Forget about the superstars. The success of an NFL franchise in any given season is more often down to the depth of the roster. And a team that won just three games the previous year probably has an opportunity to improve the talent level with some key UDFA additions. The Jaguars picked up sixteen rookies after the draft was over. As training camp fast approaches, here are five names that have a good chance to make the roster once the team heads to Washington in Week 1:
5: Gerrit Prince, TE
If it wasn’t for the sheer number of bodies in front of him, Gerrit Prince would be much higher on this list. Underused during his first three years on campus, Prince became a devastating weapon for UAB in 2021. In his final year for the Blazers, Prince racked up 700 yards and ten touchdowns. A versatile tool, Prince can be moved around the formation and play a variety of roles.
Most teams carry three tight ends on their 53 man roster, but with a shortage of talent on the outside The Jags might go with four this year. That means Prince likely has to beat out one of Chris Manhertz or Luke Farrell, last year’s fifth round pick. If Gerrit can pick up where he left off in Birmingham, he has every chance of sticking.
4: Lujuan Winningham, WR
Most eyes are on Kevin Austin as an under-the-radar receiver that could challenge the Jags’ depth chart. But I much prefer the tape of Central Arkansas standout Luke Winningham. A big bodied, 6’3” receiver with good hands and an effortless ability to get behind the defense, Winningham’s college film is littered with big plays.
Despite the injection of receiver talent in free agency, the depth at the position remains dubious. Jacksonville brought back Laquon Treadwell but he’s very much a cut candidate with a sluggish camp. A position on this roster is there for the taking, and Winningham could be the one to shock a few people this offseason.
3: De’Shaan Dixon, DE
As the Jaguars look to incorporate something of a hybrid 3-4 defense under Mike Caldwell, the search has been on this offseason for some versatile pieces up front. De’Shaan Dixon certainly fits that mould; during his time at Norfolk State the quick twitch tackling machine played every position in the front seven. The small school rookie did well at the East-West Shrine Bowl, showing he could compete with players of a higher caliber.
He’ll need to jump another notch if he’s going to make Jacksonville’s final 53. Primarily an edge-setting defensive end, Dixon will be battling the likes of Arden Key and Jeremiah Ledbetter for a job. Watch this space.
2: Grant Morgan, LB
I don’t care if Jacksonville did take three linebackers in this draft – there is absolutely no way Grant Morgan doesn’t make this team. He simply won’t allow it. After leaving high school without a single scholarship offer to his name, Morgan walked on at Arkansas in 2017. He started at middle linebacker for The Razorbacks in week 1 of that season. Morgan went on to play 54 games in his collegiate career, recording 312 tackles.
Morgan was considered one of the best players in the SEC last season, winning the Burlsworth Trophy (best former walk-on). In an interview with my Touchdown colleague Callum Squires, he talks about playing with a chip on his shoulder. Shaq Quaterman better watch his back – Morgan isn’t leaving training camp without a job.
1: Andrew Mevis, K
After the Josh Lambo/Matthew Wright fiasco last year, the kicking job is very much up for grabs. Despite bringing in Ryan Santoso in the offseason, there is definitely an open competition at the spot in training camp. Andrew Mevis joined the Jaguars after one year at Iowa State, where he recorded an 87% field goal percentage and didn’t miss a single point. Santoso meanwhile, has been in the league four years, and only swung his leg five times. This battle is ON.
Perhaps another feather in Mevis’ cap is his punting capabilities. He punted 25 times for The Cyclones last year, and would provide adequate emergency backup for Logan Cooke. Out of all the UDFA’s signed with the Jaguars right now, Mevis by far has the best shot of making the team ahead of the 2022 season.