:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/16825713/20130513_jla_ap4_116.0.jpg)
The Jacksonville Jaguars 53-man roster should look drastically different than it did at the end of the 2012 season, especially on the defensive side of the ball. The team could potentially have hauled over nearly half their roster in a single offseason and still not be finished churning players in and out.
Without further ado, here's my shot at the Jaguars 53-man roster before training camp starts.
Quarterback:
Blaine Gabbert
Mike Kafka
Matt Scott
Reasoning: I just don't buy into Chad Henne at all. He is what he is and unless he just blows the doors off Gabbert in camp, he's probably not going to start and if he's not starting there is no real benefit in keeping him on the roster.
Running back/Fullback:
Maurice Jones-Drew
Justin Forsett
Denard Robinson
De'Leon Eskridge
Lonnie Pryor
Reasoning: I think these four are the most talented and versatile backs on the roster. All can do a little bit of the same types of things and should fit into the offense the team wants to run under Jedd Fisch.
Offensive line:
Eugene Monroe
Luke Joeckel
Will Rackley
Brad Meester
Uche Nwaneri
Cameron Bradfield
Michael Brewster
Roddy Tomlin
Drew Nowak
Reasoning: The starting five are set, but it's the backups that will be really interesting to watch. I think Cameron Bradfield will make a solid swing-tackle to have active on gamedays. Brewster showed he's worth developing last year and Nowak proved very interesting in the preseason. Tomlin is kind of a shot in the dark, but he can play all over the offensive line.
Wide receiver:
Cecil Shorts III
Justin Blackmon*
Mohamed Massaquoi
Ace Sanders
Jordan Shipley
Tobias Palmer
Reasoning: I think the top three are pretty set in stone, but while Blackmon is suspended I have Shipley making the final roster with Palmer, with one of the two likely being dropped when Blackmon is active again after Week 4. I think Palmer's ability on kick returns could keep him on the final roster.
Tight end:
Marcedes Lewis
Ryan Otten
Kyler Reed
Reasoning: I have two undrafted rookies making the roster at tight end, one because I think Otten can contribute right away and two because I think Reed can be a versatile option and also contribute on special teams.
Defensive tackle:
Roy Miller
Sen'Derrick Marks
Kyle Love
Brandon Deaderick*
Reasoning: I think these are clearly the top four in the rotation at the defensive tackle position, with Deaderick also available at the 5-technique end position.
Defensive end (LEO + 5-technique):
Jason Babin
Andre Branch
Tyson Alualu
Pannell Egboh
J.D. Griggs
Reasoning: The big shocker here is I don't list Jeremy Mincey. This isn't based on anything but just my personal opinion on him not really fitting into the new defensive scheme. I think there's an outside chance he's not on the roster. You could easily swap Griggs for Mincey here, but I'm looking for the staff to find their guys.
Linebacker:
Paul Posluszny
Russell Allen
Geno Hayes
Julian Stanford
LaRoy Reynolds
Maalik Bomar
Reasoning: I think the top four should be pretty set right now and I think Reynolds has the ability to make the roster. I wouldn't be surprised either if the final two wound up being players released in camp from other teams.
Defensive back:
Dwight Lowery
Johnathan Cyprien
Josh Evans
Dwayne Gratz
Alan Ball
Demetrius McCray
Mike Harris
Chris Banjo
Marcus Trufant
Jeremy Harris
Reasoning: I don't think I need to list why I don't have Chris Prosinski, but that's really the only big glaring thing here. I think Chris Banjo can offer just as much on special teams and on the field as Prosinski.
Then of course Josh Scobee, Bryan Anger, and Jeremy Cain rounding out special teams.