<
        >

          NFL Nation

          Jacksonville Jaguars cut-down analysis

          • Michael DiRocco, ESPN Staff WriterAug 25, 2014, 04:33 PM ET
            Close
              Michael DiRocco is an NFL reporter at ESPN. DiRocco covers the Jacksonville Jaguars. He previously covered the University of Florida for over a decade for ESPN.com and Florida Times-Union. DiRocco graduated from Jacksonville University and is a multiple APSE award winner. You can follow DiRocco on Twitter at @ESPNdirocco.
            Follow on X

          Most significant move: The only one that really qualifies as significant is the team’s decision to cut cornerback Mike Harris, but it’s not like that move was a surprise. The former Florida State standout has been a solid nickel cornerback for the Jaguars since former general manager Gene Smith drafted him in the sixth round in 2012. He has 96 tackles, one interception and five pass breakups in three seasons. However, Harris isn’t a physical fit for coach Gus Bradley’s defensive scheme. Bradley wants bigger corners with length, and the 5-foot-10, 188-pound Harris doesn’t measure up. Harris is good enough to find a spot on another roster, though. He’s a pretty good special-teams player -- he blocked a punt and returned it for a TD in 2012 -- and runs well.

          One more move: The Jaguars are finished with this round of cuts and have 76 players on the roster but will move rookie cornerback Aaron Colvin to the reserve/non-football injury list on Tuesday. He won’t count against the roster total at that point. Colvin, who suffered a torn ACL during Senior Bowl practices, cannot practice for six weeks after the season starts. The Jaguars could then decide to activate him or place him on IR.

          A lot of new blood: Harris’ release leaves the Jaguars with just six draft picks remaining from Smith’s tenure (2009-12): defensive end Tyson Alualu, receiver Cecil Shorts, safety Chris Prosinski, defensive end Andre Branch, punter Bryan Anger, and receiver Justin Blackmon. Blackmon doesn’t count against the salary cap or the Jaguars’ roster total while he is suspended indefinitely. Quarterback Chad Henne and linebacker Paul Posluszny are the only remaining free-agent signees from Smith’s tenure. Of the 75 players remaining, 68 were signed or drafted by GM David Caldwell.

          Jaguars' cuts: CB Mike Harris, WR Ramses Barden, LB Allen Bradford, G/C Antoine Caldwell, LB Josh Hull, FB Harvey Unga, S Joe Young, C Patrick Lewis, WR Kenny Shaw, LS Charley Hughlett, DB Deion Belue, WR Lamaar Thomas, RB Terrance Cobb, DT David Carter (waived/injured).