The Jaguars have very few roster holes to fill roughly a month before the start of training camp. While the needs are few and far between, hedging bets with proven veteran depth may be a smart move for a Jaguars team that is trying to get back to the AFC Championship Game.
The Jaguars' shakiest depth concerns are based around the running back and linebacker positions. While the team has a solid rotational trio at running back, a fourth ground-and-pound ball-carrier may make sense in case injuries impact Leonard Fournette or T.J. Yeldon during the season. At linebacker, the team has enough talent to field a starting lineup with a backup or two capable of filling in for spot duty. However, adding to the pile would only help the unit.
Along with the two obvious areas of depth needs, the Jaguars could potentially have interest in challenging the two young quarterbacks behind Blake Bortles on the depth chart. Could the Jaguars add a veteran arm to the mix? A move like that would make sense as the Jaguars prepare for another playoff push.
Matt Moore
The Jaguars should only address the quarterback position before training camp if they feel like they need experience for the backup role. Moore has been around the league for 11 seasons, starting in 30 games throughout his career. While his 59.6 completion percentage isn't going to "wow" anyone, his longevity in the league and understanding of the game could be assets, especially during training camp. Cody Kessler seems to be the far and away favorite for the No. 2 role heading into the final preparation stages for the season but a veteran presence could probably push him during the preseason. The Jaguars have also said they would be willing to house three quarterbacks on the active roster this season, which would allow Kessler and Moore to compete for the backup spot while rookie Tanner Lee works to learn the NFL game.
Alfred Morris
While Yeldon and Corey Grant offer outstanding upside on passing downs, the Jaguars lack a true ground-and-pound back behind Fournette. Morris is a hard-nosed, one-cut runner who could handle the load if the Jaguars' top back were to go down. Morris is a former two-time Pro Bowl selection and he has started 69 games throughout his six-year career. While the Jaguars could potentially avoid an injury issue at running back, Morris could also be a weapon in short-yardage situations.
Orleans Darkwa
Sometimes a familiar face can make a difference. Darkwa played for Jaguars executive Tom Coughlin for two seasons in New York and he is aware of the blocking expectations set forth by offensive line coach Pat Flaherty. Darkwa also has plenty of special teams experience, as he played 67 percent of the third-phase snaps during Coughlin's final year with the Giants. The veteran running back was recently released by the Giants but could serve as a sound insurance opportunity for the Jaguars.
Mike Tolbert
The Jaguars could take care of two needs with one move if they sign Tolbert. The Jaguars will enter training camp with just one fullback on the roster, incumbent starter Tommy Bohanon. Tolbert could fill both the fourth running back role and the second fullback spot, as he has experience with both positions. A proven short-yardage pile mover, Tolbert would give the Jaguars an added battering ram in the backfield.
Arthur Moats
The Jaguars could look into adding some veteran depth at linebacker over the next month. Moats has scheme versatility and could realistically play SAM linebacker and/or rush the passer in a pinch. While the three-way competition between Blair Brown, Leon Jacobs and Donald Payne is intriguing, there is no real downside to having an experienced player pushing the younger members of the roster.
Keenan Robinson
Robinson has a strong background with the 4-3 defense. He has the ability to play at middle and strong-side linebacker and could serve as veteran insurance for either position. While he has dealt with injuries of his own, taking a flier on Robinson would only help a very young linebacker group. At this point in his career, Robinson is mainly just looking for a job to prove himself so he can stay in the league. Jacksonville would seem like a viable opportunity to strut his stuff during the preseason.
Follow Mike Kaye on Twitter: @Mike_E_Kaye.