5 Observations on Jaguars' First Unofficial Depth Chart of 2023

The Jaguars released their first depth chart of the 2023 preseason, but what do we make of the unofficial first- and second-team decisions.

The dog days of camp are in full effect. 

“This is the part of camp where it starts becoming full speed, contact, and longer days," Trevor Lawrence said earlier this week. 

Jacksonville has gone through 11 days of an intense training camp, which means we are creeping that much closer to the start of the preseason and a somewhat return to a normal weekly routine. 

Per tradition with the start of the preseason, the Jaguars released their first unofficial depth chart of the 2023 season on Tuesday. But what did we see on the first depth chart and what stood out the most? We break it down below. 

The offensive line is still in flux due to injuries and other circumstances 

The Jaguars' starting offensive line from left to right is Walker Little, Blake Hance, Luke Fortner, Brandon Scherff, and first-round pick Anton Harrison. This is still a group that is obviously in flux, though, for a variety of reasons. For one, Tyler Shatley was the starting left guard all training camp until he experienced atrial fibrillation after practice last week. Shatley has still dressed for practice and has gone through individual drills since Saturday, but he has not been cleared for contact and, as a result, is fourth on the left guard depth chart. 

This doesn't factor in Ben Bartch, either. Bartch is on the PUP list with a knee injury and hasn't yet gone through a full practice with the Jaguars, working to the side with a trainer at Miller Electric Center throughout training camp. Bartch will likely return at the end of camp and should be expected to see an opportunity as a starter when he returns, but he isn't a factor on the depth chart right now. 

Then there is Cam Robinson listed as the second-team left tackle. Walker Little has gotten the majority of first-team left tackle reps this camp, though Robinson has seen snaps here and there while Little has slid inside to left guard. Robinson should still be the favorite to start at left tackle once his four-game suspension is over.

Kevin Austin Jr. has earned his spot 

Second-year wide receiver Kevin Austin Jr. has drawn praise from both the coaching staff and Trevor Lawrence over the last week. The result is Austin landing as Calvin Ridley's backup on the first unofficial depth chart, with Austin Jr. seemingly having a legitimate chance to compete with the likes of Tim Jones, Parker Washington, Elijah Cooks, and Seth Williams for one of the final wide receiver spots.

Austin has earned the right to be in the discussion with all of those players thanks to his strong performances in training camp. Preseason is where depth receivers can make a name for themselves, much like Jones did last year vs. the Falcons. Austin has a chance to do the same thing this weekend and beyond.

Tre Herndon doesn't look contested as the nickel corner, but Gregory Junior has earned a spot on the roster

It would be a shock to the system if Tre Herndon isn't the starting nickel cornerback for the start of the 2023 season. The veteran cornerback has seemingly been uncontested as the Jaguars' starting nickel corner in training camp, taking nearly all of the first-team reps and even remaining in the slot over the last few days as Tyson Campbell has been out with a concussion.

With that said, it is right for Gregory Junior to be listed as his backup. He deserves legit consideration for the 53-man roster and has seen his game improve by leaps and bounds over the course of training camp, earning the praise of Mike Caldwell and Doug Pederson. Junior seems like the next man up at the nickel position as opposed to any of the rookie defensive backs.

Cornerback, wide receiver will have the most intense competition 

The Jaguars don't have a ton of starting spots up for grab, which makes sense considering the Jaguars are returning nearly every starter from last year's playoff run. There are some intense battles playing out on the field and on the depth chart, however, with the tightest ones being at cornerback and wide receiver, especially further down the depth chart. 

The Jaguars clearly have their starters for the top three starting spots set in stone for both cornerback and wide receiver, but what about the top backup spots behind each? Tevaughn Campbell, Montaric Brown, Erick Hallett, Gregory Junior, and Chris Claybrooks are all fighting for spots inside and outside. Then you have the Jaguars' starting receivers locked in, along with Jamal Agnew, but a tough battle among the likes of Parker Washington, Jacob Harris, Tim Jones, Kevin Austin Jr., Elijah Cooks, and Seth Williams all having their moments in camp. 

The Jaguars should have a stellar interior defensive line

While the Jaguars may not have a true blue-chip player along the interior defensive line, it is clear when looking at the position group on paper that it is one of the best rooms on the Jaguars' roster. Roy Robertson-Harris, DaVon Hamilton and Foley Fatukasi are a formidable trio, while Adam Gotsis and Tyler Lacy have been impressive role players throughout training camp. 

The Jaguars have a strong pair of starters on the edge, too, in Josh Allen and Travon Walker, but the superior depth clearly belongs to the interior defensive line. Expect for the Jaguars to contest for a top-10 run defense ranking based on the strength of the middle of their defense, something that shows up on the field and on paper.