5 Jacksonville Jaguars Training Camp Battles To Watch In 2015

5 Jacksonville Jaguars Training Camp Battles To Watch In 2015

By K.J. Momberg

July 7, 2015

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5 Jacksonville Jaguars Training Camp Battles To Watch In 2015

Zane Beadles Jaguars — After three years on the job, general manager Dave Caldwell and head coach Gus Bradley have finally constructed a team that appears ready to compete. The Jaguars roster is as deep as it has been in a long time, and the added depth should offer plenty of intrigue during training camp as players compete for starting spots. With that in mind, here are five position battles to watch during training camp.

After three years on the job, general manager Dave Caldwell and head coach Gus Bradley have finally constructed a team that appears ready to compete. The Jaguars roster is as deep as it has been in a long time, and the added depth should offer plenty of intrigue during training camp as players compete for starting spots. With that in mind, here are five position battles to watch during training camp.

5. Punt Returner

Ace Sanders Jaguars

5. Punt Returner

Ace Sanders Jaguars — Wide receiver Ace Sanders is coming off a season in which he averaged just 7.1 yards per punt return. With Tandon Doss finally healthy, along with the addition of Bryan Walters and undrafted rookie Corey Grant, there should be plenty of competition for the job. Following a successful offseason, Sanders appears to have the edge heading into training camp.

Wide receiver Ace Sanders is coming off a season in which he averaged just 7.1 yards per punt return. With Tandon Doss finally healthy, along with the addition of Bryan Walters and undrafted rookie Corey Grant, there should be plenty of competition for the job. Following a successful offseason, Sanders appears to have the edge heading into training camp.

4. Backup Linebacker

Jacksonville Jaguars linebackers

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4. Backup Linebacker

Jacksonville Jaguars linebackers — The Jaguars appear set with starting linebackers Paul Posluszny, Dan Skuta and Telvin Smith. However, their depth at the position leaves plenty to be desired. LaRoy Reynolds should stick as the backup at one spot, leaving second-year players Khairi Fortt and Jeremiah George as well as undrafted rookies Thurston Armbrister, Matt Robinson and Todd Thomas to compete for one or maybe two spots.

The Jaguars appear set with starting linebackers Paul Posluszny, Dan Skuta and Telvin Smith. However, their depth at the position leaves plenty to be desired. LaRoy Reynolds should stick as the backup at one spot, leaving second-year players Khairi Fortt and Jeremiah George as well as undrafted rookies Thurston Armbrister, Matt Robinson and Todd Thomas to compete for one or maybe two spots.

3. Left Guard

A.J. Cann Jaguars

3. Left Guard

A.J. Cann Jaguars — After signing a lucrative free agent contract last offseason, guard Zane Beadles struggled during his first year as a member of the Jaguars. The Jags spent a third-round pick on guard A.J. Cann. The promising rookie should push Beadles for the starting job, although the veteran appears to have the edge going into training camp.

After signing a lucrative free agent contract last offseason, guard Zane Beadles struggled during his first year as a member of the Jaguars. The Jags spent a third-round pick on guard A.J. Cann. The promising rookie should push Beadles for the starting job, although the veteran appears to have the edge going into training camp.

2. Cornerback

Dwayne Gratz Jaguars

2. Cornerback

Dwayne Gratz Jaguars — The Jaguars finally have the depth at cornerback they have been lacking. Free-agent signee Davon House, third-year player Demetrius McCray and youngster Aaron Colvin would be the top three corners if the season started today, but Dwayne Gratz and Jeremy Harris are close behind and will push for playing time. Former Auburn quarterback Nick Marshall, who is making the switch to corner in the NFL, has a chance but is a long shot at this point.

The Jaguars finally have the depth at cornerback they have been lacking. Free-agent signee Davon House, third-year player Demetrius McCray and youngster Aaron Colvin would be the top three corners if the season started today, but Dwayne Gratz and Jeremy Harris are close behind and will push for playing time. Former Auburn quarterback Nick Marshall, who is making the switch to corner in the NFL, has a chance but is a long shot at this point.

1. Center

Luke Bowanko Jaguars

1. Center

Luke Bowanko Jaguars — Former sixth-round pick Luke Bowanko emerged as a surprise starter in 2014, but with the addition of former Oakland Raider Stefan Wisniewski in free agency, the competition at center should be fierce. Bowanko currently has the edge, but Wisniewski has more experience and familiarity with new offensive coordinator Greg Olson's system from their time together in Oakland.

Former sixth-round pick Luke Bowanko emerged as a surprise starter in 2014, but with the addition of former Oakland Raider Stefan Wisniewski in free agency, the competition at center should be fierce. Bowanko currently has the edge, but Wisniewski has more experience and familiarity with new offensive coordinator Greg Olson's system from their time together in Oakland.

K.J. Momberg is a Jacksonville Jaguars Beat Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @kjmomberg.

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