Predicting the Last 5 In, Last 5 Out for Jaguars' Final 53-Man Roster
The final roster cut may hurt the most, especially for a team like the Jacksonville Jaguars. The team is transitioning to a different, better place than where it was at a year or two ago, and that sadly means the departure of some players.
However, having a better team and the progress of time will heal all wounds. The team is getting better, and while it may not be a title competitor, it's definitely better-suited for the competition of the NFL.
Head coach Gus Bradley and his staff have contributed attitude and competition. While it hasn't been an easy going, depth has been accumulated, and it should make for the best team in years.
But with improvement, we see fan favorites and hopeful roster achievers miss the cut and depart from Jacksonville. It's a necessary pain, and it will make the Jaguars better in the long run.
Last 5 Out #1: Nick Marshall
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The quarterback-turned-corner has made a seemingly smooth transition from offense to defense after college, but the depth and competition at corner might edge him out.
Nick Marshall was one of the biggest names of the SEC for 2013 and 2014, but he's now competing with much better players, and at corner at that. It's not easy for any player to make a positional change, especially one as drastic as his.
Marshall hasn't made news, and while his incredible athleticism has carried him a ways, he lacks the technical skill. He could go somewhere else or train for next season, but it's unlikely he makes the team.
Last 5 In #1: Andre Branch
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Andre Branch has been a bit of an enigma for the Jaguars. He seems to perform when everyone's expectations are down, but when the fans and the team look to him, he doesn't always play up to snuff.
However, it's undeniable that Branch is a fantastic talent and a guy to have on the roster for his streaky play. With Chris Clemons and Ryan Davis also holding down the "Leo" pass-rush heavy position, the Jaguars may look to him as a third option.
Second-year Chris Smith forced a fumble and totaled three sacks last season, but his ceiling isn't near Branch's. Branch is at his best off the bench, and he'll be there to do that this season.
Last 5 Out #2: Thurston Armbrister
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Personally, Thurston Armbrister was one of my favorite UDFA additions after the draft. However, he has been competing for one of the deepest positions on the Jaguars at the "Otto" linebacker position, and it hasn't been easy.
Dan Skuta and LaRoy Reynolds are both solid options at the strong side linebacker spot, and not only is Armbrister competing with them, he is also competing with Khairi Fortt. With those three guys in front of him, it was going to be a difficult time for Armbrister.
He made a good effort, but Armbrister hasn't made enough news or turned enough heads to pierce through to a final roster spot. There's still some time for him to impress, but, at the moment, he just misses the cut.
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Last 5 In #2: Craig Loston
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Craig Loston was not impressive last season by any means. However, he was a solid backup and continues to be the second-best option available at strong safety. He's not fantastic, but he gets the job done and has experience with the Jaguars.
Johnathan Cyprien is the starter at SS without a doubt, but after that, the drop-off is significant. While James Sample is a solid option, the Jaguars drafted him to play free safety, and that's where they'll focus on using him.
Loston's experience and consistency at SS means that even with Sample, Loston may be the top backup. Sample can flex to either spot, but it wouldn't be surprising to see the Jaguars keep Loston in case Cyprien gets injured or disappoints.
Last 5 Out #3: Nic Jacobs
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Tight end Nic Jacobs' impressive blocking and singular touchdown catch last season gave Jaguars fans a few moments to remember. But, between new rookie Ben Koyack and fellow veteran Clay Harbor, Jacobs seems like he's phased out of the Jaguars offense.
Last season, Jacobs came into the season as a promotion from the practice squad, and while he didn't disappoint, he doesn't quite reach the level of NFL play. Jacobs' only way to make the team at this point is through exceptional special teams play.
Jacobs isn't a complete "goner" yet, but he's on the outside looking in. He needs to beat out Harbor to solidify a spot, and it doesn't seem like he has the receiving ability to do so. It's sad to see a contributor leave, but there's just too much depth at TE.
Last 5 In #3: Tyler Shatley
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Tyler Shatley has little experience and really doesn't have incredible potential to offer, but he's got an ace: he's multi-positional. As Ryan O'Halloran of the Florida Times-Union has pointed out, Shatley has shifted to center and will still carry his time at guard with him.
While O'Halloran mentions that Shatley will be competing with Luke Bowanko and Stefen Wisniewski for center, and that will be tough, it might make his journey easier. He's still an option at guard, and being a backup for multiple positions makes you valuable.
Rookie Chris Reed hasn't made a name for himself this offseason, and that's the reason Shatley can make it. He's been okay at both positions, and he may have done just enough to earn a spot.
Last 5 Out #4: Storm Johnson
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Bradley shocked a lot of people with the only comment he's dropped on running back Storm Johnson, saying that Johnson "plateaued a little bit," according to the Florida Times-Union. While that's not a full story, that's Bradley's version of a call-out.
And what's more concerning is that Johnson hasn't made any news since that comment, which was published on June 4. Johnson could be improving, but it doesn't seem like he has the faith of the coaching staff to make the team.
Johnson had bright moments last season, but he couldn't pass running backs Toby Gerhart or Denard Robinson for the top spot or even the second spot. Johnson has a shot, but it seems like he will be looking elsewhere for a roster spot during the season.
Last 5 In #4: Austin Pasztor
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Austin Pasztor's switch to a flex offensive line duty has saved himself from being cut. For his pay, Pasztor couldn't just be a backup tackle to new-signing Jermey Parnell. His semi-switch to guard will be enough to keep him in Jacksonville in 2014.
Pasztor's switch to guard has been publicized by Jaguars.com and others—including—but it may not resonate as strongly as it seems. Pasztor is at the awkward level where his pay makes it difficult to keep him, but the Jaguars now could use him.
Like Shatley, Pasztor's switch shouldn't hurt his chances; it is more likely to help him. However, Shatley could be pushed out by Pasztor's switch if the Jaguars feel they need more help elsewhere.
Last 5 Out $5: Ziggy Hood
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Does Ziggy Hood look nervous in the picture above? Well, besides the coincidental facial expression, Hood should be nervous. New rookie Mike Bennett has been "drawing rave reviews" according to First Coast News' Mike Kaye, and that doesn't bode well for Hood.
And it's not just Bennett's impressive performance that might mean Hood's exit. He didn't explode onto the scene in his first season in 2014, and he only totaled one sack all season, although he also forced a fumble.
However, with Bennett and reliable, explosive Sen'Derrick Marks holding down the starting spot, Hood looks like he's out of a job. He may get a second chance, but it doesn't seem likely.
Last 5 In #5: Ace Sanders
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Ace Sanders' troublesome 2014 has been discussed by many, including myself, but he's improving, according to Jaguars.com. The speedy, electric receiver/punt returner has shown he's not going out quietly and is likely staying.
Sanders had an okay rookie season, and it seemed to set him up for a good sophomore year. Instead, Sanders got suspended and barely contributed to the offense. He's returned to the Jaguars after the winter ready to play, however, and he looks like he could be a big name for the special teams and offense.
There's no guarantee that Sanders will find a spot, but he definitely is ahead of about half of the wide receiver core. Sanders' experience with the team and big-play ability should see him in a Jaguar jersey in the fall of 2015.
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