Three biggest surprises from Jaguars' roster cut-downs

Three of the biggest surprises following Jacksonville trimming its roster to their initial 53-man roster.

The Jacksonville Jaguars had a relatively surprising cut-down weekend as they shaved their roster from 90 players to 53. From young, rising players who looked to have a spot secured, to journeyman veterans who impressed greatly but just missed the mark, the Jaguars' roster cuts were not short of storylines. 

Over 1,000 players were victims of cuts Friday and Saturday, and each team had its share of surprises. After what transpired during the training camp and preseason, which roster moves were the Jaguars' most surprising moves? 

1) Andrew Wingard takes C.J. Reavis' roster spot:

Reavis was regarded by many as a candidate to push starting safety Jarrod Willson after a phenomenal start to the preseason, but he cooled off in recent weeks. Reavis' hard-hitting, downhill style of play made him an asset to the Jaguars' reserve defense in recent weeks, but his release is a good example of the reality for the bottom of the roster players. 

Reavis was largely released not because he played poorly at safety over recent weeks, but because he was not a prominent special teams contributor. Rookie undrafted safety Wingard was not a splashy player in the preseason, but he was a steady hand in the game's third phase, and the Jaguars obviously like his skillset enough to give him a roster spot over Reavis. 

Reavis' cut was a shock to many Jaguars fans, as was Wingard's addition to the roster, but it just goes to show how vital special teams is for non-starters who are trying to carve out a role in the NFL. 

2) Datone Jones cut after tremendous preseason: 

If Reavis' was the Jaguars' best reserve defender this preseason, Jones was not far behind him. The journeyman defensive lineman found new life with the Jaguars, and they at least appeared to be fond of Jones throughout the preseason. 

Jones was utilized across the Jaguars' defensive front in the exhibition games, showing the ability to lineup on the interior and on the edge. And on Thursday's preseason finale against the Atlanta Falcons, he displayed special teams ability as well. 

Got the gift of blocking kicks too. pic.twitter.com/2toWjb1hw2

— Datone Jones (@DAT_ONE500) August 30, 2019

Jones' release was surprising to many due to his impact over the last month, but it was largely due to the number of players the Jaguars already have that can perform in his role. Calais Campbell and Marcell Dareus can both play three-technique defensive tackle, and Dawuane Smoot can play both defensive end and defensive tackle. Jones' cut does put much more pressure on second-year defensive tackle Taven Bryan to produce. 

3) Tae Hayes released in favor of Josh Robinson

Hayes' was the Jaguars' most productive defensive back this preseason, finishing the exhibition games with an interception and four pass breakups. But, much like C.J. Reavis before him, Hayes was cut in favor of a player with a better special teams pedigree. 

Robinson provides positional flexibility since he has seen snaps at safety and cornerback, but Hayes showed better coverage ability. Special teams is king for bottom of the roster players, but Hayes' showed a knack for getting his hands on the ball, something the Jaguars were lacking last season. 

Hayes should be a strong candidate to make the team's practice squad, but it was still somewhat of a surprise to see him lose a spot to Robinson, who went largely unnoticed this preseason.