The Jacksonville Jaguars could still use help at defensive tackle before the start of the regular season. They also need to sort out their pass rotation. Nevertheless, the Jags have spent the last two years assembling a well-rounded roster.
One of the reasons the team's brass didn't make a splash in free agency was that they expect several key players to take a step next season. That said, there are a handful of wildcards who are flying under the radar that shake up the roster. These four, in particular, could turn heads in training camp.
Christian Braswell, Jaguars cornerback
Sophomore Jabbar Muhammad was the talk of the town in the Jacksonville offseason program, and rightly so. The former Oregon Duck signed with the Jags as an undrafted free agent in 2025 and has shown substantial improvement. Heck, he's trending toward making the initial 53 but will need to beat Christian Braswell in training camp to get that coveted roster spot.
The consensus expects that Muhammad will come out on top, but Braswell will also have a say in the position battle. The former Rutgers Scarlet Knight lost several matchups at OTAs, but they were against the first team.
Muhammad will need to prove that he can keep up with the starters. If he doesn't, Braswell will have a prime opportunity to make ground in the competition.
J'Mari Taylor, Jaguars running back
From an outside perspective, running back remains a big question mark, but the Jaguars are confident that the trio of Bhayshul Tuten, LeQuint Allen Jr., and Chris Rodriguez is up to the task of replacing Travis Etienne. All three are virtually locks to make the roster, but another spot could be up for grabs.
The team's brass re-signed DeeJay Dallas early in 2026 after bringing him in late in 2025. They liked what he did as a backup running back and his special teams contributions, so he could have a leg up in the competition. On the other hand, he needs to look over his shoulder with undrafted rookie J'Mari Taylor.
Undrafted free agents always have a steep hill to climb, but Taylor made a strong impression at OTAs. He'll need to keep making the most of his chances in training camp, but he'll definitely have a shot to make the roster, even though he's currently a long shot.
Chuma Edoga, Jaguars offensive lineman
The Jaguars brought back all their offensive line starters from last year. They also brought backup Chuma Edoga. That said, sophomores Wyatt Milum, Jonah Monheim and rookie Emmanuel Pregnon are projected to push for playing time next season. That could make Edoga the victim of the numbers game. In fact, he's been dubbed a cut candidate dating back to the offseason, but he won't give up without a fight.
Edoga showed out in training camp and the preseason last year. However, he struggled in the regular season, committing five penalties on just 101 offensive snaps. By the end of the year, the former USC Trojan was an afterthought. However, he remains on the roster, meaning that Jacksonville wants to give him a legitimate opportunity to make a bid for a roster spot in 2026.
Yasir Abdullah, Jaguars linebacker
Even after losing Devin Lloyd, the Jaguars are stacked at linebacker. Ventrell Miller will tentatively replace Lloyd, and Foyesade Oluokun remains a mainstay of the defense. Sophomore Branson Combs has gotten lots of praise for his process, and Jack Kiser is also in the mix.
JJalen McLeod and Dennis Gardeck, on the other hand, will rush the quarterback from a standup position. That's six roster spots allocated to the position, which potentially leaves Yasir Abdullah and rookie Parker Hughes out of the picture.
However, Abdullah and Hughes will have a chance to show what they got before Jacksonville makes a decision. The former may have an edge by virtue of being the veteran and a staple of the special teams.
Abdullah has been a backup during his stint with the Jags, and that probably won't change if he sticks around, but he could certainly push Hughes out.
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