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Jaguars Training Camp Position Preview: The lock, the likely and the long shot at quarterback

Our training camp roster preview series begins with the quarterback position.

As the days dwindle during the countdown to training camp, the Jaguars have to feel good about their roster.

Looking at the entire depth chart, it appears the Jaguars have hedged their bets at several spots. While there are still question marks at a handful of positions, the roster - for the most part - seems to have added stability.

The Jaguars had a busy offseason, which led to some big changes for certain spots. In order to understand the upcoming battles for training camp, it's important to dissect the depth chart at each individual position.

Our training camp roster preview series begins with the quarterback position.

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The Lock

Blake Bortles

The Jaguars' starting quarterback signed a three-year, $54 million contract extension in March. The deal gave him short-term security and long-term motivation, as he will be locked into the starting role for this year but could still face the consequences of a poor performance during his fifth NFL season.

Bortles showed impressive growth last season, as he limited his turnovers, improved his accuracy and led the Jaguars to the AFC Championship Game. With backup Chad Henne now in Kansas City, Bortles is the veteran voice in the quarterback room. With a renewed sense of confidence and talent all around him, Bortles should be poised for a productive 2018 campaign.

Bortles will look to follow up his sharp performance during the offseason program with a strong training camp and preseason output.

The Likely

Cody Kessler

The Jaguars traded a conditional 2019 seventh-round pick to the Cleveland Browns to acquire Kessler in March. The move was minuscule at the time and could end up being even less meaningful if Kessler fails to make the roster in September.

However, Kessler showed he was a solid fit for Nathaniel Hackett's offense during the offseason program. While his deep-throw accuracy will never be his strong suit, Kessler's comfort with short and intermediate throws could be an asset for the Jaguars if Bortles suffers an injury during the regular season.

Kessler needs to show he can lead the Jaguars offense during training camp. While his steady progression during the offseason program was encouraging, he won't be handed the backup job during the preseason.

The Long Shot

Tanner Lee

The sixth-round pick out of Nebraska had his moments during the offseason program. Lee and Kessler proved to be polar opposites, as the rookie showed impressive deep-throw potential while failing to establish a mid-range rhythm.

Lee is probably more of a project than an actual asset at this point. While his work during training camp and the preseason could prove otherwise, Lee doesn't seem to be the ideal backup for Bortles in Week 1.

The Jaguars have said they are willing to house three quarterbacks on the active roster this season. Lee will need to play very well for the Jaguars to choose him over an extra wide receiver, tight end or offensive lineman during final cuts.

Follow Mike Kaye on Twitter: @Mike_E_Kaye.

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