Checking in on Jacksonville Jaguars' Biggest Project Players

While the offseason is a battlefield for many players on the Jacksonville Jaguars roster, it's not everyone's situation. There are five players who are transitioning and learning new roles or positions, and their progress is just as important to the Jaguars' overall success.

This is the only time in the year for this type of transition, which means its crucial that the players who are changing their games are making the progress they need to be. And while the lack of direct competition allows greater focus for some, not every player has that luxury.

A lot of players are balancing the transitional period with competing with players who are focused on nothing but their positional battle. It's enough to handle a change in your position or style, but competing with someone for a position can be overwhelming.

However, the news coming out of OTAs has been generally positive, and it seems like every player is making strides, no matter their goal this offseason. It's taking a lot of work and time, but every individual is doing what they have to be ready for the season.

Austin Pasztor

John Raoux/Associated Press

When in doubt, move a tackle inside and hope for the best. A process that has become more and more common in the NFL is happening with Austin Pasztor and the Jaguars. Pasztor will provide the proper depth at guard and allow the Jaguars to be deep in every facet of the offensive line.

The lack of depth at guard has been one of the Jaguars' only concerns in 2015, and they've seemed to have thought up a solution to this problem by moving Pasztor inside.

According to Jaguars.com, Pasztor has done a fine job in head coach Gus Bradley's opinion:

"

I think he’s doing a really nice job. He’s caught our attention. He’s doing some good things. It could be down the line where he could maybe be a swing guy, play guard and tackle. Until we get the pads on, we’ll see, but that could be a possibility, so I think that adds even more depth for us at tackle.

"

Pasztor was never a bad option at tackle, but Jermey Parnell was a considerable upgrade. Switching him inside was probably the best place for him, and it allows the depth-based free-agent signing Brennan Williams to make the most of his abilities.

Pasztor, as Bradley mentions, will still see time at tackle, albeit considerably less. Having him as a guy who can be used for a variety of situations can mean he can still be an impactful player, and the Jaguars can have more widespread depth.

This was a smart move by the Jaguars that seems to be paying off. Pasztor is taking to guard rather quickly, according to Bradley (although he started three games of the 2012 season at guard), and will be an asset to the offensive line in 2015.

Johnathan Cyprien

John Raoux/Associated Press

It's been less of a position change and more of a coming of age for third-year safety Johnathan Cyprien. Cyprien, whether it was due to the lack of a proper free safety beside him or just a dip in play (probably both), Cyprien's 2014 was not what he or the Jaguars had in mind.

However, reports coming out of OTAs have been positive for Cyprien and for good reason. According to Jaguars.com, Cyprien has impressed by looking more mature and refined in his play. Even Cyprien himself said he's realizing his improvement: 

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I think I’m of showing more of an understanding of the defense and I think I’m playing with a little more patience. I want to make sure the game gets slower and slower. It’s exciting for me to see what’s going on. I’m still progressing. There are things I’m working on and I’m excited for the rest of these OTAs.

"

Cyprien coming into his role and understanding what the team needs from him could be the saving grace of the secondary in 2015. He's got all the potential in the world, and he's starting to realize that. 

The lack of a true free safety drastically hurt the Jaguars' secondary last season, and it even inhibited Cyprien from playing his style. A newfound maturity and a better all-around situation in the secondary ought to make his transition to a calm, hard-hitting leader much easier.

Aaron Colvin

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Aaron Colvin has been transitioning and working to improve to return to the status he reached in college, and while he's done a fantastic job, he's not quite done. He's now working to improve as a player, and early OTA reports have said he's done just that.

According to Jaguars.com, Bradley has been enthralled with Colvin's play and has high hopes for his future: 

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It’s a guy like (former Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback) Ronde Barber. He played outside first and second down and on third down he moved inside or based on the personnel groupings, and that’s kind of the challenge that he had to go through.

It takes a mindset to do that. It’s a challenge, but if you can have a corner play outside and then come in and move inside that’s a great quality.

"

The long and impressive quote from the head coach shows the kind of enthusiasm that he has for the team and for players with potential like Colvin. It's no secret that Colvin was considered a top CB before tearing his ACL in the 2014 Senior Bowl.

Now, the former Sooner has made a full recovery and is focusing on improving his play. The lofty comparison to Ronde Barber is quite the statement, but it's true.

Colvin has the ability to play all over the secondary, and his pure, natural talent will be one of the biggest assets of the secondary. He'll see play all over the field, like Bradley mentions, and that will give him the playtime he needs to improve and help the secondary as a whole.

There's no guarantee that Colvin can reach the level that Barber achieved, but he does have a good shot. He proved that he's ready to make big plays last season, and if he improves his consistency this offseason, he'll be in good shape for 2015.

Marcedes Lewis

Gary McCullough/Associated Press

The new situation at tight end with Julius Thomas has seen Marcedes Lewis take a backseat in terms of depth, but not in terms of impact. Lewis is a veteran and an important member of the Jaguars, and while his role is changing, his value is not.

Lewis will see more time as a blocking TE in 2015, something he's improved at over his career in Jacksonville. Sure, he'll continue to bully his markers and make plays downfield, but he's more useful to the Jaguars as a blocker.

Lewis had a tough opening couple of days this offseason, according to the Florida Times-Union's Ryan O'Halloran, but he's definitely ready and preparing for his new role. He's working with Thomas, and their partnership seems to blooming nicely.

It was never going to be an easy transition for a guy like Lewis. Going from being the top TE for seven seasons to a situational player is typically tough for most players, but Lewis is enjoying working with Thomas: “We’re going to feed off each other,” Lewis said. “It’s going to be some problems for the other team now. They’re not going to be able to key on one guy.”

Lewis has shown incredible class over the past couple of months, and having him on the team isn't just an extra benefit. He's still got a lot to offer in 2015, and if he can pair up with Thomas like he wants to, the Jaguars will have two dangerous TEs at their disposal.

Denard Robinson

John Raoux/Associated Press

Denard Robinson really came into himself as an offensive weapon last season, and while he'll continue to be a versatile player for the offense, he's still expanding. His athleticism and football intelligence allows him to continue to improve elsewhere.

This offseason's objective has been work in the return game. Robinson dazzled Jaguars fans and devastated defenses with quick, intelligent cuts last season, and the Jaguars are hoping that his ability will carry into the return game.

According to ESPN.com's Mike DiRocco, Robinson has embraced this new challenge, and he's willing to do anything to help the team: "I really don’t think about what’s going on," Robinson said. "I just think about me doing the best I can do and showing what I can and what I’m capable of."

Robinson's playing time on offense will depend on the success of rookie running back T.J. Yeldon and possibly the improvement of fellow running back Toby Gerhart. No matter what Robinson does, however, it's good to see he has the right mindset this offseason. 

We could still see Robinson become the lead RB, but for the time being, it's best for him to focus on improving in the return game. He's determined and willing to help the Jaguars in any way possible, and they have to make sure they make the most of that this year.

All stats were provided by ESPN.com unless otherwise stated.

Evan Reier is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report covering the Jacksonville Jaguars. Follow Evan on Twitter at @evanreier.