The Jacksonville Jaguars have wrapped up their first week of the preseason.
After competing in a joint practice with the New Orleans Saints, many starters were given a rest day during the first preseason game of the season. It gave several young players a chance to put live reps on film as the coaching staff continues to evaluate the roster ahead of cut down day on Aug. 30.
The players were able to battle back from a first half deficit and score 18-unanswered points to secure a 24-20 victory against the Saints.
Several players helped their stock as the team continues to make evaluations of its roster.
After the first preseason game, let's take a look at another 53-man roster projection:
Jaguars potential 53-man roster ahead of Preseason Week 1Notes:
- While Travis Hunter will be listed twice on this roster, he is counted only once(cornerbacks).
- (R) denotes rookie.
- (IR) denotes injured reserve.
Projected on roster:Trevor Lawrence, Nick Mullens
Cuts: Carter Bradley, Joey Aguilar (R)
Observations: Nick Mullens didn't look good in limited reps. Carter Bradley was up-and-down, granted it was mostly up after he settled in. Joey Aguilar had extremely limited reps, but completed a cannon shot of a pass down the field. Biggest takeaway: The Jaguars might want to seriously invest in a sturdy backup behind Trevor Lawrence next season.
Running Back (4)Projected on roster: Chris Rodriguez Jr., Bhayshul Tuten, LeQuint Allen, J'Mari Taylor (R)
Cuts: DeeJay Dallas, Ameer Abdullah
Observations: J'Mari Taylor had already shown enough to move to the main roster prior to the preseason game, in my opinion. But after a 22 carry for 78 yards performance, that final spot in the running back room is his. Ameer Abdullah didn't log a single carry or return. I think that says a lot about where he is on the depth chart. DeeJay Dallas will be Taylor's main competition for the last roster spot here.
Wide receiver (5)Projected on roster: Jakobi Meyers, Brian Thomas Jr., Parker Washington, Travis Hunter, Josh Cameron (R), CJ Williams (R)
Cuts: Brady Boyd (R), Chandler Brayboy, Tim Jones, Trebor Pena (R), Austin Trammell, Michael Wortham (R)
Observations: Chandler Brayboy helped his stock in the game. However, he's competing for a practice squad spot at this point as most of the spots are solidified in the receiver room. Same goes for Trebor Pena who dropped a dime in the endzone from Bradley, but made up for it with the reception to set up the go-ahead touchdown.
Tight end (4)Projected on roster:Brenton Strange, Nate Boerkircher (R), Tanner Koziol (R), Hunter Long
Cuts: Patrick Herbert, Ethan Conner (R), Quintin Morris
Observations: There are some things that can't be simulated. Hunter Long's effectiveness in the run game showed up big time as the Jaguars were able to get their rushing attack going in the second half of the win. He jumps back into the boat as Quintin Morris now finds himself on the outside looking in.
Offensive line (10)Projected on roster:Cole Van Lanen, Ezra Cleveland, Robert Hainsey, Patrick Mekari, Anton Harrison, Walker Little, Emmanuel Pregnon (R), Jonah Monheim, Wyatt Milum, Chuma Edoga
Cuts: Jerome Carvin, Ricky Lee, Jimto Obidegwu, Sam Mustipher, Kilian Zierer, Geron Christian
Injured reserve: Garrett DiGiorgio (IR)/(R)
Observations: This position keeps going from bad to worse. They were already down several players and Chuma Edoga was injured in the first quarter, putting his status in jeopardy moving forward. At this point there are several players here who could be injured reserve candidates. We'll see how things progress moving forward, but no changes are made as of now.
Defensive line/Edge rusher (10)Projected on roster:Josh Hines-Allen, DaVon Hamilton, Arik Armstead, Travon Walker, Ruke Orhorhoro, Matt Dickerson, Albert Regis (R), BJ Green II, Danny Striggow, Wesley Williams (R)
Cuts: Keivie Rose, Zach Durfee (R), T.J. Bollers (R), Quinton Bohanna, Jalen Hunt (R), Quindarius Dunnigan, Bryan Thomas Jr. (R)
Observations: Bryan Thomas Jr. flashed a bit in the game. I don't think there's space for him on the main roster, but he could play his way onto the practice squad. Wesley Williams and Albert Regis made plays, a positive sign for the rookies who are trying to hold on to their backup positions. Ruke Orhorhoro continues to make positive strides and could soon find himself in starter-adjacent territory.
Linebacker (5)Projected on roster:Foye Oluokun, Ventrell Miller, Dennis Gardeck, Branson Combs, Jalen McLeod
Cuts: Yasir Abdullah, Jahlani Tavai, Amari Burney, Parker Hughes (R)
Injured reserve: Jack Kiser (IR)
Observations: Yasir Abdullah forced a fumble and had great coverage on a punt in the first half. He's fighting a losing battle, though, as the team will likely lean towards McLeod over him. Abdullah could still make it interesting down the stretch, earning a roster spot as a core special teamer.
Cornerback (5)Projected on roster:Travis Hunter, Montaric Brown, Jourdan Lewis, Jarrian Jones, Jabbar Muhammad
Cuts: Christian Braswell, Preston Hodge (R), Devon Marshall (R), Corey Ballentine
Observations: This position was largely bad throughout the game. But when it mattered most, they showed up. Jabbar Muhammad's game-sealing pass breakup erased some of his lackluster reps from the contest. I still think Braswell is his major competition for the final spot with the two of them getting two more weeks to decide a winner.
Safety (5)Projected on roster: Eric Murray, Antonio Johnson, Caleb Ransaw, Rayuan Lane III, Jalen Huskey (R)
Cuts: Devin Neal Jr. (R), Cam'Ron Silmon-Craig, Trevian Thomas
Observations: Jalen Huskey had a really good showing in his first game action as a Jaguar. He was all over the field, showing off some versatility in the pass game and as a run stopper. Caleb Ransaw and Rayuan Lane had limited reps in the contest, but again, they're starters on special teams so they automatically get the nod.
Special Teams (3)Projected on roster: Logan Cooke, Cam Little, Ross Matiscik
Cuts: N/A
Observations: Speaking of special teams, it was another day at the office for these three. A few field goals, a couple punts as they clocked in and out of work.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jaguars 53-man roster projection after first week of the preseason
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