The Jaguars had a rough 2019 season that started off with newly-signed quarterback, Nick Foles, suffering a broken collarbone and missing a chunk of the season. Following a 6-10 record and a third last place finish in the past four years in the AFC South, they traded Foles to the Chicago Bears.
In the middle of the season, they traded All-Pro cornerback, Jalen Ramsey to the Los Angles Rams as well. The Jaguars also traded away three big pieces on their defense: A.J. Bouye, Calais Campbell, and Yannick Ngakoue, while releasing running back and former No.4 overall pick, Leonard Fournette.
Key Additions: LB Joe Schobert and RB Chris Thompson
Key Departures: QB Nick Foles, DE Calais Campbell, EDGE Yannick Ngakoue, and CB A.J. Bouye
With the roster turnover for the Jaguars this year, let’s look at the starters for the Jaguars this year.
Offensive Starters:
- QB: Gardner Minshew II
- RB: James Robinson
- WR: D.J. Chark Jr.
- WR: Chris Conley
- WR: Laviska Shenault Jr.
- TE: James O’Shaughnessy
- LT: Cam Robinson
- LG: Andrew Norwell
- C: Brandon Linder
- RG: A.J. Cann
- RT: Jawann Taylor
Defensive/Special Teams Starters:
- LDE: Josh Allen
- DT: Abry Jones
- DT: Taven Bryan
- RDE: Adam Gotsis
- WLB: Myles Jack
- MLB: Joe Schobert
- SLB: Leon Jacobs
- CB: Tre Herndon
- CB: C.J. Henderson
- FS: Jarrod Wilson
- SS: Josh Jones
- K: Josh Lambo
- P: Logan Cooke
Strongest Position: Linebacker
The Jaguars have a very talented linebacker in Myles Jack. In 2018, Jack had a career-high 107 tackles and has been a key piece of the defense. He will keep that role, especially with the roster turnover this season on defense. During free agency, the Jaguars added another great linebacker ion Joe Schobert, signing him to a a five-year deal. Over the past three seasons in Cleveland, Schobert has had least 100 tackles each year. He now joins Jack in the linebacker unit to create a dangerous duo in the middle of the defense.
Weakest Position: Running Back
The Jaguars made a surprising move by releasing running back Leonard Fournette. This move leaves the running back room to newly-signed Chris Thompson, rookie James Robinson, Devine Ozigbo, and Ryquell Armstead. James Robinson is listed as the starting running back for the Jaguars, but it is going to be a committee approach. Chris Thompson is a solid piece in the passing game, but he has never eclipsed 70 carries in a season. The running back position is a huge question mark for the Jaguars this season as they let go of Fournette close to the start of the season.
The Jaguars struggled heavily last season, and this year will not be any different. The defense is going to take another step back with the loss of three top players this offseason and the offense is going to struggle without a consistent piece at running back. I expect the Jaguars to finish in last place for the fourth time in the past five years in the AFC South.
