Davis, who were both on the roster last year, as the primary backups. Undrafted rookie Andrew Wingard has flashed in camp with his aggressive play-style. He could contend for one of the final roster spots.