The Jacksonville Jaguars just took on the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2025 NFL preseason opener. There were several things that stood up, but also a handful of areas the team will need to focus on the next couple weeks. In particular, the first-team defense left much to be desired.
Along the way, several players made a strong impression while others saw their stock plummet. This, in turn, brings a bit of clarity and will help the front office trim down the roster come cutdown day.
With that in mind, here's a 53-man roster projection following the first week of the preseason.
Jaguars 53-man roster projection after Steelers game in Week 1 of the preseason
Quarterbacks (2): Trevor Lawrence, Nick Mullens
This wasn't going to change even if Seth Henigan had thrown five touchdowns against the Steelers. He didn't even suit up until the fourth quarter for mop-up duty. Last year, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers carried two quarterbacks, with Liam Coen — he's now the head coach in Jacksonville — and it probably won't change with the Jags, so Trevor Lawrence and Nick Mullens it is.
Running backs (4): Tank Bigsby, Travis Etienne, Bhayshul Tuten, and LeQuint Allen
The Jags have a burden of choice kind of thing at running back, with Tank Bigsby, Travis Etienne, Bhayshul Tuten, and LeQuint Allen in the fold. How the depth chart looks in the regular season remains to be seen, but the four appear to be a lock. That means that Ja'Quinder Jackson will either get the boot or land in the practice squad.
Wide receivers (6): Brian Thomas Jr., Dyami Brown, Travis Hunter, Parker Washington, Trenton Irwin, Joshua Cephus
The four top spots are earmarked for Travis Hunter, Brian Thomas Jr., Dyami Brown, and Parker Washington. Trenton Irwin, Joshua Cephus, and Eli Pancol appear to be in a three-way battle for the remaining two slots, and the game against the Steelers gave them all three a chance to make a bid.
Both Irwin andCephus took advantage of their chances.
Offensive linemen (10): Walker Little, Robert Hainsey, Patrick Mekari, Wyatt Milum, Anton Harrison, Ezra Cleveland, Fred Johnson, Jonah Monheim, Chuma Edoga, Cole Van Lanen
The five starting offensive linemen are set, even though Patrick Mekari was out of the opener with a back injury. Simply, he's in no danger of getting bumped, let alone getting the boot after inking a top-market contract in free agency.
With that out of the way, the second-team unit held its own after struggling in the mock game. On the other hand, it's hard to see Luke Fortner make the team with Jonah Monheim in the fold, so there's a chance he's a victim of the numbers game.
Tight ends (3): Brenton Strange, Hunter Long, Johnny Mundt
Johnny Mundt, a free-agent acquisition, was one of a handful of players who didn't suit up for the bout. That said, he's in no danger of walking the plank. If this were Week 1 of the regular season, Brenton Strange would be TE1 and Mundt, and Hunter Long the backups.
Projected Jaguars defense ahead of training camp after Week 1 of the preseason (25 spots)
Defensive linemen (9): Maason Smith, Arik Armstead, Travon Walker, Josh Hines-Allen, Tyler Lacy, DaVon Hamilton, Emmanuel Ogbah, Danny Striggow, Dawuane Smoot
With Arik Armstead and Maason Smith missing the game, DaVon Hamilton and Tyler Lacy got the start at defensive tackle. They didn't do anything of note, which is fine because they're expected to be the backups, but it could be a reason for concern if they get extended playing time in 2025.
On the other hand, Dawuane Smoot solidified his case to stick around with the team's first sack of the day. Ditto Danny Striggow.
Linebackers (5): Foyesade Oluokun, Devin Lloyd, Ventrell Miller, Jack Kiser, Dennis Gardeck
Dennis Gardeck didn't play against the Steelers but provides too much value as a blitzer and on special teams to just cut him loose, so he stays. Jack Kiser didn't do much of note in the opener, but had a strong training camp. Barring anything unexpected, he's getting the nod.
On the other hand, there are no signs that the Jags are planning to move on from Devin Lloyd, so he makes the cut, and so do Foyesade Oluokuna and Ventrell Miller.
Cornerbacks (5): Jarrian Jones, Tyson Campbell, Jourdan Lewis, DeAntre Prince, Christian Braswell
Unless he suffers a setback, Montaric Brown is making the team and should be back at some point of the regular season. Christian Braswell gets the nod over DeAntre Prince because he showed value on special teams, handling gunner duties.
Travis Hunter had five snaps at corner on the first defensive drive. One of the perks of having him around is that he only takes on a roster spot despite the fact that he plays two ways.
Safety (6): Antonio Johnson , Darnell Savage, Andrew Winard, Eric Murray, Rayuan Layne, Caleb Ransaw
The Jaguars continue to have a logjam at safety, with Darnell Savage, Andrew Wingard, and Antonio Johnson competing for the starting spot next to Eric Murray. With no clear-cut winner, all three get the nod.
Wingard and Murray got the start, but this battle will continue to close until the finale. For the time being, Jacksonville is keeping six safeties.
Special Teams (3): Cam Little, Ross Matiscik, Logan Cooke
Don't expect this trio to change anytime soon. Did you see Cam Little's 70-yard field goal?
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