The Jacksonville Jaguars have kicked off their 2022 training camp under Doug Pederson. The Urban Meyer era is over and a new era has begun.
So which players have the early jump to make the 53-man roster when camp opens? We break it down below.
Quarterbacks (2): Trevor Lawrence, CJ Beathard.
Analysis: Maybe Doug Pederson opts to go with three quarterbacks and keep one of Jake Luton or Kyle Sloter, but the safe bet is that Trevor Lawrence and CJ Beathard will again enter the year as the Jaguars’ only quarterbacks.
Running backs (4): James Robinson, Travis Etienne, Snoop Conner, Ryquell Armstead.
Analysis: The Jaguars will need all the running back depth they can get after James Robinson’s season-ending Achilles injury in Week 16, giving Ryquell Armstead a chance to make the roster three years after he made the Jaguars’ roster for the first time.
Tight ends (4): Evan Engram, Dan Arnold, Chris Manhertz, Luke Farrell
Analysis: Evan Engram was added this offseason and will undoubtedly play the starting role, while Dan Arnold’s similar skill set will likely see a little less playing time, but both will play big roles in Pederson’s offense. Chris Manhertz and Luke Farrell are the blockers as the Jaguars didn’t land a tight end.
Offensive Line (8): Ben Bartch, G; Brandon Scherff, G; Will Richardson Jr., G; Tyler Shatley, C; Luke Fortner, C; Cam Robinson, T; Jawaan Taylor, T; Walker Little, T;
Analysis: The Jaguars had three offensive linemen depart this offseason, but they have replacements in Tyler Shatley, Luke Fortner and Brandon Scherff. The big question is who will start at right tackle between Little and Taylor.
Wide receivers (6): Christian Kirk, Zay Jones, Marvin Jones, Laviska Shenault, Jamal Agnew, Laquon Treadwell.
Analysis: The Jaguars seemingly have five spots locked up with free agent additions Christian Kirk and Zay Jones and returning veterans Marvin Jones, Laviska Shenault and Jamal Agnew, leaving the sixth spot for Laquon Treadwell to tackle Kevin Austin. Treadwell’s 2021 breakthrough should give him the edge.
Scroll to Continue
PROTECTION
Safety (5): Rayshawn Jenkins, Andre Cisco, Andrew Wingard, Daniel Thomas, Rudy Ford
Analysis: Rayshawn Jenkins will start to see his salary come into play, while 2021 third-round pick Andre Cisco is beloved inside the building and should be the favorite to start in 2022. Andrew Wingard comes in as the No. 3 of safety, while Daniel Thomas and Rudy Ford close the room and add value on special teams.
Cornerbacks (6): Shaquill Griffin, Tyson Campbell, Darious Williams, Tre Herndon, Gregory Junior, Montaric Brown
Analysis: The Jaguars have their top three tight ends between Griffin, Campbell and free agent Darious Williams, while rookie Gregor Junior and Montaric round out the backup group along with veteran nickel back Tre Herndon.
Linebacker (8): Foyesade Oloukun, MLB; Devin Lloyd, MLB; Chad Muma, MLB; Shaquille Quarterman, MLB: Josh Allen, OLB; Travon Walker, OLB; Dawuan Smoot, OLB; K’Lavon Chaisson, OLB.
Analysis: The Jaguars added four new linebackers this offseason in Devin Lloyd, Foyesade Oluokun, Chad Muma and the No. 1 pick. 1 overall Travon Walker. Meanwhile, Josh Allen and Dawuane Smoot provide veteran options at outside linebacker in the Jaguars’ 3-4 defense.
Defensive line (7): Foley Fatukasi, DaVon Hamilton, Malcom Brown, Roy Robertson-Harris, Arden Key, Jay Tufele, Adam Gotsis
Analysis: One of the deepest tight ends on the roster, the Jaguars will be able to constantly rotate defensive linemen in 2022. Foley Fatukasi is the big offseason addition and will start, while DaVon Hamilton and Malcom Brown are solid players. . Adam Gotsis and Jay Tufele are rotation players who have shot in the past, while Roy Robertson-Harris and Arden Key are the two best bets to line up inside at third.
Special teams
Kicker: Ryan Santoso
Worker: Logan Cooke
Long Group: Ross Matiscik
Analysis Logan Cooke is a top-5 player in the NFL, but the real question is in the beginning. Ryan Santoso is our prediction to win the job over undrafted free agent Andrew Mevis because of his experience.