Jacksonville Jaguars 53-man roster prediction: Who stays, who goes ahead of preseason Week 2?

The Jacksonville Jaguars are set to take on the New Orleans Saints in preseason Week 2, potentially putting the team's starters in the fray for much more time than the one drive both sides of the ball got last week against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Jacksonville has put out two unofficial depth charts during the preseason, and neither has given a clean path to a 53-man roster. There remain multiple position groups that are in intense competition, including at linebacker, cornerback, safety and along the offensive line.

Jacksonville's moves this offseason stood out in part because it was setting the foundation for the next regime. Still, only receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter and cornerback Jourdan Lewis have stood out as potential difference makers from the draft and free agency classes, respectively.

That leaves some confusion for the team's final-roster projection. While much of the team is set, there are about four or so spots that are hard to track down.

TREVOR LAWRENCE: Liam Coen and I are 'really starting to get on the same page'

Still, the team's depth this year means many players who fans might have grown to know over the years will no longer be there. Now in are the players that general manager James Gladstone and head coach Liam Coen have hand-selected to fit their environment.

By being nothing more than who they are, they'll likely elevate the team, at least according to Gladstone.

With that being said, here's our 53-man roster projection ahead of preseason Week 1:

Jacksonville Jaguars 53-man roster ahead of preseason Week 2

Quarterbacks (2)

Starter(s):Trevor Lawrence

Reserves: Nick Mullens

Observations: This will remain the same until someone plays themselves off the roster. That'll be hard to do for the trio behind Lawrence.

Change from previous projection: None.

Running backs (4)

Starter(s):Travis Etienne OR Tank Bigsby

Reserves: Bhayshul Tuten, LeQuint Allen Jr.

Observations:

The "OR" remains for now on the team's second unofficial depth chart of the year. But, there's no question that Etienne is the more likely player to receive snaps. Etienne has pass-blocking prowess and has proven himself as a pass catcher.

We will see how long Bigsby remains the top backup, too.

Change from previous projection: None, slight change in observation.

Wide receivers (6)

Starter(s):Travis Hunter, Brian Thomas Jr., Dyami Brown

Reserves: Parker Washington, Austin Trammell, Eli Pancol

Observations: Joshua Cephus looked to increase his value by working as one of the return specialists during the team's first preseason game at kick returner. Still, it feels doubtful he will take that role after not really working at it throughout his time here on a consistent basis. He remains a potential player to keep. Pancol remains the top developmental type. The fifth receiver spot will be a special teamer.

Change from previous projection: Cephus cut, Trammell inserted, Irwin cut.

Tight ends (3)

Starter(s): Brenton Strange

Reserves: Hunter Long, Johnny Mundt

Observations: This group remains solid.

Change from previous projection: None.

Offensive linemen (9)

Starter(s): Walker Little, Ezra Cleveland, Robert Hainsey, Patrick Mekari, Anton Harrison

Reserves: Chuma Edoga, Wyatt Milum, Jonah Monheim, Fred Johnson

IR: Cole Van Lanen

Observations: With Van Lanen out for at least the remainder of training camp, we've projected him to be placed on injured reserve. Fred Johnson flips back onto the roster. The team's tackle position is fluid, as is the entire O-line depth chart, really.

Change from previous projection: Van Lanen to injured reserve, Treymayne Anchrum cut.

Defensive ends (4)

Starter(s): Josh Hines-Allen, Travon Walker

Reserves: Emmanuel Ogbah, Dawuane Smoot

Observations: This group looks like the most polished among the team.

Change from previous projection: None.

Defensive tackle (6)

Starter(s): DaVon Hamilton, Arik Armstead

Reserves:Maason Smith, Austin Johnson, Tyler Lacy, Jordan Jefferson

Observations: We do not know if Armstead will be ready for the start of the season, but it feels more likely he doesn't go on injured reserve unless his back ailment is potentially season-ending. The Jaguars don't have much depth here, so it could be a revolving door at cut time.

Change from previous projection: Armstead was added back to the 53-man roster.

Linebackers (6)

Starter(s): Foye Oluokun, Devin Lloyd, Ventrell Miller

Reserves: Yasir Abdullah, Dennis Gardeck, Jack Kiser

IR: Jalen McLeod

Observations: McLeod remains an IR candidate.

Change from previous projection: None.

Cornerbacks (6)

Starter(s): Travis Hunter, Tyson Campbell, Jourdan Lewis

Reserves:Jarrian Jones, De'Antre Prince, Christian Braswell

Observations: Jacksonville's corners are dropping like flies. Not only is Montaric Brown expected to be out for a significant time, but the team also lost veteran corner Levi Wallace. It feels like a thinner position group than a week ago and one that ought to think long and hard about starting Hunter.

IR: Montaric "Buster" Brown, Levi Wallace (permanent)

Change from previous projection: Wallace to IR.

Safeties (5)

Starter(s):Eric Murray, Andrew Wingard

Reserves:Darnell Savage, Antonio Johnson, Rayuan Lane III

IR: Caleb Ransaw

Observations: We will see if Ransaw returns this year, but his undisclosed injury paves the way for Johnson to find himself back on the roster. Johnson has experience and is a good special teams player. Lane has stood out as a special teamer already, which makes Daniel Thomas expendable.

Change from previous projection: Ransaw to IR, added Johnson.

Specialists (3)

Starter(s): Cam Little, Logan Cooke, Ross Matiscik

Reserves: N/A

Observations: Best unit on the team.

Change from previous projection: None.

Demetrius Harvey is the Jacksonville Jaguars reporter for the Florida Times-Union. You can follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @Demetrius82 or on Bluesky @ Demetrius.

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This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jaguars roster predictions: Depth chart ahead of preseason Week 2