![Jaguars linebacker Ventrell Miller (51) catches a pass during drills during the Jaguars’ fourth OTA of the year, Monday June 1, 2026 at the Miller Electric Center in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_279,w_1085,h_610/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ReutersImages/mmsport/55/01m0383n7ya12qpx2mbe.jpg "Jaguars linebacker Ventrell Miller (51) catches a pass during drills during the Jaguars’ fourth OTA of the year, Monday June 1, 2026 at the Miller Electric Center in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]")
The Jacksonville Jaguars held a joint practice with the New Orleans Saints before they face each other in Week 1 of the preseason. This allowed the starters to go against top competition in a controlled environment. Moreover, it paved the way for the second and third team to get ample playing time in the opener. This is a great approach when you think about it.
The Jags get to rest their starters after giving them work in the joint practice, and the team's brass will get to assess the bottom half of the depth chart. Several players are competing for either a featured role or a roster spot, so they can benefit from a strong outing against the Saints.
With this in mind, here are five players who can boost their stock against the Saints.
5 Jaguars who can boost their stock vs. the Saints in the preseason opener
Ventrell Miller, linebacker
Liam Coen said that the starters weren't playing against the Saints. Ventrell Miller will be one of the few exceptions, as he competes with Branson Combs for the job next to Foyesade Oluokun. Both Miller and Combs have made plays throughout training camp, so every edge they can get will be huge when it comes time to make a decision.
It's also worth noting that the LB1 job is one of two positions that got the "or" designation in the first unofficial depth chart. As in Miller or Combs will be the starter, so Miller had better show out if he doesn't want to lose ground in what's turned out to be a tight battle.
DeeJay Dallas, running back
Even though it was seemingly a question before training camp, the Jags have a deep running back room. Bhayshul Tuten and Chris Rodriguez Jr. will be the top options in the backfield, but LeQuint Allen Jr. will also have a role in passing downs. That will leave one spot up for roster spot up for grabs if Jacksonville wants to carry four running backs next season.
Undrafted running back J'Mari Taylor flashed in the offseason program, but Ameer Abdullah has made a strong impression throughout training camp and has a shot at making the team. That potentially leaves DeeJay Dallas as the odd man out.
Dallas hasn't gotten the spotlight often throughout training camp, but he can make noise with a strong outing against the Saints.
Wyatt Milum, offensive lineman
Wyatt Milum was expected to compete with Patrick Mekari for the starting job at right guard. But with Mekari missing a good chunk of training camp, Milum got a clear path to seize the job. However, he's yet to seize it and has instead struggled.
Working in Milum's favor is that he's healthy, which can't be said about some of his fellow hog mollies. Assuming that he'll get plenty of work in the first half against New Orleans, the former West Virginia Mountaineer will have a chance to convince the team's brass he deserves the job.
Christian Braswell, cornerback
After missing the start of training camp with a lower body injury, Christian Braswell is back in the fold. During his absence, sophomore Jabbar Muhammad shined and is in a position to seize the CB5 job. Braswell can narrow down the gap between the two in the preseason opener.
Braswell struggled, or at least didn't perform as well as Muhammad during the offseason program. Now, he has a chance to make a bid for what could be the last roster spot at cornerback.
Parker Hughes, linebacker
Injuries have hit the Jacksonville linebacker corps hard. Jack Kiser will miss time with a knee injury he sustained early in training camp. Jalen McLeod has also sat out practice with an undisclosed injury. That paves the way for rookie Parker Hughes to make an impression.
The Jags added Jahlani Tavai and Amari Burney to the roster in light of injuries at the position. Both of them have lots of experience, so Hughes will need to stand out to ensure he makes the roster.
Before the aforementioned injuries, Hughes seemed to be a long shot to earn a roster spot. He now has a clearer path but must take advantage of his chances.
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