The Jacksonville Jaguars have built a well-rounded roster with lots of talent and depth at nearly every position group. Sure, they could go into 2026 with a few question marks but still stack up favorably against other NFL teams.
In fact, the Jags could be even better in 2026 than everyone expects if these misunderstood players show their real selves.
Arik Armstead, Jaguars defensive tackle
After switching to defensive end in 2024, Arik Armstead returned to his more familiar defensive tackle last year. From the get-go, he had an immediate impact, registering 5.5 sacks in 10 games. However, the former Oregon Duck slowed down as the season progressed and failed to register a single sack in the last contests. However, some of that was due to a hand injury he suffered.
Hand injuries limit defensive linemen, as they cannot properly move opposing players. If Armstead can stay healthy, he could give the Jaguars one last season before he embarks in free agency in 2027.
Patrick Mekari, Jaguars offensive lineman
Nobody will deny that Patrick Mekari struggled in 2025. Expected to shore up the right guard spot after signing a three-year $37.5 million deal, the veteran hog molly instead had trouble holding his own, giving up 34 total pressures and two sacks. He wasn't much better as a run blocker, posting an underwhelming Pro Football Focus grade of 53.6. Then again, context is necessary.
Mekeri dealt with a back injury late in 2025 that hindered his performance and forced him to miss a couple games late. On the one hand, the former California Golden Bear deserves praise for playing through injuries. On the other hand, he was still expected to deliver and came crashing down.
But Mekari's back injury is in the rearview mirror, and if he bounces back and shows out, signing him won't look nearly as bad in retrospect.
Nate Boerkircher, Jaguars tight end
The Jaguars raised eyebrows when they drafted Nate Boerkircher because they took him way before he was ranked on the consensus board. The fact that he was an older prospect who had hauled in 19 receptions for 198 yards with three touchdowns in his last collegiate season only added to the fuel. However, the Jags knew what they were doing when they turned in the card with his name.
Boerkircher has huge upside as a pass catcher, having posted a separation rate of 86.4 in 2025. This shows that he was routinely opened but shockingly wasn't targeted. On top of that, several teams were targeting him in the third round, so Jacksonville knew it had to get ahead of the curve or risk missing out on him.
In Jacksonville, Boerkircher will give the coaching staff plenty of flexibility. If the rookie tight end makes an impact from the get-go, he'll make general manager James Gladstone look like a genius by the end of 2025.
Bhayshul Tuten, Jaguars running back
After an injury-marred 2024, Travis Etienne took off last season, totaling 1,399 yards from scrimmage and 13 total touchdowns. However, the Jags let him walk in free agency. They simply weren't going to be able to match the $54 million he got from the New Orleans Saints.
Sure, Etienne was a big part of the offensive puzzle, but Jacksonville isn't fretting because Bhayshul Tuten is ready to step into his place. A fourth-round pick in 2025, Tuten's average of 3.7 yards per carry left a bit to be desired. That said, he got the ball in short-yardage situations way more often than Etienne. That most definitely hurt his statline. Moreover, the former Virginia Tech Hokie showed big-play capability against the Buffalo Bills, toting the rock four times for 54 yards in the playoffs.
When you add it all up, the Jacksonville offense won't miss a beat without Etienne because Tuten is ready to be RB1.
Brian ThomasJr., Jaguars wide receiver
There's no way to sugarcoat it: Brian Thomas Jr. was underwhelming in 2025, struggling with drops and showing an unwillingness to run crossing and in-breaking routes. However, the former LSU Tiger is making an effort to put his struggles behind him. Liam Coen has emphasized that Thomas looks like a different player, and Trevor Lawrence also said that the two are working on their connection.
When you add it all up, Thomas is in a position to bounce back, even if he doesn't become a true No. 1 receiver.
Add us as a preferred source on Google