Previewing the Jacksonville Jaguars' 2015 NFL Training Camp

Previewing the Jacksonville Jaguars' 2015 NFL Training Camp

By K.J. Momberg

July 20, 2015

Previewing the Jacksonville Jaguars' 2015 NFL Training Camp

jacksonville jaguars training camp — The Jacksonville Jaguars have spent the better part of the last decade in the AFC South cellar. However, with a number of key additions in free agency and the NFL Draft there is a positive vibe surrounding the team as they prepare for training camp. With that in mind, here is a full breakdown of what to expect when training camp begins in less than two weeks.

Dates: July 31 - August 12

The Jacksonville Jaguars have spent the better part of the last decade in the AFC South cellar. However, with a number of key additions in free agency and the NFL Draft there is a positive vibe surrounding the team as they prepare for training camp. With that in mind, here is a full breakdown of what to expect when training camp begins in less than two weeks.

Dates: July 31 - August 12

Quarterbacks

Chad Henne jaguars

Quarterbacks

Chad Henne jaguars — Second-year quarterback Blake Bortles enters training camp as the unquestioned starter at the position. Veteran Chad Henne is entrenched as the backup. Stephen Morris and Jeff Tuel highlight the always intriguing third-string quarterback battle with the winner likely headed to the practice squad.

Second-year quarterback Blake Bortles enters training camp as the unquestioned starter at the position. Veteran Chad Henne is entrenched as the backup. Stephen Morris and Jeff Tuel highlight the always intriguing third-string quarterback battle with the winner likely headed to the practice squad.

Running Backs

T.J. Yeldon Jaguars

Advertisement

Running Backs

T.J. Yeldon Jaguars — Rookie T.J. Yeldon was drafted to be the starter and must look to establish himself in training camp. After Yeldon is where it gets interesting. Following a breakout season, Denard Robinson is expected to be the top backup, but he will have to fend off Toby Gerhart. The Jaguars will not use a fullback this season, meaning guys like Bernard Pierce, Storm Johnson and undrafted rookie Corey Grant are vying for one or two spots.

Rookie T.J. Yeldon was drafted to be the starter and must look to establish himself in training camp. After Yeldon is where it gets interesting. Following a breakout season, Denard Robinson is expected to be the top backup, but he will have to fend off Toby Gerhart. The Jaguars will not use a fullback this season, meaning guys like Bernard Pierce, Storm Johnson and undrafted rookie Corey Grant are vying for one or two spots.

Wide Receivers

Allen Hurns jaguars

Wide Receivers

Allen Hurns jaguars — In Allen Robinson, Marqise Lee and Allen Hurns, the Jaguars have a talented trio of second-year receivers. Following the recent release of Ace Sanders, rookie Rashad Greene should be in line for more work. A player to watch is rookie seventh-round pick Neal Sterling. At 6-foot-4, his size may be enough of a reason to sneak onto the final roster.

In Allen Robinson, Marqise Lee and Allen Hurns, the Jaguars have a talented trio of second-year receivers. Following the recent release of Ace Sanders, rookie Rashad Greene should be in line for more work. A player to watch is rookie seventh-round pick Neal Sterling. At 6-foot-4, his size may be enough of a reason to sneak onto the final roster.

Tight Ends

Julius Thomas jaguars

Tight Ends

Julius Thomas jaguars — The addition of Julius Thomas gives the offense a well-established playmaker. Veteran Marcedes Lewis is a more than capable backup. Clay Harbor is a nice receiving option behind Thomas. If the team decides to keep four tight ends, rookie Ben Koyack and second-year player Nic Jacobs are set to battle it out.

The addition of Julius Thomas gives the offense a well-established playmaker. Veteran Marcedes Lewis is a more than capable backup. Clay Harbor is a nice receiving option behind Thomas. If the team decides to keep four tight ends, rookie Ben Koyack and second-year player Nic Jacobs are set to battle it out.

Offensive Line

stefan wisniewski jaguars

Offensive Line

stefan wisniewski jaguars — The Jaguars addressed the offensive line in a big way this offseason, adding center Stefan Wisniewski and right tackle Jermey Parnell in free agency. New offensive line coach Doug Marrone will be charged with helping 2013 first-round pick Luke Joeckel reach his potential.

The Jaguars addressed the offensive line in a big way this offseason, adding center Stefan Wisniewski and right tackle Jermey Parnell in free agency. New offensive line coach Doug Marrone will be charged with helping 2013 first-round pick Luke Joeckel reach his potential.

Defensive Line

Jared Odrick jaguars

Defensive Line

Jared Odrick jaguars — The season-ending injury to rookie Dante Fowler Jr. is a huge blow to the defensive line's overall potential. However, the Jaguars return a solid core in Sen'Derrick Marks, Roy Miller and Chris Clemons. Defensive end Jared Odrick is a huge upgrade over last year's starter Red Bryant.

The season-ending injury to rookie Dante Fowler Jr. is a huge blow to the defensive line's overall potential. However, the Jaguars return a solid core in Sen'Derrick Marks, Roy Miller and Chris Clemons. Defensive end Jared Odrick is a huge upgrade over last year's starter Red Bryant.

Linebacker

Dan Skuta Jaguars

Linebacker

Dan Skuta Jaguars — The starters appear set with Telvin Smith at the weakside spot, Paul Posluszny manning the middle and Dan Skuta taking over at the strong side, or OTTO position. Where things get interesting is the battle for the backup spots. The Jaguars have almost no established depth and are relying on a handful of undrafted rookies to emerge.

The starters appear set with Telvin Smith at the weakside spot, Paul Posluszny manning the middle and Dan Skuta taking over at the strong side, or OTTO position. Where things get interesting is the battle for the backup spots. The Jaguars have almost no established depth and are relying on a handful of undrafted rookies to emerge.

Secondary

Davon House jaguars

Secondary

Davon House jaguars — The secondary should be much improved with the additions of Sergio Brown and Davon House in free agency. Cornerback Demetrius McCray appears to be on the verge of a breakout season and nickelback Aaron Colvin could be a star in the making. Safety Johnathan Cyprien must finally live up to the hype.

The secondary should be much improved with the additions of Sergio Brown and Davon House in free agency. Cornerback Demetrius McCray appears to be on the verge of a breakout season and nickelback Aaron Colvin could be a star in the making. Safety Johnathan Cyprien must finally live up to the hype.

Special Teams

Tandon Doss jaguars

Special Teams

Tandon Doss jaguars — There should be no surprises here. Kicker Josh Scobee, punter Bryan Anger and long-snapper Carson Tinker are virtual locks to make the roster. The only question that remains is who will take over punt return duties with the release of Sanders? Tandon Doss, Bryan Walters, Rashad Greene and Corey Grant are the names to watch.

There should be no surprises here. Kicker Josh Scobee, punter Bryan Anger and long-snapper Carson Tinker are virtual locks to make the roster. The only question that remains is who will take over punt return duties with the release of Sanders? Tandon Doss, Bryan Walters, Rashad Greene and Corey Grant are the names to watch.

Position Battles to Watch: Center

Luke Bowanko jaguars

Position Battles to Watch: Center

Luke Bowanko jaguars — The Jaguars signed Wisniewski late in free agency with the expectation he would push second-year player Luke Bowanko for the starting center spot. Wisniewski spent the offseason recovering from shoulder surgery, giving Bowanko the early lead. However, a fifth-year veteran, Wisniewski has the edge in terms of experience and has familiarity with new offensive coordinator Greg Olson from their time together with the Oakland Raiders.

The Jaguars signed Wisniewski late in free agency with the expectation he would push second-year player Luke Bowanko for the starting center spot. Wisniewski spent the offseason recovering from shoulder surgery, giving Bowanko the early lead. However, a fifth-year veteran, Wisniewski has the edge in terms of experience and has familiarity with new offensive coordinator Greg Olson from their time together with the Oakland Raiders.

Position Battles to Watch: Free Safety

James Sample jaguars

Position Battles to Watch: Free Safety

James Sample jaguars — Sergio Brown will enter training camp as the starter at free safety, but will eventually face competition from fourth-round pick James Sample. The rookie is expected to miss the first two weeks of training camp with a broken arm he sustained in organized team activities, but is expected to become the starter sooner rather than later.

Sergio Brown will enter training camp as the starter at free safety, but will eventually face competition from fourth-round pick James Sample. The rookie is expected to miss the first two weeks of training camp with a broken arm he sustained in organized team activities, but is expected to become the starter sooner rather than later.

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

Teams in this article »

Jacksonville Jaguars

Share On Facebook

Share