Jaguars vs Falcons: Five players to watch

Heading into the Jacksonville Jaguars' final preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons this evening, it is probably safe to assume the Jaguars front office and coaching staff knows what the majority of the 53-man roster looks like.

A large portion of the roster won't play the final game, but it may still break a tie for a roster spot here or there depending on how it plays out. So, who are five players worth watching?

Wide receiver C.J. Board:

The second-year receiver out of Tennessee-Chattanooga has impressed throughout the preseason. Board's 10 catches for 115 yards over three games, a result of strong hands and crisp route running, has made a case for him to make the 53-man roster.

C.J. Board has caught 10 of 12 targets (83.3%) so far this preseason. The highest among #Jaguars WRs.
Yards per Reception 11.5

Is he making a case for a roster spot?#NFLPreseason pic.twitter.com/1cTmXnILvV
— PFF JAX Jaguars (@PFF_Jaguars) August 25, 2019

Board will likely be playing with other receivers vying to be chosen as the Jaguars' fifth or sixth receiver. A strong performance for the fourth week in a row may make it too hard to leave Board off the roster.

Defensive tackle Dontavius Russell:

Jaguars head coach Doug Marrone said Tuesday he was encouraged by some of the flashes Russell has shown, though he acknowledged the consistency is not yet there.

Russell is fighting to make the 53-man roster, and though he has outperformed veteran Eli Ankou at times, Ankou has proven he can be a strong depth piece. Russell will need a strong final preseason name to leave an impression on the coaches that he should join the crowded defensive lineman room.

Running back Devante Mays:

Mays has not done much with the Jaguars this preseason. The second-year player has a meek 13 carries for 19 yards and did not see any carries last week against the Miami Dolphins despite an injury to Alfred Blue.

He has caught three passes for 17 yards and is a different style from most of the teams downhill, plodding type runners. But he has not done enough to reserve himself a roster spot, and he has likely one final chance to make a case for himself.

Linebacker Joe Giles-Harris:

The Jaguars' fifth linebacker spot is in flux and as a result, the rookie linebacker out of Duke has a chance to make the Jaguars roster. He played a lot of snaps the last two weeks against the Baltimore Ravens and the Dolphins, and he has the throwback size and physicality the Jaguars are missing throughout the linebacker group. A strong performance tonight could land him on the roster.

Cornerback Tae Hayes:

Hayes has gone above and beyond the expectations most had when the undrafted rookie from Appalachian State signed with the Jaguars. Through three preseason games, he has become a commanding presence on the perimeter of the Jaguars reserve defenses, flashing a knack for getting near the football.

#Jaguars undrafted free agent rookie CB Tae Hayes has made some plays in preseason, earning him a spot in PFF's top 25 ranked rookies.
He has 3 pass breakups, 1 interception and allowed a passer rating of only 38.2 when in coverage. https://t.co/MtdsE0BvvR pic.twitter.com/qo7W5ABXWV
— PFF JAX Jaguars (@PFF_Jaguars) August 26, 2019

Hayes will likely be given one final game to leave a mark on the coaching staff, but it is hard to envision what more he can do. He has been that good this preseason, and hopefully, a strong final preseason game would earn him a place on the roster.