Jacksonville Jaguars (Last Year: 3-14)
2022 NFL Season Preview:
Veteran Additions:
WR Christian Kirk, WR Zay Jones, TE Evan Engram, G Brandon Scherff, DT Foley Fatukasi, LB Foyesade Oluokun, CB Darious Williams.
Early Draft Picks:
DE Travon Walker, LB Devin Lloyd, G/C Luke Fortner, LB Chad Muma, RB Snoop Conner. Jaguars Rookie Forecast
Offseason Losses:
RB Carlos Hyde, WR D.J. Chark, G Andrew Norwell, G A.J. Cann, C Brandon Linder, DE Arden Key, DT Jihad Ward, LB Myles Jack, LB Damien Wilson.
2022 Jacksonville Jaguars Offense:
Many expected Trevor Lawrence to take the league by storm as a rookie after such a prolific collegiate career at Clemson, but that did not happen. In fact, Lawrence struggled mightily in his initial NFL season. He failed to complete 60 percent of his passes, and he threw more interceptions (17) than touchdowns (12). Of course, Lawrence can’t be blamed for everything. He was put into an impossible situation. He had no blocking from his offensive line, and he lost his top receiver in Week 4. Worst of all, he was coached by the incompetent Urban Meyer, who assaulted one of his players and went to party in Columbus instead of taking a flight home with his team from Cincinnati.
Meyer was dismissed during the season, but the Jaguars still had plenty of work to do. They possessed tons of cap space to make upgrades, but they overspent at nearly every turn in free agency. The primary example of this is when they gave Christian Kirk an $84 million contract. Kirk is a talented deep speed threat, but he did not deserve anything close to the money he received, given that he has never exceeded 1,000 receiving yards in a single season. Jacksonville then gave Zay Jones $24 million even though he has never reached 700 yards in a season. Lawrence will be happy that he has some new receivers to throw to on top of the rapidly aging Marvin Jones and inept Laviska Shenault, but D.J. Chark was better than everyone mentioned, and yet he signed with the Lions on a cheap deal.
Luckily for Lawrence, he has other receiving options. He showed nice chemistry with tight end Dan Arnold last year. Jacksonville signed Evan Engram to give Lawrence a second tight end in a Doug Pederson offense that likes using multiple players at the position. Engram is talented, but hasn’t been able to stay healthy in the NFL. There’s also Travis Etienne, a receiving back who missed all of 2021 with a Lisfranc injury.
Speaking of Etienne, it remains to be seen how the Jaguars will divide the carries among the running backs. James Robinson is the best pure rusher on the roster, but he tore his Achilles in December and may not be 100 percent heading into 2022. Etienne will get some attempts, as will fifth-round rookie Snoop Conner if Robinson isn’t completely healthy.
As for the offensive line, Jacksonville added two new starters to help Lawrence’s poor protection. Brandon Scherff being obtained in free agency was the first move. Scherff is a talented interior blocker, but has a dubious injury track record. He has missed 22 of 65 possible games over the past four years. When healthy, he’ll play next to center Luke Fortner, who was selected in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Fortner is a promising prospect, and he’ll be tasked with taking over the retired Brandon Linder’s job.
The other three offensive linemen are returning players, but that’s not necessarily a good thing. Left guard Ben Bartch and right tackle Jawaan Taylor are pedestrian blockers who needed to be upgraded this offseason. Left tackle Cam Robinson is better, but he’s not a great player by any means. Despite this, Robinson was franchised this offseason.
2022 Jacksonville Jaguars Defense:
The Jaguars spent plenty of resources upgrading their defense as well, but as with the offensive players, they overpaid for what they acquired. This obviously does not include Travon Walker, whom Jacksonville selected No. 1 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft. Walker is an athletic marvel, and he’ll provide the Jaguars with a pass-rushing boost they needed across from Josh Allen, who notched 7.5 sacks this past season.
Another new defensive lineman is one of the players the Jaguars overpaid this offseason. Jacksonville gave Foley Fatukasi $30 million for some reason. Fatukasi has just three sacks in four seasons as a pro, and he’s not very good at stuffing the run either. He’ll start next to Roy Robertson-Harris, who disappointed in his first year with the Jaguars after thriving in Chicago previously.
Jacksonville also spent major resources on its linebacking corps, which lost Myles Jack this spring. Foyesade Oluokun was given $45 million, and then the team traded up into the back end of the first round to select Devin Lloyd from Utah. Oluokun has never played well in the NFL, so it’s unclear why the Jaguars gave him so much money. Lloyd, meanwhile, is a talented prospect out of Utah who is versatile enough to play all over Jacksonville’s defense.
The Jaguars didn’t shy away from handing out big bucks to defensive backs either. They signed Darious Williams, formerly of the Rams, to a $30 million contract as well. Williams is coming off a down year, but enjoyed a great 2020 campaign. He’s the most promising of all of Jacksonville’s high-priced signings. He’ll start across from Shaq Griffin, who thrived as Jacksonville’s No. 1 corner last year. There’s also Tyson Campbell, who had an up-and-down year as a second-round rookie last season. With experience, he should improve.
The Jaguars didn’t spend any resources at safety, but they didn’t need to do so. They have a trio of skilled safeties in Andrew Wingard, Rayshawn Jenkins and Andrew Cisco. Wingard is coming off his best NFL season, though Jenkins regressed a bit. Cisco showed major potential, especially when starting late in the year for the injured Jenkins.
2022 Jacksonville Jaguars Schedule and Intangibles:
Jacksonville’s hot and humid climate contributed to its outstanding 83-53 home record from 1995 to 2011. They were just 9-29 as hosts in the four seasons prior to 2017, perhaps because of the curse of the swimming pool. That curse snapped temporarily, as Jacksonville was 6-2 at home in 2017, but the team was 3-4 as a host in each of the following two years. The 2020 and 2021 results are disregarded because the team was so terrible.
The Jaguars have decided to give the kicking job to Ryan Santoso, who is just 4-of-5 in his NFL career. He has never attempted a 50-yard field goal.
Logan Cooke has been ranked first, sixth and first in net average over the past three seasons. It’s quite the relief, given that this franchise once selected a punter over Russell Wilson but has finally figured out the position.
Jacksonville’s special teams were a disaster last year. They scored a touchdown, but they allowed three to the opposition.
The Jaguars have some winnable games because they play the NFC East, Jets, and Texans twice.
2022 Jacksonville Jaguars Rookies:
Go here for the Jaguars Rookie Forecast, a page with predictions like which rookie will bust and which rookie will become a solid starter.
2022 Jacksonville Jaguars Positional Rankings (1-5 stars):
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Coaching |
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2022 Jacksonville Jaguars Analysis: The Jaguars did a great job of tanking for Trevor Lawrence, but that’s been the only positive for them in recent years. They’ve done a miserable job of building around their franchise signal-caller, as they’ve surrounded Lawrence with overpaid talent and horrible coaching. Doug Pederson will be much better than Urban Meyer, but he doesn’t have much to work with beyond Lawrence and a few other players at the moment.
Projection: 5-12 (3rd in AFC South)
2021 Projection: 5-12. 2021 Actual Result: 3-14.
2020 Projection: 1-15. 2020 Actual Result: 1-15.
2019 Projection: 10-6. 2019 Actual Result: 6-10.
2018 Projection: 6-10. 2018 Actual Result: 5-11.
2017 Projection: 4-12. 2017 Actual Result: 10-6.
2016 Projection: 7-9. 2016 Actual Result: 3-13.
NFL Draft Team Grade: C- Grade
Goals Entering the 2022 NFL Draft: Trevor Lawrence struggled last year. Part of the problem was Urban Meyer’s incompetence, while the other major issue was the lack of help. The Jaguars will take an edge rusher at No. 1 overall, but their other picks must be used to help the franchise quarterback.
2022 NFL Draft Accomplishments: I don’t like how the Jaguars handled the 2022 NFL Draft. They needed to obtain personnel to help Lawrence, but they spent just one pick in the first four rounds on someone who could aid him. That was Luke Fortner, who will likely take over at center for Brandon Linder. I liked the pick, but Jacksonville did nothing else offensively. No other blockers were acquired, and no draft choices were spent on receivers despite it being a strong class for the position.
Instead of helping Lawrence, the Jaguars drafted two linebackers. I like Devin Lloyd, but why was Chad Muma also taken when the Jaguars spent big bucks on other linebackers in free agency? This seemed so redundant. Furthermore, why did Jacksonville trade up for a power running back in Snoop Conner on Day 3? If anything, they should’ve traded down for him.
The Jaguars failed in their goal of helping Lawrence beyond Fortner. They’ll be better defensively because of Lloyd and Travon Walker, but Lawrence can’t be happy about this group.
NFL Draft Individual Grades:
1. Travon Walker, DE, Jaguars – B+ Grade
Jaguar fans will ask, “Is there anything the Jags could’ve done to get an ‘A’ grade?” The answer is trading down, but that wasn’t a possibility because teams weren’t interested in moving up in this mediocre draft class. So, no. But I was thrilled to get a B+ when I was in school, so this grade is perfectly fine. I like that the Jaguars chose the upside in Walker over the safety in Aidan Hutchinson. Walker has a much lower floor, but you don’t win Super Bowls by being safe.
27. Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah – A Grade
Devin Lloyd could have gone 10 picks earlier than this without any complaints, so I like Jacksonville’s decision to move up a few spots to obtain him. Lloyd is a terrific linebacker who is very versatile. He’s a good player, and the Jaguars don’t have many of those on their defense.
65. Luke Fortner, G/C, Kentucky – A- Grade
The Jaguars finally found some help for Trevor Lawrence. It took a while, but better late than never. Jacksonville wanted Tyler Linderbaum at No. 33, but they’ll definitely settle for the versatile Luke Fortner, who should be able to replace the retired Brandon Linder at center.
70. Chad Muma, LB, Wyoming – C Grade
I like the player, but hate the fit. The Jaguars spent tons of money on linebacker in free agency and then traded up for Devin Lloyd. Why would they draft another linebacker? This seems so redundant. Again, I like Muma, but there were many greater needs.
154. Snoop Conner, RB, Ole Miss – D Grade
What are the Jaguars doing? Why did they move up from the sixth to the fifth round to take a power runner they could’ve drafted in the sixth round? Stupid.
197. Gregory Junior, CB, Ouachita – B Grade
Gregory Junior was very productive at Ouachita, but he’ll face much tougher competition in the NFL, obviously. This is the right range to pick him though, so it’s a solid pick for a Jaguar team that needed cornerback help.
222. Montaric Brown, CB, Arkansas – B Grade
Montaric Brown was always on the cusp of making the final round of my 2022 NFL Mock Draft, but never got in, unfortunately. The good news for him is that he was drafted. He was productive at Arkansas, so perhaps he can give the Jaguars some needed depth at corner.
Follow @walterfootball for updates.
Season Summary:
Much was expected from the Jaguars because of Trevor Lawrence’s presence. Lawrence was a huge disappointment, at least until the finale. Lawrence had no help from his poor coaching staff and miserable supporting cast, so many upgrades are needed.
Offseason Moves:
Team Needs:
- Offensive Tackle: Jacksonville’s top priority is protecting Trevor Lawrence. Cam Robinson is an impending free agent, but the team needed an upgrade anyway. Franchised Cam Robinson
- Two Guards: The Jaguars need more than one offensive lineman to help shield Lawrence. Two guards will be needed if Andrew Norwell isn’t re-signed. Signed Brandon Scherff
- Center: Brandon Linder has announced his retirement.
- Wide Receiver: D.J. Chark will return next year (assuming he’s re-signed or franchised), but the Jaguars will need another receiver because Laviska Shenault and Marvin Jones were huge disappointments. Two new wideouts will be needed if Chark departs. Signed Christian Kirk and Zay Jones
- Defensive Tackle: Jacksonville must fix its horrendous defense, which is weak in so many areas. The team misses Calais Campbell. Signed Foley Fatukasi
- Two Linebackers: The Jaguars sorely need to upgrade the middle of their defense. Their linebacking corps is abysmal. Signed Foyesade Oluokun
- Two Cornerbacks: Shaq Griffin is a stellar cornerback, but Jacksonville has nothing else at the position. Signed Darious Williams
- Edge Rush Depth: The Jaguars have a couple of talented edge rushers, but they could use more depth in the area. They’re definitely in play to select Kayvon Thibodeaux atop the 2022 NFL Draft. Signed Arden Key
Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
2022 NFL Free Agent Signings:
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Brandon Scherff, G/OT, Redskins. Age: 30. 
Signed with Jaguars
Brandon Scherff would have a higher rating than four stars if he were a reliable player. Scherff is a tremendous guard, but he can’t stay healthy.
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Christian Kirk, WR, Cardinals. Age: 25.
Signed with Jaguars
Christian Kirk just posted the best number of his career; he caught 77 passes for 982 yards in 2021. He’s an explosive deep threat, and he’s only 25.
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Darious Williams, CB, Rams. Age: 29. 
Signed with Jaguars (3 years, $30 million)
Darious Williams is coming off a bit of a down year, but was still effective as a starting cornerback for the Rams.
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Evan Engram, TE, Giants. Age: 27.
Signed with Jaguars (1 year, $9 million)
Evan Engram is a terrific athlete for a tight end, but he has never lived up to his potential. Perhaps he’ll do so with a better coaching staff.
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Arden Key, DE, 49ers. Age: 26.
Signed with Jaguars (2 years, $7 million)
A former third-round selection, Arden Key was a quality, situational pass rusher for the 49ers this season, logging 6.5 sacks.
- Foley Fatukasi, DT, Jets. Age: 27. — Signed with Jaguars (3 years, $30 million)
- Foyesade Oluokun, LB, Falcons. Age: 27. — Signed with Jaguars
- Zay Jones, WR, Raiders. Age: 27. — Signed with Jaguars (3 years, $24 million)
Jacksonville Jaguars Free Agents:
Salary Cap: TBA.
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D.J. Chark, WR, Jaguars. Age: 25.
Signed with Lions (1 year, $10 million)
D.J. Chark is an explosive receiver, but played just three full games in 2021 because he broke his ankle in Week 4. Just 25, Chark should continue to improve in the coming years.
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Andrew Norwell, G, Jaguars. Age: 30.
Signed with Redskins
Andrew Norwell has been a solid guard for quite some time, but he’ll turn 31 during the 2022 season, so he could be headed for regression soon.
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Myles Jack, LB, Jaguars. Age: 26.
Signed with Steelers (2 years, $16 million)
Myles Jack had a great start to his career, but he has progressively gotten worse over the years. He’s still only 26, so he could rebound.
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Cam Robinson, OT, Jaguars. Age: 27.
Franchised by Jaguars
Cam Robinson is coming off his best year, and yet he still wasn’t very good. The Jaguars need a new left tackle.
- Laquon Treadwell, WR, Jaguars. Age: 27. — Re-signed with Jaguars
- A.J. Cann, G, Jaguars. Age: 30. — Signed with Texans
- Damien Wilson, LB, Jaguars. Age: 29. — Signed with Panthers (2 years)
- Jihard Ward, DE/DT, Jaguars. Age: 28.
- Carlos Hyde, RB, Jaguars. Age: 31.
- Tavon Austin, WR, Jaguars. Age: 31. — Signed with Bills
- Taven Bryan, DE/DT, Jaguars. Age: 26. — Signed with Browns (1 year)
- Dare Ogunbowale, RB, Jaguars. Age: 28. — Signed with Texans
- Adam Gotsis, DE/DT, Jaguars. Age: 29. — Re-signed with Jaguars
- James O’Shaughnessy, TE, Jaguars. Age: 30. — Signed with Bears
- Nevin Lawson, CB, Jaguars. Age: 31.
- Will Richardson, G, Jaguars. Age: 28. — Re-signed with Jaguars
- Tre Herndon, CB, Jaguars. Age: 26.
— Re-signed with Jaguars
- Jacob Hollister, TE, Jaguars. Age: 28.
— Signed with Raiders (1 year)
- Lerentee McCray, DE, Jaguars. Age: 32.
- Tre Herndon, CB, Jaguars. Age: 26.
NFL Free Agent Tracker:
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