The Jacksonville Jaguars are an American football team based in Jacksonville, Florida. They compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the American Football Conference (AFC) South division. The Jaguars joined the NFL as an expansion team in 1995. Over nearly 30 years in the league, the Jaguars have had many standout players suit up for them. Let’s take a look at who is currently on the Jaguars roster for the 2023 season.
Quarterbacks
The quarterback position is the most important on any football team. The Jaguars quarterback room features a mix of veteran leadership and young talent. Trevor Lawrence was drafted 1st overall by the Jaguars in 2021 and is entering his third NFL season as the team’s franchise quarterback. Joining Lawrence is veteran C.J. Beathard, who provides experience and depth as Lawrence’s backup. The Jaguars also have two young developmental quarterbacks in E.J. Perry and Kyle Sloter. While Lawrence will get the bulk of snaps, the other three quarterbacks provide insurance in case of injury.
Running Backs
In the backfield, the Jaguars have talent at the running back position. Lead back Travis Etienne was drafted in the 1st round in 2021 alongside Trevor Lawrence. After missing his rookie season with injury, Etienne is poised for a breakout year as a dynamic runner and pass-catcher. The thunder to Etienne’s lightning is James Robinson, a physical back who topped 1,000 yards rushing in 2020. Snoop Conner and Ryquell Armstead provide depth. This is one of the deeper running back units in the league.
Wide Receivers
The Jaguars invested heavily in upgrading their receiving corps this past offseason. They signed Christian Kirk to a massive free agent contract and spent a 1st round pick on Travis Etienne. Both are speedy playmakers who will be Lawrence’s top targets. Other key receivers include veterans Marvin Jones Jr., Zay Jones, and Jamal Agnew. Young players like Laviska Shenault Jr. and Laquon Treadwell add even more talent. This group has the potential to be among the most improved receiver units in 2022.
Tight Ends
At tight end, the Jaguars have veteran Evan Engram, who they picked up in free agency after he spent his first 5 seasons with the Giants. Engram is one of the better receiving tight ends in the league. Chris Manhertz is primarily a blocking specialist who will see snaps as Engram’s complement. Luke Farrell and Gerrit Prince round out the depth. Engram should see a lot of targets in this offense.
Offensive Line
Protecting Trevor Lawrence is critical, so the Jaguars invested in their offensive line. They signed Brandon Scherff, a 5-time Pro Bowler, to upgrade at guard. Cam Robinson returns at left tackle, while Jawaan Taylor anchors the right side. Tyler Shatley took over at center after veteran Brandon Linder retired. Key backups include Walker Little, Ben Bartch, and Will Richardson. This unit combines veterans and young talent. Improvement up front will benefit Lawrence and the run game.
Defensive Line
The Jaguars defensive line is led by Josh Allen, a versatile pass rusher who has 20.5 sacks over 3 seasons. They also have veterans Foley Fatukasi and Roy Robertson-Harris on the interior. Former 1st round pick Taven Bryan provides depth. Rookie outside linebacker Travon Walker, the 1st overall pick in 2022, will also factor into the pass rush rotation. This unit needs to generate more pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Linebackers
At linebacker, third-year man Shaquille Quarterman starts in the middle, flanked by veterans Foyesade Oluokun and Devin Lloyd. Oluokun led the NFL in tackles last season, while Lloyd was drafted in the 1st round this year and is expected to start immediately. Backup linebackers include Chad Muma and Tyrell Adams. This level of the defense was upgraded significantly in the offseason.
Cornerbacks
The Jaguars secondary is led by free agent addition Darius Williams at cornerback. Other key corners are Shaquill Griffin and Tyson Campbell, a 2nd round pick last year. Veteran Tre Herndon provides experience as a backup. 1st round rookie Devin Lloyd could also factor in as a nickel corner. This is a young, athletic group of corners that has upside.
Safeties
At safety, Rayshawn Jenkins leads the way as a 16-game starter last season. The other starter is expected to be Andre Cisco, a 2021 3rd round selection with high potential. Veteran Rudy Ford and young player Daniel Thomas add depth. The safety position was addressed this offseason after struggling in 2021.
Specialists
On special teams, the Jaguars have veteran kicker Riley Patterson, who made 23 of 27 field goals last season. At punter, Logan Cooke is entering his 5th year with Jacksonville. Long snapper Ross Matiscik rounds out the unit. Patterson and Cooke give the Jaguars consistency in the kicking game.
| Position | Starters | Backups |
|---|---|---|
| QB | Trevor Lawrence, C.J. Beathard | E.J. Perry, Kyle Sloter |
| RB | Travis Etienne, James Robinson | Snoop Conner, Ryquell Armstead |
| WR | Christian Kirk, Zay Jones, Marvin Jones Jr. | Laviska Shenault Jr., Laquon Treadwell, Jamal Agnew |
| TE | Evan Engram | Chris Manhertz, Luke Farrell, Gerrit Prince |
| OL | Cam Robinson, Brandon Scherff, Tyler Shatley, Jawaan Taylor | Walker Little, Ben Bartch, Will Richardson |
| DL | Josh Allen, Foley Fatukasi, Roy Robertson-Harris, Taven Bryan | Adam Gotsis, Jay Tufele |
| LB | Shaquille Quarterman, Foyesade Oluokun, Devin Lloyd | Chad Muma, Tyrell Adams |
| CB | Darius Williams, Shaquill Griffin, Tyson Campbell | Tre Herndon, Devin Lloyd (nickel) |
| S | Rayshawn Jenkins, Andre Cisco | Rudy Ford, Daniel Thomas |
| Specialists | Riley Patterson, Logan Cooke, Ross Matiscik | N/A |
Conclusion
The Jacksonville Jaguars enter the 2022 season with a roster featuring young talent and key veteran additions as they look to be competitive in the AFC South. Third-year quarterback Trevor Lawrence leads the way on offense, with support from running backs Travis Etienne and James Robinson. The receiving corps was upgraded through free agency and the draft. Defensively, players like Josh Allen, Foyesade Oluokun, and Darius Williams headline the unit. While still rebuilding, the Jaguars roster improved significantly this offseason. The team hopes their talented nucleus of players can translate that improvement into more wins. It should be an exciting year watching this group develop as the franchise continues working towards contention.