Training camp gives players a golden opportunity to make an impression and stand out. That's precisely what the rookie CJ Williams has done with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Although Williams was a sixth-round pick in the 2026 draft and is part of a crowded receiver room, he's got a great chance to make the initial 53-man roster, and not only that. He's wasting no time proving that he deserves a role next season.
While running back Bhayshul Tuten was the most impressive offensive player on the first day of training camp, Williams also turned heads with what was dubbed the "play of the day," reeling in a contested grab that linebacker Ventrell Miller was in a position to deflect.
The former Stanford Cardinal followed that up with another catch from Nick Mullens on Day 2. If he builds off his impressive start to training camp, he should have no trouble securing a role next season despite the fact that he's behind Jakobi Meyers, Brian Thomas Jr., and Parker Washington on the depth chart.
Trevor Lawrence praised CJ Williams after Day 1 of training camp
CJ Williams lacks elite athleticism. Coupled with his dearth of production in college, it's easy to see why he slid in Round 6 of the draft. Then again, he might have put up underwhelming stats because he didn't have a good quarterback who could throw to him. That won't be an issue in Jacksonville with Trevor Lawrence firmly entrenched behind center.
Speaking of Lawrence, he heaped praise on Williams, noting that he puts in the work to be ready when called upon.
"He's a good example of a guy that just knows what to do, always in the right spot because he studies so hard," Lawrence told reporters after Day 1 of training camp. "I've been really impressed as a rookie. How he's come in and really gotten the playbook down pretty quickly. I haven't seen him make too many mistakes and running the wrong route or blocking the wrong guys."
Lawrence continued, "Then, I think that's letting his talent show because he's in the right spot and he has the opportunity to make the plays. So he's just going to keep getting better every day. I like what I see from him. I mean, he's a really good player and can definitely help us."
Below's Lawrence's full exchange with the local media. His remarks about CJ Williams start about the 21:41 mark.
For his part, head coach Liam Coen called Williams an extremely intelligent player, pointing out that he doesn't need much coaching. However you look at it, that's high praise for a rookie, especially one who went on Day 3 of the draft.
CJ Williams could make an impact of the Jaguars as a rookie
Whereas fellow rookie Josh Cameron could carve a niche as a returner, CJ Williams may not get many targets his way in his rookie campaign. Heck, nobody will bat an eye if he's inactive for a handful of games.
That said, Williams is doing enough to get a few targets every now and then. But more importantly, the Tuscaloosa, Alabama native should be ready in case injuries press him into action. Then, he could show what he truly brings to the table.
It's not often that a sixth-round pick generates buzz early in his NFL career, but CJ Williams is quickly proving that he could become a key contributor for the Jaguars down the road.
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