After struggling against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the preseason opener, the Jacksonville Jaguars looked noticeably better against the New Orleans Saints. It wasn't enough to come out on top, but there were most definitely lots of things to like.
Several players saw their stock rise in the 17-17 tie, while others will need to bounce back in the preseason finale to stick around with the Jags in 2025. And just hours after the game, they traded center Luke Fortner to the Saints in exchange for defensive tackle Khalen Saunders.
And while the trade was unexpected, it shows that the team's brass isn't waiting for cutdown day to put the 53-man roster together. With that in mind, here's an initial roster projection.
Jaguars 53-man roster projection after game vs. Saints
Jaguars quarterback (2): Trevor Lawrence, Nick Mullens
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers carried two quarterbacks last year, when Liam Coen was their offensive coordinator. Coen is now with the Jaguars, and it's hard to see them keeping more than two signal-callers in 2025.
Jacksonville may keep Seth Henigan or John Wolford in the practice squad, but nobody will bat an eye if Trevor Lawrence and Nick Mullens are the only quarterbacks on the roster come Week 1.
Jaguars running backs (4): Travis Etienne, Tank Bigsby, LeQuint Allen, Bhayshul Tuten
The Jaguars have a well-rounded group of running backs. Although Tank Bigsby got the lion's share of the workload in training camp, Travis Etienne has gotten extensive playing time early in both preseason bouts.
The order of the depth chart may vary, but barring an Etienne trade, it's hard to see the team's brass making many tweaks at running back.
Jaguars wide receivers (6): Brian Thomas Jr., Parker Washington, Trenton Irwin, Travis Hunter, Dyami Brown, Joshua Cephus
There was seemingly a position battle brewing at wide receiver for the fifth and sixth spots. However, it looks like the second unofficial depth chart has brought in a bit of clarity, as both Trenton Irwin and Joshua Cephus got the nod.
On the other hand, Brian Thomas Jr., Travis Hunter, Dyami Brown, and Parker Washington appear to be locks to make the team.
Jaguars tight ends (3): Hunter Long, Brenton Strange, Johnny Mundt
For a brief moment, it looked like Hunter Long could be on the fringe after a stunning drop in the preseason opener. However, he bounced back nicely against the New Orleans Saints with a jaw-dropping grab against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Hunter, Strange, and Johnny Mundt should be the favorites to make the cut at tight end. That means no Quintin Morris.
Jaguars offensive lineman (10): Anton Harrison, Ezra Cleveland, Robert Hainsey, Patrick Mekari, Walker Little, Chuma Edoga, Fred Johnson, Cole Van Lanen, Jonah Monheim, Wyatt Milum
The Jaguars have tried several offensive line combinations in case either Walker Little or Anton Harrison gets hurt. That said, it's becoming more or less clear who'll stay in 2025 and who won't.
Luke Fortner, a 2022 third-round pick, didn't do enough the past few months to make you think he would get the nod at center over projected starter Robert Hainsey or seventh-round rookie Jonah Monheim. Javon Foster should next get the boot. The sophomore offensive tackle was a non-factor last year and hasn't done anything of note in training camp or the offseason.
Jaguars defensive line (10): Travon Walker, Josh Hines-Allen, Emmanuel Ogbah, Dawuane Smoot, Danny Striggow, Maason Smith, Arik Armstead, DaVon Hamilton, Tyler Lacy, Khalen Saunders
The Jaguars did a good job bolstering their pass rush, bringing in Dawuan Smoot, Danny Striggow, and Emmanuel Ogbah. Defensive tackle, on the other hand, is a work in progress. Maason Smith and Arik Armstead are back at practice, so there's that.
But the depth at the position was somewhat underwhelming with DaVon Hamilton, Tyler Lacy, and Jordan Jefferson. Not surprisingly, the team's brass just traded for Khalen Saunders instead of having to wait for the waiver wire.
Jaguars linebackers (5): Devin Lloyd, Foyesade Oluokun, Ventrell Miller, Jack Kiser, Dennis Gardeck
The Jaguars have a well-rounded linebacker corps and may need to make a couple of tough decisions on cutdown day. Devin Lloyd, Foyesade Oluokun, and Ventrell Miller appear to be at the top of the depth chart.
Rookie Jack Kiser has turned heads since May, and Dennis Gardeck offers plenty of value on defense and special teams. That makes rookie Jalen McLeod and Chad Muma victims of the numbers game.
McLeod is a special-teams candidate. He could keep honing his skills and compete for a roster spot next year. On the other hand, Muma, a third-round pick in 2022, hasn't done enough to prove he deserves to make the team, and didn't help himself with a poor outing against the Saints. He's entering the last year of his rookie deal, but nobody will be surprised if he fails to make the 53-man roster.
Cornerback (5): Tyson Campbell, Jourdan Lewis, Jarrian Jones, Monataric Brown, and Christian Braswell
One of the perks of having Travis Hunter in the fold is that he'll play two positions but only take up one roster spot. Tyson Campbell, Jarrian Jones, and Jourdan Lewis are virtually locks to make the cut. Montaric Brown should also make the team, and Christian Braswell is building a compelling case. The fact that he plays special teams could increase his chances.
Safety (5): Andrew Wingard, Eric Murray, Antonio Johnson, Rayuan Lane, Caleb Ransaw
There's a three-way battle at safety, and Andrew Wingard appears to be the favorite to come out on top. Against the Saints, he logged a sack, just days after he had a pick in training camp. Eric Murray will tentatively get the other starting spot.
Antonio Johnson has flashed throughout training camp, while rookies Rayan Lane and Caleb Ransaw are the future. Meanwhile, Darnell Savage could be shown the door despite getting praise from head coach Liam Coen.
Special teamers (3): Kicker Cam Little, long-snapper Ross Matiscik, punter Logan Cooke
Don't expect this group to change any time soon.
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