Our Jaguars 53-man roster projection

By Hays Carlyon

The preseason is over and it’s time for our Jaguars 53-man projection.

I’ve never cut a roster this lopsided with 22 offensive players and 28 on defense. That will balance out more once the waiver claims are settled and hurt players can revert to injured reserve.

OFFENSE (22 players)

Quarterback

Who: Trevor Lawrence and Nick Mullens.

Why: I would definitely stick to just two on the 53 and would look to upgrade from Mullens depending on who else gets cut around the league.

Waiver claim priority: Medium.

Running back

Who: Travis Etienne, Tank Bigsby, Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen.

Why: Undrafted rookie Ja’Quinden Jackson has had a nice camp but it’s hard to justify keeping five backs when coach Liam Coen has stated only three will be active on game day. Unless Etienne or Bigsby get traded in the next 24 hours, I would expect Jags to hope Jackson goes unclaimed and gets back on the practice squad.

Waiver claim priority: Low.

Receiver

Who: Brian Thomas Jr., Travis Hunter, Dyami Brown and Parker Washington.

Why: I’m only keeping four initially because this gives us the flexibility to have a couple injured players make the initial 53 and then revert to injured reserve allowing them to come back later in the year. Counting Hunter as a receiver gives the defense a needed extra spot. I expect two receivers to be added through waivers.

Waiver claim priority: Highest.

Tight end

Who: Brenton Strange, Hunter Long and Johnny Mundt.

Why: This position seems stabilized.

Waiver claim priority: Low.

Offensive line

Who: Walker Little, Ezra Cleveland, Robert Hainsey, Patrick Mekari, Anton Harrison, Chuma Edoga, Wyatt Milum, Jonah Monheim and Cole Van Lanen.

Why: General manager James Gladstone traded Fred Johnson to the Eagles for a seventh-round pick because these nine have the versatility to handle normal attrition. Milum might have to start the season on IR.

Waiver claim priority: Medium (you’re always looking).

DEFENSE (28)

Defensive tackle

Who: DaVon Hamilton, Arik Armstead, Maason Smith, Khalen Saunders and Austin Johnson.

Why: The Jaguars really haven’t had much of a look at this group with Armstead (back) and Smith (calf) missing most of training camp, while Saunders (trade) and Johnson (signed mid-camp) joined the team late. The in-house depth options the staff inherited didn’t pan out.

Waiver claim priority: High.

Defensive end: Josh Hines-Allen, Travon Walker, Emmanuel Ogbah, Duwuane Smoot and BJ Green.

Why: Green has been productive as an undrafted rookie and we know how Gladstone treasures authentic football moments. Green had a sack and three pressures in preseason games.

Waiver claim priority: Medium.

Linebacker

Who: Foye Oluokun, Devin Lloyd, Ventrell Miller, Jack Kiser, Dennis Gardeck, Branson Combs and Yasir Abdullah.

Why: This a gaggle of linebackers, but it gives Gladstone a crucial extra day to try and figure out a potential trade. Perhaps Lloyd. Combs makes it as an undrafted free agent.

Waiver claim priority: Low.

Cornerback

Who: Tyson Campbell, Jourdan Lewis, Jarrian Jones, Montaric Brown and Christian Braswell.

Why: Only need five with Hunter’s presence as well. Brown might have to go on IR with the idea of returning.
Waiver claim priority: Medium.

Safety

Who: Eric Murray, Andrew Wingard, Antonio Johnson, Caleb Ransaw, Darnell Savage and Rayuan Lane.

Why: Ransaw must be included on the 53 before being placed on IR if the team believes he can come back at some point this season and my guess is they do. Lane takes Daniel Thomas’ spot. Savage could be traded.

Waiver claim priority: Medium.

SPECIALISTS (3)

Who: Cam Little (kicker), Logan Cooke (punter) and Ross Matiscik (long snapper).

Why: No drama here with this elite trio.

Waiver claim priority: Lowest.

(You can email Hays at [email protected] and follow him on X/Twitter @HaysCarlyon).