After an offseason full of lots of arduous work, the Jacksonville Jaguars are ready for the 2026 season. Even though they didn't make substantial changes to the roster, they're in a great position to defend their AFC South crown because most of their starters from last year are back.
That kind of continuity will allow the Jags to make a deep playoff push. On the other hand, it doesn't bode well for their 2026 draft class, as only one of their rookie is projected to start in Week 1.
This begs the question: Where does the Jacksonville rookie class stand ahead of the opener? With this in mind, here's a stock report of the 2026 draft haul.
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Jaguars rookie stock report before the 2026 season rolls out
Nate Boerkircher, tight end
After a somewhat quiet offseason program, Nate Boerkricher quietly began to take steps in the right direction in training camp. Although he didn't suit up in the preseason, he got ample work with the first team in training camp.
Boerkircher remains TE2 behind Brenton Strange. That won't change anytime soon since Strange got a three-year extension in the offseason, but Boerkircher will be a pivotal piece of the offensive puzzle.
Veredict: Stock up
Emmanuel Pregnon, offensive guard
Of the Jaguars' 10-man 2026 draft class, Emmanuel Pregnon will be the only Week 1 starter. Early in training camp, it didn't seem like he would start next season, but Patrick Mekari underwent back surgery, and sophomore Wyatt Milum wasn't able to secure the starting job at right guard during his absence. That prompted the team's brass to move Ezra Cleveland to the right side and plug in Pregnon at left guard.
Like most rookies, Pregnon will deal with growing pains, but he flashed enough in the preseason to make you think that he'll be alright.
Veredict: Stock up
Albert Regis, defensive tackle
The Jaguars drafted Albert Regis in an effort to bolster their defensive tackle rotation. The former Texas A&M Aggie had an uphilll battle to get a role as a rookie, and that won't change in Week 1. He's behind DaVon Hamilton, Arik Armstead, and Matt Dickerson on the depth chart.
Nevertheless, expect Regis to get playing time, and possibly get a bigger role as the year progresses.
Veredict: Stock remains the same
Jalen Huskey, safety
Like fellow third-round pick Albert Regis, Jalen Huskey is part of a crowded position group. In Huskey's case, he's behind Antonio Johnson, Eric Murray, Rayuan Lane II, and Caleb Ransaw. Barring any injuries at safety, the former Maryland Terrapin won't get much playing time as a rookie. Heck, he could be inactive for several games next season.
Then again, that was the plan all along. Murray will get to redshirt in 2026 and potentially compete for a starting job next year.
Veredict: Stock went down
Tanner Koziol, tight end
After drafting Nate Boerkircher in Round 2, Jacksonville double-dipped at tight end with Tanner Koziol in the fourth round. Like Boerkircher, Koziol got plenty of reps with the first team in training camp. That said, he's listed below Quintin Morris on the depth chart.
Koziol could get snaps in the red zone due to his size and length, but there's also a chance he could be made inactive.
Veredict: Stock went down
Wesley Williams, defensive end
By now, you may have noticed a pattern. The Jaguars drafted for depth in 2026, so many of their rookies will have backup roles next season. That's certainly the case for Wesley Williams, who had a fine offseason but didn't stand out as much as the undrafted Bryan Thomas Jr.
Thomas will probably be part of the pass-rush rotation early in the season, so it's fair to wonder if Williams will get much playing time behind him, Travon Walker, Josh Hines-Allen, Danny Striggow, and B.J. Green II.
Veredict: Stock remains the same
Josh Cameron, wide receiver
This is where things get interesting. Many of Jacksonville's draft picks in 2026 won't get much playing time. That will kind of be the case for Josh Cameron, but not really. While he's at the bottom of the receiver depth chart, he made a strong impression in training camp and could see a role on offense next season.
Couple that with the fact that Cameron can return punts, and he'll find a way onto the football field in 2026.
CJ Williams, wide receiver
Williams also made a strong impression in training camp and could get a few snaps on offense next season. Like Cameron, he gives Jacksonville great depth at the position.
Veredict: Stock remains the same
Parker Hughes, linebacker
Parker Hughes suffered a knee injury on the first day of training camp. The early diagnosis was that he was going to miss it all. He did, and ended up on the Injured Reserve list, which brougth his rookie season to an abrupt end.
Through no fault of his own, but Hughes won't contribute as a rookie.
Veredict: Stock went down
Zach Durfee, defensive end
Zach Durfee had a situation like that of Parker Hughes'. He missed training camp with injuries, and the Jags placed him on IR with a designation to return.
Durfee, though, flashed a bit in the offseason program, so maybe when he's back, he can compete for a role in the pass rush.
Veredict: Stock went down
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