Team Needs
1. Defensive Line
2. Tight End
3. Cornerback
In a division where running the ball seems to be the strong-favorite for every team other than Jacksonville, this group got pushed around far too much. The versatility of Travon Walker can help and Da’Von Hamilton is solid, but the surrounding pieces need to be more effective.
Key FA: OT Jawaan Taylor, TE Evan Engram, DE Dawuane Smoot
Check out our initial DL review here:
https://youtu.be/o8f-iy1w6k0
Depth Chart Fantasy Impact
2021 was an abject disaster for the Jaguars. Fortunately, with new HC Doug Pederson in charge, 2022 appears much rosier.
While the team selected Travis Etienne in Round 1 of the 2021 draft, he suffered a foot (Lisfranc) injury before Week 1. The Clemson product missed all of last season. Back healthy, Etienne’s return is like the Jags are acquiring an extra draft pick. Playing alongside college teammate QB Trevor Lawrence, Etienne should see a sizable receiving role. Note that he snagged 102 passes — and tallied 4,952 rushing yards — across 4 Clemson seasons. Jacksonville added rookie rusher Snoop Conner in Round 5 this year, but he’s likely viewed as insurance on James Robinson. Robinson suffered a torn Achilles last December and is questionable for Week 1.
The run game should operate more smoothly with G Brandon Scherff in uniform. The 30-year-old signed a 3-year deal with $30 million guaranteed.
WR D.J. Chark entered last season as an exciting, big-play WR. But a September ankle fracture wiped out the remainder of his 2021. He joined the Lions in free agency; Jacksonville responded by adding Christian Kirk and Zay Jones. Kirk inked a stunning 4-year, $72 million deal with $37 million guaranteed. Only 26 (in November), Kirk tallied career highs in catches (77) and yards (982) last season. 2021 marked the first time in his 4-year career that he’s played a full season. A thinned out Vegas depth chart helped Jones post his best statistical season since 2018 (47-546-1). The sum that he signed for — $14 million guaranteed — says he won’t struggle for snaps.
At TE, the Jaguars added former 1st-round pick Evan Engram. While an underachiever with New York, Engram’s still hit 500 receiving yards in 3 of 5 NFL seasons. And he landed in a Doug Pederson offense that’s historically proven TE-friendly. Look for Engram to see the field plenty, demoting 2021 trade acquisition Dan Arnold to a backup role. If Engram stays healthy — a big if — a career-best season is within reason.
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