Nine players Jaguars could target on waiver wire to fill out the roster

Which players cut this weekend could help the Jaguars' roster?

As NFL teams cut their rosters down to their initial 53-man rosters, over 1,000 players entered the waiver wire. And while teams such as the Jacksonville Jaguars have a set 53-man roster right now, they could add outside players to improve their roster any minute. 

So, among the players cut this weekend, who are some worth monitoring for the Jaguars?

Wide receiver Josh Doctson: 

The former 2016 first-round pick has struggled with injuries and consistency during his three seasons with the Washington Redskins, but he also had his flashes of brilliance. Washington cut him after he amassed only 81 catches for 1,110 yards and eight touchdowns over three seasons, but he has the size/speed combo the Jaguars and quarterback Nick Foles like, and he is still a talented player as long as he is available. 

Running back Wendell Smallwood:

Smallwood was not a surprise cut due to the additions the Philadelphia Eagles made in their backfield, but he is still a useful addition to a roster. The fourth-year running back was never given more than 87 carries in a season, but he started 12 games in a backup role and averaged 4 yards per carry and had five rushing touchdowns. More importantly for the Jaguars, though, he was an asset in the passing game, catching 47 passes and two touchdowns with the Eagles.

Quarterback Kyle Sloter: 

The Minnesota Vikings dangled Kyle Sloter in trade talks because the third-year quarterback posted jaw-dropping numbers as the Vikings' No. 3 quarterback over the last two seasons. Sloter might not have the veteran experience the Jaguars are looking for in a potential backup, but he has shown more than rookie quarterback Gardner Minshew has to this point, from both a physical tools and production standpoint. 

Linebacker Brandon Marshal: 

Marshal's introduction to the NFL was as a fifth-round pick with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2012. Fast forward to 2019, and Marshal has been a productive but injury-riddled linebacker, though he has flashed great ability when healthy with the Denver Broncos. Marshal was a surprise cut by the Oakland Raiders and it was done largely due to injury issues, but he tweeted that he is good to go. 

Oh I’m healthy Now https://t.co/VOzFG3MzJd

— Brandon Marshall (@BMarshh) August 30, 2019

Linebacker Malik Jefferson:

Unlike Brandon Marshal, Jefferson is a young, athletic linebacker in the beginning of his career. Jefferson, a rangy sideline to sideline tackler who was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the third-round in 2018, was one of Saturday's most surprising cuts due to his youth and draft pedigree. He made only 10 tackles last season, but he is worth the low-risk flier due to his physical tools alone. 

Tight end Jacob Hollister: 

Hollister was a fan-favorite this preseason with the Seattle Seahawks, but ultimately got cut due to a crowded tight end room. He has the traits the Jaguars like in their tight ends, and he provides more upside as a pass-catcher than Ben Koyack does. 

Oh I’m healthy Now https://t.co/VOzFG3MzJd

— Brandon Marshall (@BMarshh) August 30, 2019

Running back Devine Ozigbo:

At one point, it appeared the speedy undrafted free agent out of Nebraska had secured a spot on the New Orleans Saints roster after an impressive preseason. But Saturday, Ozigbo cut by the Saints and the versatile running back hit the waiver wire. He would provide the Jaguars with a solid change of pace from the rest of their rostered running backs, which should be a priority. 

Since this tweet has been so popular, a reminder that Devine Ozigbo also had a Chargers defender tackling air a week earlier ⤵️
pic.twitter.com/nOYJlrrRtr

— Jeff Nowak (@Jeff_Nowak) August 26, 2019

Wide receiver Demariyus Thomas:

Thomas was another surprise cut Saturday, and if he signs with another team he would be on his fourth team in the last two seasons. While Thomas has slowed down considerably in recent years, he has the physical skillset and experience that no other receiver on the Jaguars' has. He flashed in a big way in the Patriots'preseason finale, and if healthy should not be a free agent long. 

Tight end Jordan Franks: 

Franks only caught two passes for 37 yards as a rookie with the Cincinnati Bengals in his rookie season in 2018, but he flashed in each of the last two preseasons. Franks has the athleticism at tight end to provide a similar dimension to the Jaguars' offense that they are hoping to get out of Josh Oliver, and could be a decent insurance option. He is much more of a big-play threat than Ben Koyack, also.