Jacksonville used the Dolphins game as a final depth check before cuts. Johnson sparked inside at DT, Braswell and Abdullah locked in at CB/LB depth, Pancol and Lane battled for fifth WR/safety roles, while Kiser and McLeod pressed in a crowded linebacker room. Campbell sat, Lloyd and Gardeck anchored the defense in spots, and the eight penalties flagged lingering discipline concerns. With the 53-man race tightening, several special-teams roles and position battles will decide who sticks.

The Jaguars dialed up a high-stakes moment at the end of their preseason opener, letting Cam Little take a 70-yard try after a short gain and a last-second timeout. Liam Coen explained the plan behind pushing the ball past midfield against Pittsburgh’s cover, but the defense forced Jacksonville’s hand, prompting a ball-check and a shot from way out. Little volunteered, and the moment became a showcase of distance upside for a kicker in limited live ammo, with the distance itself becoming an unofficial talking point for fantasy leagues.

Nick Mullens orchestrated the late sequence, taking a safe, three-yard gain to set up the final attempt, then watched Coen gamble on a cross-field opportunity as time bled away. The play underscored the Jaguars willingness to push the envelope in exhibition play, trusting a boot to change the equation in a way that could carry distance-based fantasy appeal into the regular season, even if the sample size is tiny and the stakes preseason.

From a fantasy lens, the key takeaway is not a guaranteed distance weapon but the situational volatility that distance-based kickers can offer. A 70-yard try in August signals potential if Little lands a few more such attempts in real games, but the context matters—defense style, play design, and game tempo will shape how often such opportunities arise in September and beyond.

As Jacksonville eyes the regular season, the moment adds to the narrative of a bold, opportunistic squad. The Steelers’ defensive look created the setup, and Cam Little’s bold response will be a favored anecdote for kickers who dream of longer-range opportunities in forecasted game scripts.

Following the Steelers game, Jacksonville’s 53-man roster projection centers on Trevor Lawrence leading a streamlined offense with Nick Mullens as the veteran backup. The Jaguars intend to keep four running backs—Etienne, Bigsby, Tuten, and LeQuint Allen—and deploy a committee approach. At receiver, a six-man group includes Dyami Brown, Brian Thomas Jr., Parker Washington, Josh Cephus, and Trenton Irwin, with depth from Irwin via special-teams value. The tight end group sits at three with Mundt, Strange, and Mundt’s partner Brenton Strange joins Mundt as a key depth option. Up front, nine offensive linemen are projected. On defense, nine along the front, six linebackers, five corners, and six safeties populate the depth chart, backed by reliable specialists on special teams: Cooke, Matiscik, and Little.

Nick Mullens has stepped up as a valuable resource for Trevor Lawrence in Jacksonville, offering insights that only an experienced backup can provide. His presence allows Lawrence to refine his skills and adapt to the ever-evolving strategies within the NFL. Mullens' unique perspective has proven beneficial, especially during practice sessions where he can simulate defensive pressures and game scenarios for Lawrence.

Lawrence acknowledges Mullens' contribution, stating that having a player with such experience on the team helps to enhance his own preparation and performance. As the Jaguars aim for success this season, the relationship between the two quarterbacks is set to be a pivotal part of their strategy.

As training camp approaches, the Jacksonville Jaguars face crucial positional battles on offense that could significantly impact their roster for the upcoming season. The quarterback depth chart is one of the most closely watched areas, where Nick Mullens is expected to back up Trevor Lawrence, leaving John Wolford and rookie Seth Henigan competing for the third spot. Wolford's familiarity with the offensive system may give him an edge, but Henigan's performance in preseason games will be critical.

Another exciting competition lies among the receivers, with players like Zay Jones and Calvin Ridley vying for key roles alongside Lawrence. Additionally, the running back position remains a hot topic, especially with Travis Etienne Jr.'s recovery from injury and the emergence of Tank Bigsby, who has shown promise during practices. The offensive line also has battles brewing as the team looks to solidify its protection for Lawrence. Overall, these positions will be critical to monitor as the Jaguars prepare for the new season.