Hall of Fame Game: Four things to monitor for the Jaguars vs. Raiders

Jacksonville Jaguars’ Depth Chart

The Jacksonville Jaguars released their first unofficial depth chart heading into Thursday’s game:

There are very few surprises when looking over the Jaguars’ depth chart. Trevor Lawrence is obviously entrenched at quarterback, and their top three receivers being Marvin Jones, Christian Kirk, and Zay Jones lines up with the reports from training camp. James Robinson was not placed on the PUP list and is currently perched atop the depth chart in front of training camp star, Travis Etienne. I wouldn’t read too much into that, as I expect both running backs to play plenty of the snaps this coming season.

The offensive line looks much stronger than it did during the dreadful 2021 season. Trevor Lawrence may have *only* been sacked 32 times, but as Jags fans know, he was under constant pressure in the pocket. Cam Robinson agreed to a three-year extension this off-season and is slated to start at left tackle. Brandon Scherff, a former All-Pro, came over from the Nation’s capital to man the right guard position. Walker Little and Jawaan Taylor are in stiff competition for right tackle duties, but Taylor is slightly ahead judging off of the depth chart.

Perhaps the most exciting addition to the offensive line is rookie center, Luke Fortner. Fortner served as the starting center for the Kentucky Wildcats over the past few seasons. At age 24, he’s a bit older than his peers, but that isn’t an issue for the Jaguars. He can step in immediately as an upgrade to what Lawrence had last season, and profiles as a high-end starter at the position going forward. They sorely needed help on the interior of the offensive line, and added Scherff and Fortner. It’s hard not to get excited about that.

Jumping over to the defense, it has a lot to be optimistic about as well. Josh Allen is developing into one of the better pass rushers in the NFL, and the team spent their No. 1 overall pick on Travon Walker out of Georgia to pair with him. Allen is the starter on the weak side at linebacker, while Walker will man the strong side. Both players are still very raw, but defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell is going to really help them hone their God-given ability.

He won’t have to do it alone, though. Devin Lloyd (Utah) and Chad Muma (Wyoming) were highly-regarded inside linebacker prospects entering the league. Lloyd went in the first round, while Muma heard his name called in the third round, after a small slide down the board. Each guy will play major snaps as a rookie, and they will be the glue over the middle for the defense. Both even have pass rushing chops, which could lead to some creative play calls on that side of the ball.