Jaguars roster projection: Do Jags have the supporting cast to become AFC force?

Quarterbacks (2):

Trevor Lawson

and

C.J. BeathardNo surprises here.Lawrence emerged as a true franchise quarterback in the second half of last season, setting up excitement for what he can develop into in Year 3. Pederson confirmed Beathard as QB2 following Jacksonville’s victory over Detroit in preseason on August 19, despite Nathan Rourke’s flashes. Beathard is a veteran voice in Lawrence’s quarterback room and has been since 2021, when he joined the NFL. Wide Receiver (6):

Calvin Ridley

Christian Kirk

Zay JonesJamal AgnewParker WashingtonTim JonesBeyond four lock receivers (Ridley Kirk Zay Jones Agnew), Washington, a rookie sixth-round pick, has earned his spot as No. Agnew is the No. 2 returner. Tim Jones’ special teams value makes him a good choice for the sixth spot in a deep group of backup receivers. Pro Football Focus rated him as the highest-rated special teams player for Jacksonville this preseason. He played all 17 games last season and was a key member of the special teams (36% snaps). In exhibition play, he was the second-leading team receiver with 122 yards. Doug Pedersen on Trevor Lawrence: You can put the entire team on his shoulders. “Running Back (4): Travis Etiene Jr.Tank BigsbyJaMycal HastyD’Ernest JohnsonSnoop Conne, a 5th-round pick from last year is notable. But the Jaguars have had a long-established top four here this summer.

Bigsby, a third-round rookie, should be a nice complement to Etienne with his bruising style of running between the tackles. Etienne is a star outside of the tackles.

Tight End (4):

Evan engram

; Brenton Strange; Gerrit prince; Luke farrellThere are no surprises. Engram, TE1, is the best option for the long term. Strange, a second round rookie, could be that player. Jaguars players and coaches have praised Prince’s development this summer, a rookie undrafted last year. Offensive line (9):

Walker Little

,

Ben Bartch, Luke Fortner, Brandon Scherff, Anton Harrison,

Tyler Shatley

,

Josh Wells, Blake Hance, Chandler BrewerReserve/Suspended (1): Cam RobinsonReserve/Injured (1): Cooper HodgesHarrison, a first-round rookie, is the Day 1 right tackle. And with Robinson suspended the first four games of the season for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drugs policy, Little will protect Lawrence’s blindside to start the year. Hodges is a seventh-round rookie who will likely start the season in injured reserve due to a patellar injury. He was forced to miss the end training camp and preseason because of the injury. He would have to miss his first four games if he was placed on injured reserve. Why Jaguars are the AFC No. 1 seed in 2023 Defensive line/outside linebacker (10): Folorunso Fatukasi, DaVon Hamilton, Roy Robertson-Harris

, Josh Allen
, Travon Walker

,

K’Lavon Chaisson

,

Tyler Lacy, Yasir Abdullah, Jeremiah Ledbetter, Adam GotsisReserve/Physically Unable to Perform (1): Dawuane SmootSignificant improvement from Walker, last year’s No. The defensive front is boosted by the No. 1 pick. As a rookie, he had only 3.5 sacks. He also had an 8.9% rate of pressure. The Jaguars are expected to have a stronger depth in this area than they did a year ago. Chaisson, the 2020 first-round draft pick who had a sluggish start to his professional career, impressed during training camp. Ledbetter, a rookie fifth-round pick, and Abdullah have both shown promise in preseason. Inside linebacker (5): Foyesade Oluokun, Devin Lloyd, Chad Muma, Caleb Johnson, Shaquille Quarterman

Oluokun is one of the better off-ball linebackers in the league, and Lloyd — a first-round pick last year — is expected to make major strides in Year 2. Quarterman is the fifth linebacker, as fourth-round rookie Ventrell Miller will be out of the season due to an Achilles’ injury. Secondary (10):

Tyson Campbell

,

Rayshawn Jenkins, Andre Cisco, Darious Williams, Tre Herndon, Andrew Wingard,

Antonio Johnson

,

Gregory Junior, Christian Braswell, Chris ClaybrooksThe Jaguars are returning all of their starters here from a year ago, so this group should naturally continue ascending. Campbell is poised to establish himself as one of the best cornerbacks in the league — he’s been challenged in practice this summer by Ridley — and Cisco is entering his second season as a starter.Johnson, a fifth-round rookie, flashed throughout the summer. Specialists (4): Brandon McManus(PK), Logan cooke(P), Ross Mattiscik(LS)Matiscik is out with a shoulder issue since the Cowboys preseason opener. He will be placed on injured reserve if he is not ready to begin the season. Ben Arthur is a reporter for FOX Sport’s AFC South. Ben Arthur was previously the Titans’ beat writer at The Tennessean/USA TODAY Network for an year and a quarter. You can follow Ben on Twitter at .FOLLOWFollow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experienceNational Football LeagueJacksonville Jaguars

Trevor Lawrence

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