The Jaguars have officially returned to the practice fields at the Miller Electric Center in Jacksonville, marking the commencement of the team’s voluntary organized training activities (OTAs) this Monday. Amidst the anticipation of a new season, head coach Doug Pederson has emphasized that the current phase of the offseason doesn’t feature a fixed depth chart, signaling an open opportunity for heightened competition and a chance for players to impress the coaching staff with their skills and dedication.
According to Pederson, this third phase of the offseason is a critical time for both player development and the integration of the team’s systems ahead of the new season. “It’s a great opportunity for a bit of competition, to really pit ourselves against each other,” Pederson shared with the media on Monday morning. He further stressed the importance of safety and mutual respect among players, underlining the objective of minimizing injuries while still pushing forward with learning and development.
Although the depth chart remains undetermined at this stage, the Jaguars did reveal their initial 90-man roster for the 2024 offseason before Monday’s workout session. The roster, categorized position by position, showcases a diverse mix of talent and potential that Jacksonville will be looking to harness in the upcoming season.
For the running back position, the team lists six players, including Travis Etienne and Tank Bigsby, indicating a strong set of options for the backfield. The wide receiver group is notably large, with twelve names such as Christian Kirk and Gabe Davis, pointing towards a competitive atmosphere for catching passes from the Jaguars’ quarterbacks.
The tight ends group comprises seven players, with Evan Engram leading the pack, suggesting that Jacksonville could be looking to utilize a variety of passing and blocking schemes. The offensive line is robust, with sixteen linemen including Cam Robinson and Brandon Scherff, aiming to fortify the protection for the quarterback and create lanes for the running game.
On the defensive side, the line features eleven players, including Arik Armstead and DaVon Hamilton, who will be crucial in applying pressure and stopping the run. The linebackers and edge rushers group is fourteen-strong, with names like Josh Allen and Travon Walker expected to terrorize opposing quarterbacks.
The defensive backs category is the largest defensive unit with eighteen players. This group, including cornerbacks Tyson Campbell and Ronald Darby, along with safeties like Andre Cisco and Darnell Savage, will be pivotal in defending against the aerial attacks from opponents.
As the Jaguars progress through their OTAs and further into the offseason program, the battles at each position will be key to determining who secures a spot on the final roster. Pederson and his coaching staff have a challenging task ahead in evaluating and shaping the team, but with the talent and depth reflected in the initial 90-man roster, the Jaguars are poised for an exciting buildup to the upcoming NFL season.