The 2020 NFL Draft is now in the books after an all digitalized process that went about as fluidly as possible. Throughout the process, the Jacksonville Jaguars were able to occupy all 90 offseason roster spots between what they already had, their 12 draft picks, and the undrafted rookie free agents they added.
Now comes the team’s virtual workouts, and then the team’s other offseason training events will follow (at least it seems that way for now). With that being said, we decided to have a little fun and do some early roster predictions of our own.
Here’s how we think the roster could shake out without seeing everyone on the practice field at the moment:
Quarterback (2)
Gardner Minshew II, Joshua Dobbs
With the draft now over, it wouldn’t be shocking to see the Jags add a veteran quarterback in the mix. NFL insider Ian Rapoport told us that the Jags would really like to add Andy Dalton if cut due to his connection with coordinator Jay Gruden, so that’s something to monitor. Until then, Joshua Dobbs should have no problem being the No. 2.
It’s been clear for a while that the Jags wanted to give Gardner Minshew II a chance to prove himself in 2020. They added weapons around him and it will be interesting to see if his 2020 preseason is better than his 2019 preseason.
(Note: I believe Jake Luton will end up being the team’s practice squad QB)
Running Back (4)
Leonard Fournette, Ryquell Armstead, Devine Ozigbo, *James Robinson
The Jags will probably keep the running backs they had on the main roster from last year as they’ve expressed that they like the first three names listed (even if Fournette was on the trade block). However, three running backs doesn’t feel like enough to enter the regular season with. That said, I could see undrafted free agent James Robinson making the roster because he was a draftable prospect this offseason.
Tight end (4)
Tyler Eifert, Josh Oliver, James O’Shaughnessy, *Tyler Davis
The Jags biggest addition here was Tyler Eifert, however, he hasn’t had the best availability throughout his career. Josh Oliver and James O’Shaughnessy could come with health concerns of their own as they are coming off injured reserve with back and knee injuries, respectively. Granted the conditions of all three, the Jags would be wise to bring along rookie draft selection Tyler Davis into the regular season.
Wide receiver (6)
D.J. Chark, *Laviska Shenault, Dede Westbrook, Chris Conley, Keelan Cole, *Collin Johnson
We discussed how the Jags have always gone with six receivers under Doug Marrone and I believe that trend continues. Of course, the big subtraction here is Marqise Lee. The additions are the two receivers the Jags drafted in Laviska Shenault and Collin Johnson, who offer the Jags the type of target they were looking for in Allen Lazard.
Offensive lineman (9)
Cam Robinson, Andrew Norwell, Brandon Linder, A.J. Cann, Jawaan Taylor, *Ben Bartch, Will Richardson, Tyler Shatley, KC McDermott
There won’t be much change here because the Jags didn’t add much to their offensive line unit. It’s hard to say who the ninth lineman will be on the roster, but it feels like it’s KC McDermott’s time to join the final roster after several years of entering the regular season on practice squad.
Defensive lineman/ Edge rushers (10)
Taven Bryan, Al Woods, Rodney Gunter, Josh Allen, Yannick Ngakoue, Dawuane Smoot, *DaVon Hamilton, Abry Jones, Dontavius Russell, Cassius Marsh
It’s really hard to say whether or not Yannick Ngakoue will play, but for now, I put him on the list. For a player who has made around the $4 million range, it’s possible he could come around and play on the tag or a new deal, either of which would provide a huge pay bump.
Rookie DaVon Hamilton is one of the new faces that will make the final roster in all likelihood and looks to be the Jags’ nose tackle of the future. It’s also possible that fans could see Cassius Marsh beats out Lerentee McCray for the last bubble spot on the defensive line as an edge rusher.
Linebacker (6)
*K’Lavon Chaisson, Joe Schobert, Myles Jack, Leon Jacobs, *Shaquille Quarterman, Quincy Williams
As Dave Caldwell mentioned, K’Lavon Chaisson offers a lot of versatility and can play from two-point stance as a SAM linebacker or three-point stance. This could also help him stay on the field quite a bit as a rookie to rush the passer with Allen, especially if Ngakoue doesn’t play.
With Doug Marrone announcing the team will look to utilize more 3-4 looks on base downs, Myles Jack and Joe Schobert will man things in the middle while new draftee Shaquille Quarterman learns from the two veterans and plays on special teams.
Cornerback (5)
C.J. Henderson, Tre Herndon, D.J. Hayden, *Josiah Scott, *Luqman Barcoo
The Jags will naturally have a lot of turnover here as Jalen Ramsey and A.J. Bouye were both traded. Tre Herndon developed well as time went on in 2019 while replacing Ramsey and he’ll now be joined by C.J. Henderson to make for the Jags’ new starting pair.
D.J. Hayden will remain at his nickelback spot after another solid year in 2019, while rookie Josiah Scott could be groomed to succeed him for 2021. Luq Barcoo was a draftable prospect who went undrafted and will come with a chip on his shoulder. As a result, I could see him making the team and having an impressive preseason.
Safety (4)
Jarrod Wilson, Ronnie Harrison, *J.R. Reed, *Daniel Thomas
Jarrod Wilson and Ronnie Harrison should return as the team’s starters at safety in 2020. However, they could end up with two rookies behind them as reserves in fifth-round pick Daniel Thomas, who is more athletic than people think (had an 8.43 out of 10). J.R. Reed, on the other hand, was a playmaker for an elite Georgia defense, and while he’s not the most athletic or fastest, he’s always near the ball and never out of place.
Specialists (3)
LS Matt Orzech, PK Josh Lambo, P Logan Cooke
There is not much to say here. Josh Lambo and Logan Cooke are studs, while Matt Orzech deserves to return, too.