Jaguars release first unofficial depth chart of 2020, name captains

With the Jacksonville Jaguars initial 53-man roster and the large majority of its practice squad set, the team has released its first “unofficial” depth chart of the season.

The Jaguars will face off against the Indianapolis Colts in week one, where they’ll be able to test the youngest roster in the NFL, coming into the game with 16 rookies on the team (12 drafted and four undrafted), along with several second-year players.

While the depth chart has been announced, it can and will change dramatically during the season, potentially even during week 1.

Along with the depth charts, the Jaguars announced their captains for the season:

Two players, linebacker Myles Jack and center Brandon Linder are repeat captains. Jack is now a two-time captain, while Linder is a four-time captain. All of the remaining captains, including Gardner Minshew II, Chris Conley, Josh Allen, Abry Jones, Jarrod Wilson and Josh Lambo are captains for the first time in Jacksonville.

Captains were chosen by a vote among players.

Below is the Jaguars’ first unofficial 2020 depth chart (Rookies listed in bold):

Depth chart notes:

James Robinson opens as the week 1 starting tailback

While it shouldn’t come as a complete shock, the Jaguars have listed Robinson as the team’s first-team running back to open the season. Robinson, an undrafted rookie out of Illinois State, along with second-year running back Devin Ozigbo and former Jaguars tailback Leonard Fournette were vying for roles in the team’s offense this year.

The rookie earned plenty of looks as he showcased his talents during training camp.

While Robinson is starting, we should caution the team, and head coach Doug Marrone, doesn’t appear committed to one single running back, at least for now. The Jaguars will likely use a healthy dose of all three running backs during the game, with Chris Thompson as the team’s third-down/receiving back.

James O’Shaughnessy listed as starting tight end

This may not matter much at all, however, the rapport between Minshew and tight end James O’Shaughnessy was evident throughout camp, even while he was coming back from a torn ACL. However, Tyler Eifert will still be playing a major role, and could end up starting depending on the formation the team starts out in.

Ultimately, the Jaguars will rely on both O’Shaughnessy and Eifert a lot this season, and that much was made clear this year during training camp.

Rookie CB Chris Claybrooks ahead of classmates Josiah Scott, Luq Barcoo

One semi-surprising note from the defensive backfield is rookie return specialist/cornerback Claybrooks ahead of both Scott and Barcoo.

Scott was selected three rounds ahead of Claybrooks and Barcoo played extensively during training camp, impressing at every turn. Claybrooks himself was impressive, and likely showcased that to head coach Doug Marrone and defensive coordinator Todd Wash throughout training camp.

Claybrooks will earn his stay as a return specialist throughout the season as well, listed as the primary backup for both kick and punt return.

Dede Westbrook, Keelan Cole listed as starting returners

Listed as the first-team punt returner, Dede Westbrook heads into the final year of his contract and looks to make an impact as a return specialist. Cole, listed as the starting kick returner is also heading into the final year of his contract and has impressed both coaches and fellow teammates throughout camp.