​With training camp approaching for the Jacksonville Jaguars, our traditional 53-man roster projection usually takes shape based on insights gathered from the offseason programs. We’ll continue that practice, but the format is shifting. Instead of packing every position group into a single piece, we’ll dedicate a full article to each unit before assembling our overall predictions at the end.
So, starting with the quarterbacks. The group currently includes Trevor Lawrence, Nick Mullens, Carter Bradley, and Joey Aguilar. I’ll address why in a moment, but my expectation is that Mullens will serve as the Jaguars’ backup quarterback once again. He’s a veteran with a contract Jacksonville can easily move on from if needed, which keeps him from becoming an unquestioned lock on the roster. Mullens didn’t stand out during minicamp, yet he brings valuable experience to the backup role. Beyond just being ready to step in, he offers an additional set of eyes and can act as a sounding board for ideas for the starter during practice, on the sidelines, and in the meeting rooms.
Bradley and/or Aguilar may have higher upside, but at this stage in their young careers, they can’t provide the same depth of insight that Mullens brings. Much of that understanding comes through time and experience, something Bradley and Aguilar have yet to accumulate to the same degree.
Last season, under Liam Coen, the Jaguars kept two quarterbacks on the 53-man roster, with the third on the practice squad. Given the reasons outlined above, there isn’t much mystery about what the Jaguars’ quarterback room is likely to look like on the final roster. Trevor Lawrence is the cornerstone, Mullens provides veteran steadiness and a practical backup, and Bradley and Aguilar may offer potential upside down the line but have not yet demonstrated the same game-ready experience.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire and runs under the title Jaguars pre-training camp 53-man roster prediction: Quarterbacks for better SEO.