Head Coach Liam Coen had an outstanding head coaching debut in Jacksonville last season. Coming from the Shanahan-McVay offensive tree, he already looks like one of the league’s ascending offensive minds and doesn’t seem far from joining the upper echelon of NFL head coaches after just one season. The playoffs obviously didn’t go their way, but this was still a breakout year for a roster that didn’t have the talent level you’d normally expect from a 13-win team. Coen calls the offense himself, but Offensive Coordinator Grant Udinski is highly regarded around the league as well and was a head coaching candidate this offseason. Fortunately for Jacksonville, they were able to bring him back for 2026. Kevin O’Connell deserved plenty of credit for Minnesota’s offensive success, but Udinski’s departure also coincided with a noticeable drop-off for that unit.
On the defensive side of the ball, Anthony Campanile was another head coaching candidate that Jacksonville managed to retain. The former linebackers coach got his first opportunity as an NFL defensive coordinator last season and immediately impressed. He runs the Saleh-style split-safety defense with a heavy mix of Cover 4 and Cover 6. The scheme is typically built around a bend-but-don’t-break philosophy, but Campanile added a much more aggressive blitz package than most defenses running this system, giving opposing offenses a different look to prepare for.
Heath Farwell has now been Jacksonville’s special teams coordinator for four years and has consistently put together solid units. That group has been especially good since the addition of Cam Little, and there’s little reason to think Farwell won’t continue building quality special teams around one of the league’s best young kickers.
As well as things have been going in Jacksonville, General Manager James Gladstone remains the biggest question mark. He took over before last season as the youngest general manager in the league and deserves credit for helping build a team that broke out in 2025. The draft is where most of the criticism comes in, though. He made an aggressive move up the board for two-way phenom Travis Hunter, and while it’s still early, that trade hasn’t paid dividends yet. The Jaguars have also drifted further from consensus than just about any team during Gladstone’s tenure, consistently trusting their own evaluations over both public opinion and, seemingly, the rest of the league. It’s far too early to call those decisions mistakes, but Gladstone has certainly put his reputation on the line by operating so differently from everyone else.
Quarterbacks (13th)
Trevor Lawrence has finally established himself as a franchise quarterback, something that had surprisingly become a legitimate question after entering the league as one of the best quarterback prospects in recent memory. He’s still inconsistent at times, but he’s proven capable of taking advantage of his elite arm talent and has started turning those flashes into wins. He isn’t in that top tier of NFL quarterbacks, but he’s firmly someone the Jaguars have no interest in replacing. He’s a quarterback you can win a Super Bowl with, even if he probably isn’t someone who will carry a team there by himself. His accuracy can be strangely inconsistent at times, and his pocket presence still leaves something to be desired. Quarterbacks with his arm talent and ability to read defenses don’t grow on trees, though, so despite those occasional flaws, Lawrence is a very good quarterback and a major asset for Jacksonville.
Nick Mullens has spent years as a backup and third quarterback around the NFL. He served as Lawrence’s backup last season and is already familiar with the system from his time in both San Francisco and Minnesota. He doesn’t offer much long-term upside, but he’s proven he can keep an offense afloat in short stretches and should once again be Lawrence’s primary backup in 2026.
I expect the Jaguars to carry just two quarterbacks, but Carter Bradley currently sits as the third option. He was an intriguing prospect coming out of South Alabama but ultimately went undrafted, which wasn’t all that surprising. He clearly needed time to develop, and he’s someone I’d be perfectly happy to see remain on the practice squad. Competing with Bradley for that third spot is 2026 UDFA Joey Aguilar. Aguilar became the high-profile replacement for Nico Iamaleava at Tennessee and played well enough to earn an NFL opportunity despite going undrafted. He likely doesn’t have the ceiling to earn much of a runway at this level, but I’m glad to see him getting a chance to compete in Jacksonville.
Running Backs (32nd)
I want to start by saying Bhayshul Tuten was one of my favorite prospects in last year’s draft. I have him on my dynasty team, and I’m really rooting for him. Unfortunately, based on what he showed in 2025, the Jaguars’ running back room has to come in dead last. I understand why they decided not to pay Travis Etienne, but losing him is still a big hit, and they’re expecting Tuten to step in and fill that role. Tuten played just 18% of the offensive snaps last season, and while he appeared to fix the fumbling issues that followed him out of college, it almost came at the expense of his vision. It felt like he was so focused on protecting the football that he wasn’t processing running lanes or maximizing the blocks in front of him. I still believe in the explosive upside he showed both in college and flashes of as a rookie, but he needs to improve his decision-making and continue developing before he’s ready to be a true lead back.
New addition Chris Rodriguez Jr. may be the Jaguars’ best running back on Day 1, but he doesn’t have Tuten’s physical upside and was never able to break through in Washington. He’s a polished runner who makes up for his lack of elite athleticism with excellent vision and anticipation. He consistently gets to the second level and gives Jacksonville a more reliable option on inside runs with a physical power profile. I expect this to be more of a committee than Tuten serving as a true bell cow, but I also think the Jaguars will give Tuten every opportunity to earn a larger workload.
2025 seventh-round pick LeQuint Allen Jr. actually out-snapped fellow rookie Bhayshul Tuten last season and is clearly well thought of by this coaching staff. His biggest strength is his pass blocking, but he’s also a capable receiver and route runner, making him a solid third-down option. He’s the type of backup every team would love to have and should stick around in Jacksonville for a while. Ameer Abdullah is essentially the veteran version of LeQuint Allen. I doubt he makes the final roster, but he’s the best receiving back on the team and can still provide value on special teams. DeeJay Dallas fits a similar mold as well. He may even be a better pass blocker than Allen, but he isn’t as complete of an all-around back and will likely lose out in the roster battle. Finally, 2026 UDFA J’Mari Taylor is a solid downhill runner who was productive in college but lacks NFL-level athleticism. I think there’s a role for him as a backup power back, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he ultimately falls short of making the 53-man roster.
Weapons (22nd)
Wide Receivers (14th)
The wide receiver room has changed a lot, or at least our expectations of it have. Last year, the conversation centered around the young star duo of Brian Thomas Jr. and Travis Hunter. This year, that isn’t exactly the case. Brian Thomas Jr.’s impressive rookie season created sky-high expectations heading into his sophomore campaign, but he never quite lived up to them. In fact, he didn’t even match his rookie production and went through a legitimate sophomore slump. He’s still an athletic route runner, but his ball skills have always been a question, and those issues really showed up in 2025. He struggled to finish contested catches and even had some frustrating drops on routine opportunities. He returned to form toward the end of the season, but he still didn’t reach the level of play many expected.
Those questions surrounding Brian Thomas Jr. led Jacksonville to acquire Jakobi Meyers. Meyers is an incredibly reliable receiver who excels at being a dependable target, even if he doesn’t offer the highest ceiling. Teams have tried asking him to be a true WR1 before, and that has never really worked, but this feels like a much better fit for him. The hardest player to project in this room, though, is Parker Washington. With all the issues at wide receiver last season, Washington quietly broke out. The former sixth-round pick, who is reportedly one of the hardest workers in the league, looked like a legitimate WR1 at times while operating out of the slot. I think the Jaguars still want Brian Thomas Jr. to be their top option, with Washington likely settling in as WR2, but I could realistically see Washington finishing anywhere from WR1 to WR4 by the end of the season.
With three receivers ahead of him, Travis Hunter’s offensive role feels much more defined. He probably won’t be asked to play as a full-time starter at wide receiver, but he’ll still have an important role in certain offensive packages. Before his injury ended his season, he never really got much of a chance to establish himself offensively. At the same time, nothing he showed on offense was enough to demand a full-time role, so I think this timeshare is in the Jaguars’ best interest, even if it may not be in Hunter’s. I especially like his fit as an outside receiver in 12 personnel, but using that package heavily would likely take Parker Washington off the field, which only adds to the uncertainty surrounding Washington’s role this season.
The Jaguars may not have a true superstar at the position, but they do have four starting-caliber receivers, assuming Hunter remains part of the offensive rotation. Behind them, the depth is much less proven, but the favorites for those spots seem fairly clear. Josh Cameron and C.J. Williams were both selected in the sixth round this year and should have the inside track for the final two roster spots. Cameron is a big-bodied, contested-catch receiver who could fill a role similar to Hunter’s if Jacksonville wants to use that type of player more often than they actually want Hunter playing offense. Williams was a bit lower on my board, but he showed reliable hands and solid route-running instincts throughout college.
For those rookies to make the roster, though, they’ll have to beat out veterans Tim Jones and Austin Trammell. Jones has been with Jacksonville since joining as a 2021 UDFA and saw limited action last season, finishing with just one reception. Trammell, another member of the 2021 UDFA class, caught three passes while working primarily out of the slot in 2025. Neither player has done enough to lock down a roster spot, but both offer experienced depth if the rookies aren’t ready. Chandler Brayboy, a 2025 UDFA, will also compete for a roster spot alongside 2026 UDFAs Trebor Peña, Brady Boyd, and Michael Wortham. Peña probably has the best chance of that group to make the team, but I really liked Wortham as a prospect and would love to see him stick around, even if it’s just on the practice squad.
Tight Ends (21st)
Brenton Strange has developed into one of the better in-line tight ends in the league. That isn’t saying a ton, considering many of the NFL’s best tight ends are really just oversized slot receivers, but Strange consistently makes an impact as a blocker while contributing as a receiver as well, surpassing 500 receiving yards in 2025. Since Evan Engram departed, the Jaguars have lacked a true difference-maker at tight end in the passing game. Strange has started to trend in that direction, but his game is still built around being a traditional in-line tight end.
Nate Boerkircher was drafted in the second round to be the primary backup, but he doesn’t really fit that profile either, bringing most of his value as a blocker. He was the biggest example of Jacksonville’s unconventional draft philosophy, as they selected a consensus Day 3 prospect in the second round. Boerkircher projects as another in-line tight end with some receiving ability, but players with that profile rarely hear their names called that early. It’s clear the Jaguars believe he can become much more than that. Even so, his fit alongside Strange is a bit questionable unless the coaching staff wants him to take some of the blocking workload off Strange’s plate. Hunter Long also fits the in-line role, but he’ll probably be on the outside looking in if Strange and Boerkircher perform as expected.
Tanner Koziol was one of my favorite prospects in this draft and was a steal in the fifth round. He’s an elite contested-catch weapon. He’s built like a tight end but really plays more like an oversized wide receiver, offering very little as an in-line blocker. He’s a big-bodied one-trick pony who doesn’t create much separation or run particularly sharp routes, but he catches just about everything thrown his way, even through heavy traffic. It’s a unique skill set that could make him a dangerous red-zone target, even if he doesn’t fit the mold of a traditional tight end. Quentin Morris is much more of a conventional tight end, and the coaching staff seems to like him quite a bit, so he probably earns one of the backup spots. 2025 UDFA Patrick Herbert and 2026 UDFA Ethan Conner round out the room, but both are likely competing for practice squad spots more than places on the 53-man roster.
Offensive Line (23rd)
Offensive Tackles (17th) & Interior Offensive Line (21st)
Like much of the Jaguars’ offense, the offensive line lacks star power but features a starting lineup full of quality players with solid depth behind them. Cole Van Lanen has played well since seemingly coming out of nowhere and earned himself a nice extension late last season. Unfortunately, he injured his knee the very next day and is currently on the PUP list, although the Jaguars remain hopeful he’ll be ready for Week 1. Even if he isn’t, he should still play a meaningful portion of the season as Jacksonville’s starting left tackle. At the other tackle spot is Anton Harrison, who I probably consider their best offensive lineman, although it’s close. The Jaguars’ 2023 first-round pick has developed just as they hoped, becoming an impact pass protector while also providing solid play in the run game. He isn’t a star at this point, but he’s given every reason to believe he can be the franchise right tackle for years to come.
Walker Little is probably the best, and certainly one of the most expensive, backup tackles in the league. He was on a similar trajectory to Van Lanen but eventually plateaued and now settles in as a valuable backup. He could potentially shift inside to guard, but Van Lanen also offers guard versatility, giving Jacksonville one of the better swing tackle situations in the NFL.
The interior isn’t quite as consistent, but there are still plenty of capable players. Ezra Cleveland is an athletic, well-rounded guard who pairs nicely with Van Lanen on the left side. Robert Hainsey is a veteran center who lacks ideal play strength but is technically sound. His anchor can be an issue at times, leading to losses in pass protection against more powerful defensive tackles. Right guard Patrick Mekari is another question mark. He’s making a lot of money for the level of production he’s provided, and I see him as somewhere between a low-end starter and a liability. He’s shown flashes as a pass protector but has never been much of a run blocker. He also appeared to struggle adapting to this Shanahan-style system, which contributed to a disappointing 2025 season. Fortunately for Jacksonville, the backup interior options are promising.
The first option off the bench, assuming it isn’t one of the tackles, is 2025 third-round pick Wyatt Milum. He’s an impact run blocker who wasn’t ready to start immediately because of the work he needed in pass protection. If he’s developed enough in that area, I’d love to see him push for a starting spot. Another intriguing option is 2026 third-round pick Emmanuel Pregnon, a player some evaluators viewed as a second-round, or even late first-round, talent and one of the steals of the draft. Pregnon is a balanced technician who looked close to NFL-ready in my opinion but slipped because of his lack of athleticism and perceived upside. For a third-round pick, you don’t need elite upside if he can step into the lineup and provide consistently solid interior play. Garrett DiGiorgio was also an interesting UDFA addition this year, but he’s currently on the PUP list, which definitely hurts his chances of making the roster.
At center, the depth is less proven, but 2025 seventh-round pick Jonah Monheim was forced into action last season and played well enough to earn another year as the primary backup. If not, Trystan Colon is a former developmental center who once had some intrigue but is coming off a rough year in Detroit. I expected him to land somewhere as a backup, but as things stand, I don’t see him making this team. Jerome Carvin is another option at center, though he feels more like emergency depth and is probably destined for the practice squad.
Chuma Edoga may not make this team, as I think there are already nine offensive linemen ahead of him, but he’s experienced depth who deserves a roster spot somewhere in the league. That’s essentially where the proven tackle depth ends. Kilian Zierer remains an interesting developmental player through the International Player Pathway Program, while Ricky Lee and 2026 UDFA Jimto Obidegwu will likely compete for practice squad spots.
Offense (21st) – Pass Game (18th) – Run Game (32nd)
The offense is full of good players but currently lacks the truly elite talent needed to rank much higher. They’re a relatively injury-resistant group and should still finish as a top-20 offense, but they don’t have the high-end playmakers who can consistently take over games when things get difficult. The run game is also an obvious concern, with a middling offensive line paired with an unproven running back room. If one or two players make the leap into stardom, this quickly becomes a very good offense surrounded by quality complementary talent. Until that happens, though, this unit looks solid on paper rather than truly dangerous.
Defensive Line (14th)
Interior Defensive Line (24th)
Arik Armstead is a longtime veteran who provides most of his value as an interior pass rusher. He’s an athletic, hybrid defensive end type, which isn’t a perfect fit for this defense, but the Jaguars found creative ways to use him on stunts and games last season. He’s clearly starting to regress, but he can still impact the passing game and is an important piece given the rest of Jacksonville’s interior defensive line. Alongside him is DaVon Hamilton, a 2020 third-round nose tackle who is almost exclusively a run defender. He’s exactly what you want from a nose tackle, but not much more. He offers virtually no pass rush, which is perfectly fine when he’s playing his role, but players like Hamilton need complementary pieces around them.
Armstead and Hamilton actually make a lot of sense as part of a rotation alongside a true every-down defensive tackle. On early downs, Hamilton can line up at nose tackle with the defensive tackle next to him. On passing downs, that defensive tackle can slide over toward the nose while Armstead attacks as a 3-technique pass rusher. Unfortunately, that plan requires a complete defensive tackle alongside them, and I’m not convinced the Jaguars have that player. Instead, I think we’re going to see Armstead and Hamilton sharing the field together more often than they probably should.
If that every-down defensive tackle does exist on this roster, the Jaguars are hoping it’s third-round rookie Albert Regis. Regis is another example of Jacksonville’s front office going against consensus in the draft, selecting what most viewed as a Day 3 prospect much earlier than expected. He’s an athletic but undersized defensive tackle who actually profiled more as a high-effort run defender than a pass rusher. He’s currently listed as the backup nose tackle, but unless he adds significant weight, he’d be one of the smallest nose tackles in the league. The Jaguars clearly saw something to justify taking him in the third round, but I just don’t see it. I don’t think his run-defense technique will consistently hold up against NFL offensive linemen at his current size, and it’s concerning that he never developed much of a pass-rush profile despite his athleticism. If he does bulk up, I think he’ll sacrifice enough athleticism that he’ll essentially have to relearn the position while becoming an even less effective pass rusher. I can absolutely see him carving out a role as a high-motor rotational lineman that every team likes having around, but that’s not typically the type of player you draft in the third round. Clearly, the Jaguars believe there’s much more to his game than I do.
Ruke Orhorhoro arrived as part of one of the strangest trades of the offseason, with Jacksonville sending 2024 second-round pick Maason Smith to Atlanta in exchange for another 2024 second-rounder, Ruke Orhorhoro. Calling both players busts is probably a little harsh this early in their careers, but neither had lived up to their draft pedigree, and both now get fresh starts. I still think Smith has the higher ceiling, but after getting so little production from him, I think the Jaguars made the right decision by acquiring the better player today. Orhorhoro is much more of a pass rusher than a run defender, although many of his pressures came on stunts and manufactured rushes. He’s probably Armstead’s direct backup, but on obvious passing downs, I could also see both of them sharing the field while the run defenders come off.
Those four are probably the interior defensive linemen Jacksonville carries into most games, with Travon Walker occasionally kicking inside as well. If they keep a fifth player, journeyman veteran Matt Dickerson is probably the favorite. 2025 UDFA Kelvie Rose and 2026 UDFAs Jalen Hunt and T.J. Bollers are also in the mix, but I haven’t seen anything to suggest any of them are making a serious push for a roster spot. Quinton Bohanna is an interesting late addition. He’s gotten opportunities elsewhere and could make the team, but I’d still give Dickerson the edge right now, and even he isn’t a lock to make the final roster.
Edge Rushers (9th)
Josh Hines-Allen is a true No. 1 edge rusher and probably the best player on the Jaguars’ roster. The coaching staff previously asked him to add weight, but that experiment never really paid off. Back at his natural playing weight, he looked like himself again in 2025 and consistently showed why he’s one of the better pass rushers in the league. He’s just outside that elite tier of edge rushers who enter every season as Defensive Player of the Year candidates, but he’s right below that group and is capable of taking over games.
Opposite him is former No. 1 overall pick Travon Walker. Walker wasn’t a prospect I believed should have gone first overall, largely because his draft stock was built on athleticism rather than refined pass-rushing ability. He still isn’t the dominant pass rusher you’d typically expect from a No. 1 pick, but he’s developed into a very good complementary edge. He’s especially impactful against the run, where he helps cover for the biggest weakness in Hines-Allen’s game. He isn’t a game wrecker, but he’s an excellent second edge rusher who consistently cleans up sacks and plays winning football.
The third edge spot behind those two clear starters is much more uncertain, which limits the ceiling of this room. Ideally, Hines-Allen could come off the field on some early downs to stay fresh, while Walker could rotate out on obvious passing situations. Instead, both are probably going to carry a massive workload throughout the season. Dennis Gardeck technically plays strong-side linebacker, acting as an edge rusher in certain packages, but primarily functioning as an off-ball linebacker. I’ll discuss him more in the linebacker section, even though he factors into this rotation.
That leaves fourth-round rookie Wesley Williams as the likely favorite for the true third edge role. Williams tested poorly during the pre-draft process, but his tape showed much better burst and athleticism than those numbers would suggest. Like several of Jacksonville’s interior defensive linemen, he seems best suited to looping on stunts, which appears to be exactly what this coaching staff wants from its backup pass rushers. His run defense in that role is questionable, but he holds up well enough when asked to play more traditionally. Because of the poor testing numbers, Williams was another Jaguars draft pick that came earlier than consensus expected. If the athlete on film is the real version of Williams, and not the one who showed up at the Combine, he should develop into a solid rotational piece with the versatility to kick inside on occasion. Seventh-round pick Zach Durfee fits a similar mold. He wasn’t on many public draft boards, but he’s another athletic project worth bringing into the building to see if the coaching staff can unlock something.
B.J. Green II and Danny Striggow round out the rotational depth. Both entered the league as 2025 UDFAs and were forced into meaningful snaps as rookies. They combined for 2.5 sacks and performed admirably considering their status as undrafted players. Both are solid run defenders off the edge, with Green offering a little more as a pass rusher. They should both make the roster as valuable depth, but neither should have a significant role if the players ahead of them stay healthy. Rounding out the room are 2026 UDFAs Bryan Thomas Jr. and Quindarius Dunnigan. Thomas, not to be confused with the Jaguars wide receiver of the same name, was on my draft radar and is worth keeping an eye on, but he’ll probably have to outplay seventh-round pick Zach Durfee to earn a roster spot.
Linebackers (5th)
The Jaguars let Devin Lloyd walk in free agency, but they still return a very strong linebacker group in 2026. Ventrell Miller is expected to step into Lloyd’s role, and he’s a fascinating player. He’ll primarily line up at weak-side linebacker, where he provides a high floor against the run. His coverage ability isn’t great, and he isn’t an overwhelming athlete or particularly powerful, but he flies around the field and consistently gets to the ball carrier. That’s a great profile for a No. 2 linebacker, as long as your middle linebacker can make up for those coverage limitations. Miller has been excellent in a rotational role, but with a larger workload, those coverage concerns will become more noticeable.
Fortunately for Jacksonville, they have a true LB1 in the middle with Foyesade Oluokun. He’s been one of the steadiest coverage linebackers in the league during his time with the Jaguars. He posted a career-high seven passes defended last season and really thrived in Anthony Campanile’s system after Campanile was promoted from linebackers coach to defensive coordinator. Oluokun is a better coverage linebacker than run defender, but he’s still a quality player against the run and gives this defense a true leader in the middle.
Dennis Gardeck is technically the third linebacker, but he isn’t really a direct backup to either Oluokun or Miller. He has a defined role as Jacksonville’s strong-side linebacker and edge hybrid, and I expect him to stay in that role even if one of the starters misses time. As a linebacker, he’s one of the better blitzers in the league and is a dependable run defender as well. He’s rarely asked to play much coverage, though, which makes it difficult to project how he’d hold up as a full-time off-ball linebacker. He could probably step into Miller’s role if necessary, but I’d expect the Jaguars to look further down the depth chart before asking Gardeck to change positions.
Jack Kiser is probably the next man up. He was a fourth-round pick last season and profiles as a solid, well-rounded linebacker with a relatively low ceiling. That’s perfectly fine for a backup, and he’d probably be the most NFL-ready option if Jacksonville needed a spot starter. 2023 fifth-round pick Yasir Abdullah is likely next in line, but with two more recent draft picks behind him, he’s at risk of being squeezed off the roster. Abdullah, Jalen McLeod, and Parker Hughes all fit a similar mold as athletic linebackers with very little proven production. I think all three could hold their own against the run, but coverage would be a significant concern for each of them. McLeod, a sixth-round pick from last season, is a converted edge rusher who could also provide depth behind Dennis Gardeck’s hybrid role. Seventh-round rookie Parker Hughes wasn’t really on my radar during the draft process, but he has a chance to carve out a role on special teams while making the jump from Middle Tennessee to the NFL. Branson Combs, a 2025 UDFA, has managed to stick around but now appears buried on the depth chart. Finally, Jared Bartlett is an interesting recent addition after being released by the Panthers, though he feels more like a camp body than a legitimate contender for the final roster.
Cornerbacks (16th)
The cornerback room is another classic Jaguars position group, featuring solid starters and impressive depth but lacking a proven star. At least, that’s the expectation heading into 2026. The Jaguars are counting on Travis Hunter to become that true No. 1 corner. He has elite ball skills, especially at cornerback, and is capable of making game-changing plays whenever the ball is in the air. The only things that kept him from locking down the CB1 job last season were his offensive workload and the injury that ended his year. If he had been playing exclusively at corner, he almost certainly would’ve been Jacksonville’s full-time top corner. That appears to be the plan this season, even if it comes at the expense of some of his offensive snaps. If the Jaguars instead decide to rotate Hunter more heavily on defense to preserve his offensive role, the depth of this cornerback room will be tested.
Jourdan Lewis was Jacksonville’s best corner in Hunter’s absence, although he spent most of his time in the slot. He also looked like he had lost a step at times, but he’s still a dependable veteran starter. 2022 seventh-round pick Montaric Brown has also worked his way into the starting lineup after spending several years as a depth piece. He’s not an elite athlete, but he has outstanding zone instincts and fits this defensive scheme well as the second boundary corner. You don’t want him matched up against true burners or opposing WR1s every week, but he’s an excellent complementary starter.
That gives the Jaguars a very good starting trio, and the depth behind them is just as impressive. Jarrian Jones would probably be a starter on plenty of NFL teams, but he currently finds himself in a backup role. He’ll see the field in dime packages while also providing the flexibility to back up all three starting corner spots. He’s still a young player and feels like a future starter in Jacksonville. If everyone stays healthy, Jones also gives the Jaguars the option of taking a few defensive snaps off Hunter’s plate so Hunter can contribute more on offense, although I don’t think that’s the direction they’ll ultimately choose.
2023 sixth-round pick Christian Braswell is probably the favorite for the fifth cornerback spot, but he’ll have to hold off veteran Corey Ballentine along with 2025 UDFA Jabbar Muhammad and 2026 UDFA Devon Marshall, both of whom have generated some positive buzz during camp. Journeyman Keni-H Lovely and 2026 UDFA Preston Hodge round out the room and will also be part of the competition for the final roster spots.
Safeties (17th)
Eric Murray is the veteran free safety in Jacksonville. He’s clearly beginning to regress, but he’s still a capable starter at this point in his career. His run defense remains impressive for a smaller free safety, but his coverage ability has started to decline as he’s lost a step. On the other side is Antonio Johnson, who was one of the biggest surprises of the 2023 draft when he fell to the fifth round. He played primarily in the slot during college and has spent time there with the Jaguars as well, but he’s really thrived whenever he’s been asked to play strong safety. He’s an excellent tackler and put together an outstanding season in coverage last year. I wouldn’t expect the interception production to carry over from year to year, but he showed much better coverage ability than many expected from a player whose calling card has always been his tackling and run defense. I actually think Johnson is the best player in this secondary, although Travis Hunter is close and certainly has the talent to surpass him.
Caleb Ransaw is an outstanding athlete, but he hasn’t put enough on tape yet to earn a significant role. He could eventually develop into a starter at safety, although he also has the versatility to play in the slot. For now, he provides valuable depth at both positions but shouldn’t be counted on for a major impact this season. Third-round rookie Jalen Huskey may actually be ahead of Ransaw on the safety depth chart. Huskey isn’t the same caliber of athlete, but he showed strong coverage instincts while playing in a split-safety defense in college. 2025 sixth-round pick Rayuan Lane III is also part of the mix, offering a higher floor as a run defender. That’s probably the group that ultimately makes the roster, but 2025 UDFAs Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig and Trevian Thomas, along with 2026 UDFA Devin Neal Jr., will all be competing to earn one of the final spots.
Defense (11th) – Front Seven (10th) – Coverage Unit (15th)
This is a very high-floor defense and, by extension, a very high-floor team. They don’t have a glaring weakness, and both the edge room and linebacker group have the potential to be real strengths. The secondary also offers plenty of upside, with enough depth to withstand a few injuries if needed. In the end, this defense should be good enough to help the Jaguars win games, as long as the offense plays at the level it did in 2025.
Specialists (3rd)
Jacksonville’s special teams, led by Heath Farwell, have typically been one of the team’s strengths. That has become even more true since drafting Cam Little in 2024. Little may have the strongest leg in the league. He showed he was capable of breaking the all-time field goal distance record, although it won’t count in the record books since it came during the preseason. He’s also a reliable and accurate kicker, making him a legitimate weapon for this unit.
Pair him with Logan Cooke, the dependable punter Jacksonville drafted in the seventh round back in 2018, and you have one of the league’s better specialist duos. Long snapper Ross Matiscik, who originally joined the Jaguars in 2020, returns to round out the trio.
The return game is a little less settled. Parker Washington has done a solid job in that role, but with an expanded offensive workload, the Jaguars may choose to reduce his return opportunities. As things stand, Bhayshul Tuten, LeQuint Allen Jr., and DeeJay Dallas are listed as the primary kick returners, but none of them particularly excite me in that role. It’s also worth noting that the coverage units were inconsistent at times last season. Even with those concerns, this is still one of the better special teams groups in the NFL and ranks third in the league for me.
Win Prediction (Over 8.5)
I feel like I’m lower than some on the Jaguars, but the floor is so high for this team, and the schedule is especially easy down the stretch. That means the beginning is pretty hard, but if they can stay afloat I think they make a run down the stretch and make a run towards the playoffs, winning at least 9 games in the process.
