The 2021 NFL Draft is now in the history books in terms of the selections and now it’s time for the on the field activities to occur. The Jags led the way with the first overall pick, which it used on Trevor Lawrence, and will be bringing in eight other draft picks with him.

The Jags also endured a lot of changes in terms of the staff, overhauling the coaching group and front office scouting department. That, of course, will lead to a drastically different 53-man roster this offseason.

With the draft and free-agency behind us, here is our first attempt at predicting just what the Jags’ new 53-man roster could look like:

Quarterback (3)

Trevor Lawrence, Gardner Minshew II, C. J. Beathard

As expected, the Jags took Trevor Lawrence first overall. One would think he’d start immediately, but Urban Meyer could take it slow with him if he wanted to.

As for Gardner Minshew II, it’s unknown if he will remain on the roster, but he does have 20 starts (over two years) to his name now, which is an important nugget. However, for the moment we have both him and C. J. Beathard, who has 12 starts of his own, making the roster.

Running backs (4)

James Robinson, Carlos Hyde, *Travis Etienne, Dare Ogunbowale

Meyer said that he would look to build the running backs room around James Robinson and did just that. The star of the Jags’ offense, who set multiple records as an undrafted rookie, now has a veteran in Carlos Hyde to distribute his load with.

The Jags also spent a first-round pick on Travis Etienne, who they have plans to play on third downs and use as a “slash” type weapon for the offense.

Dare Ogunbowale will be a name to watch for the No. 4 spot due to his special teams experience and Meyer’s love for special teams players.

Tight end (4)

James O’Shaughnessy, Chris Manhertz, *Luke Farrell, Tyler Davis

This is a position that’s hard to project at the moment because it appears the Jags’ starter isn’t on the roster and may come via trade. However, for the moment, the four listed names make the most sense.

James O’Shaughnessy was the most experienced tight end on the roster, while Chris Manhertz and Luke Farrell offer plenty of blocking ability. That would leave room for an athletic receiving threat — and Tyler Davis, who only saw 40 offensive snaps, may be ready to step up as a TE4.

Wide receiver (6)

D.J. Chark, Marvin Jones, Laviska Shenault, Collin Johnson, Jamal Agnew, Phillip Dorsett II

Receiver is a position where the competition is going to be intense with the additions and subtractions that were made there. D.J. Chark, who is probably the most talented receiver on the team, will look to get back to Pro Bowl form, and the addition of Lawrence will help there.

Laviska Shenault Jr. showed a lot of promise last season while taking snaps from various spots on the field as a rookie and proved to be hard to bring down for defenses.

The Jags also have Collin Johnson returning from last season, who was a highlight reel at times. With a year under his belt and a wide catch radius to offer for Lawrence, big things could be on the horizon for him in 2021.

In free agency, the Jags added a veteran in Marvin Jones, who has produced 18 touchdowns in his last two seasons with the Detroit Lions. With his familiarity with the Jags’ offense, Jones could continue his success while also coaching up Chark and Shenault.

The Jags also added Jamal Agnew, who also was with the Lions last season and understands the offense. Both he and free-agent addition Phillip Dorsett could be predominantly special teams players with their speed and experience, while also providing help on offense as the Jags’ fifth and sixth receiving options.

Offensive lineman (9)

Cam Robinson, Andrew Norwell, Brandon Linder, A.J. Cann, Jawaan Taylor, Ben Bartch, Will Richardson, Tyler Shatley, *Walker Little

The Jags starting five from last season will be returning here in Cam Robinson, Andrew Norwell, Brandon Linder, A.J. Cann, and Jawaan Taylor. However, there will be some competition this time around.

While Cam Robinson was franchise tagged, the Jags added a tackle in the second-round in Walker Little. However, with Little not taking a snap since 2019, it’s hard to see him beating out Robinson in 2021, and if he does, that would speak volumes. That said, Little’s best chance to start could come next season when Robinson’s contract expires.

Also, look for Ben Bartch, Will Richardson, and Tyler Shatley to return behind the starters due to having notable experience as backups. Bartch will especially be one to watch as it wouldn’t be shocking to see him push A.J. Cann to start.

Note: Another name to watch here is Derwin Gray, who has a limited body of work, but played well with the Pittsburgh Steelers and accumulated an 81.7 pass-blocking grade in 2021, per Pro Football Focus. 

Defensive linemen (7)

Roy Robertson-Harris, DaVon Hamilton, Adam Gotsis, Malcom Brown, Dawuane Smoot, *Jay Tufele, Doug Costin

This unit overwent a drastic change this offseason as Roy Robertson-Harris, Malcom Brown, and rookie Jay Tufele are the new faces. Of course, signs are pointing to there being a heavy rotation under new coordinator Joe Cullen based on what he witnessed in Baltimore, but Robertson-Harris and Brown look to be starter material.

Returning will be second-year players DaVon Hamilton and Doug Costin, both of whom flashed last season. Hamilton in particular could start, as could returning veteran Adam Gotsis, who also had solid moments in 2021.

Additionally, Dawuane Smoot re-signed this offseason and should be a valuable piece to the puzzle as he proved to be versatile last season and has shown growth year by year.

Note: Daniel Ekuale could be a bubble player here as he registered five starts for the Jags last year.

EDGE (4)

Josh Allen, K’Lavon Chaisson, Jihad Ward, *Jordan Smith,

The Jags will enter this season with two former first-rounders who thrived at being rush outside linebackers in college in Josh Allen and K’Lavon Chaisson. And while the Jags aren’t fully committing to a 3-4 defense, it seems like fans will witness it a lot with both players being the most comfortable in that alignment.

The pair will also have veteran Jihad Ward helping them out while also taking snaps in the trenches as a lineman. After previously spending time with Cullen in Baltimore, he’s the most familiar with the scheme of all the defensive players we’ve named.

Then lastly, there is fourth-round rookie Jordan Smith. While the front office views him as a raw prospect, he should see a decent amount of time in the rotation Year 1 and has several young players and veterans to help him find his way.

Note: A player to also watch at this position is Lerentee McCray, who once played for Meyer at Florida. 

Inside linebackers (4)

Myles Jack, Joe Schobert, Damien Wilson, Shaq Quarterman

The starters here will be Myles Jack and Joe Schobert as two of the Jags’ top paid players. Both have the experience and leadership skills a new coach like Meyer needs by his side as a first-year NFL guy.

Damien Wilson, who the Jags added this offseason in free agency, gives the Jags another veteran backup, while Shaq Quarterman, a fourth-round draft selection from last year, can continue to be groomed in 2021.

Note: Watch for Quincy Williams to make a potential push here, especially with what he could bring as a special teamer.

Another name to watch is undrafted rookie Dylan Moses, too, who was a leader for Alabama’s defense as a collegiate player. 

Cornerback (5)

Shaquill Griffin, C.J. Henderson, *Tyson Campbell, Sidney Jones IV, Tre Herndon

This is one of the Jags’ deepest groups, and rightfully so when considering the injuries the group endured last season. The Jags’ biggest signing during free agency was that of Shaquill Griffin and he’ll be this group’s CB1.

C.J. Henderson now has some competition in second-round rookie Tyson Campbell, and it seems the loser for the CB2 spot will be kicked in to nickelback. If it boils down to skill and familiarity with the NFL, Henderson should be able to hold off the Georgia Bulldog.

Lastly, the Jags have Sidney Jones IV and Tre Herndon, both of whom have significant starter experience. Jones had an impressive year in 2020 with the Jags, but his career has been one with injury issues, so he’s better suited for a CB3 type role. As for Herndon, he should make the team when looking at his track record with the Jags. While he struggled on the outside and garnered a lot of penalties, he’s more than capable of being a team’s CB4 or CB5.

Safety (4)

Rashawn Jenkins, *Andre Cisco, Daniel Thomas, Jarrod Wilson

This group is much improved after last season where it mostly saw a rotation of guys who were better suited for special teams. Of last year’s group, Jarrod Wilson proved that he’s a good safety, but he hasn’t made a lot of impact plays at the position. He’ll probably stick around though the Jags have added a lot of competition that could prevent him from starting in Rashawn Jenkins and rookie Andre Cisco.

When looking at Jenkins’ contract, the Jags view him as one of two starters at safety. If healthy, Cisco has the impact play ability that Wilson lacks — and it could make him a Day 1 starter. Daniel Thomas also could push Wilson to start, bringing underrated athleticism to the table.

Special teams (3)

Josh Lambo, Logan Cooke, Ross Matiscik

When healthy, Josh Lambo is one of the league’s best kickers, though the argument could be made that the Jags need to look heavily into a Plan B practice squad option when considering the time Lambo has missed with the Jags.

Logan Cooke was rewarded with a contract extension this offseason, so the Jags are pleased with him. Then lastly, Ross Matiscik, who was an undrafted rookie last season held his own and there were no notable snapping issues to occur on his part.