The Jacksonville Jaguars have caught lots of heat for their 2026 draft class despite the fact that they addressed several key needs. This is due to their willingness to ignore the consensus board and instead set their sights on players that fit their philosophy. Having said that, the Jags' draft haul isn't nearly as bad as some analysts think.
In fact, they came out of Day 3 with several players who could earn an immediate role in their rookie season. One, in particular, recently got the spotlight.
The Jaguars could have an impact contributor in rookie Josh Cameron
John Shipley of Sports Illustrated drew up a list of the three Jaguars rookies with the highest ceiling and included Josh Cameron, pointing out that the first-year receiver could help in the red zone and carve a niche as a returner. Here's the skinny.
"Cameron projects as an outside receiver who has the ability to win in the red zone and contribute to the running back as a blocker on the perimeter, while he may have untapped potential as a big slot option as well," Shipley wrote. "But it is beyond receiver where Cameron can help the Jaguars. "While the former running back did not test at the combine, all evidence from his college career suggests he is a special talent who could end up being a difference maker as a return man."
At 6'2", Cameron plays receiver as if he were a running back, showcasing the ability to break tackles. Moreover, he routinely wins 50/50 and won't be afraid to reel in contested catches. Having said that, the Cedar Park, Texas native doesn't have great burst or top-notch speed, which is why he was available in Round 6. Nevertheless, he does have an intriguing skill set and could most definitely carve a niche on special teams.
In case you were wondering, offensive guard Emmanuel Pregnon and defensive end Zach Durfee were the other rookies whom Shipley included. Then again, both have gotten the spotlight after the draft.
After all, Pregnon was dubbed a steal of Day 2, while Durfee earned the Project X moniker, a player who didn't get nearly as much recognition as he should during the draft process.
What should the Jaguars expect from Josh Cameron in Year 1?
The Jaguars could afford to wait until Round 6 to take a receiver because they're stacked at the position. Jakobi Meyers, Parker Washington, Brian Thomas Jr., and Travis Hunter are at the top of the depth chart. Barring anything unexpected, Josh Cameron should be WR5 and probably would have trouble working his way up in 2026. But that shouldn't stop him from making an impact.
Cameron's situation is similar to 2023 and 2024, when Parker Washington was WR4 behind Zay Jones, Christian Kirk, and Calvin Ridley (or Brian Thomas Jr.). Despite the lack of opportunities, Washington managed to get playing time and showed enough promise that eventually made Kirk expendable.
This doesn't mean that Cameron will have a similar arc, but he will most definitely be granted the same opportunity. The fact that he's a willing blocker will definitely help him see the field often.
And that's the thing, Cameron could get a few targets as WR5, but his true value could lie on special teams. If he can win the main returner job, it would free up Washington to play receiver full-time.
Because as valuable as Washington is in the return game, the coaching staff may want to keep him on offense as much as possible after hauling in a team-best 58 receptions for 847 yards with five touchdowns.
Of course, Josh Cameron has an uphill battle to make an impact as a rookie. On the other hand, this Jaguars regime welcomes competition, and if he makes enough of an impression in the offseason program, he could most definitely work his way up the depth chart.
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