![Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Eli Pancol (10) rushes for yards during the fourth quarter of an NFL preseason matchup at EverBank Stadium, Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025 in Jacksonville, Fla. The Steelers defeated the Jaguars 31-25. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_6000,h_3375/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/55/01k3eh6qqtx6es4nk0t5.jpg "Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Eli Pancol (10) rushes for yards during the fourth quarter of an NFL preseason matchup at EverBank Stadium, Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025 in Jacksonville, Fla. The Steelers defeated the Jaguars 31-25. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]")
The Jacksonville Jaguars have been attempting to bolster their wide receiver corps ahead of cutdown day. They released sophomore Joshua Cephus in a surprising twist of events just before the preseason finale, and later inquired about Devaughn Vele before he ultimately went to the New Orleans Saints.
And while the Jags could still trade for a receiver or turn to the waiver wire for help at the position, they find an easy fix to the conundrum in Sports Illustrated's 53-man roster projection.
Related: Biggest wiinners and losers from the encouraging Jags preseason
The Jaguars keep just 5 receivers in Sports Illustrated's 53-man roster projection
Four roster sports are pretty much earmarked for Brian Thomas Jr., Travis Hunter, Dyami Brown, and Parker Washington. The fifth could go to Trent Irwin, but John Shipley of Sports Illustrated isn't so sure he'll get it. In fact, he predicts rookie Eli Pancol will get the nod over his veteran counterpart. Granted, it's a close call, but still.
Aside from that, Shipley predicts that Jacksonville will only keep five receivers. Below's the skinny.
"Put an asterisk to Eli Pancol's name. I'm not sold he makes the team over Trenton Irwin, and even if he or Irwin do make the first 53-man roster I think the Jaguars will add a receiver from the waiver wire," Shipley wrote. "Austin Trammell has been the fifth-best receiver in camp but is too redundant with the rest of the room."
Shipley probably isn't the only analyst who's showing reservations about Irwin. After all, the former Stanford Cardinal had a drop in the preseason and hauled in six catches on 10 targets. Then again, he proved to be a valuable contributor for the Cincinnati Bengals when Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins missed time, so there's a chance he'll stay with the Jaguars in 2025.
On the other hand, Eli Pancol may not have great odds of making the 53-man roster, but nobody will bat an eye if he does. He didn't particularly look great in the preseason but would be an intriguing developmental prospect after going undrafted. That said, he may be better suited for the practice squad, where he can continue to hone his skills.
Expect the Jaguars to look for receiver help in the waiver wire or via trade
It's unclear if the Jaguars were legitimately interested in Devaughn Vele, or they were just making an inquiry. Either way, their willingness to look for outside help shows that they may not be thrilled with the bottom of their receiver depth chart.
That could lead the front office to make a trade or take a dive onto the waiver wire. The first scenario isn't that far-fetched when you take into account that general manager James Gladstone already acquired defensive tackle Khalen Saunders after Week 2 of the preseason.
Ultimately, the Jaguars have a pretty talented group of receiver in Travis Hunter, Dyami Brown, Parker Washingoton, and Brian Thomas Jr. However, they want to add quality players to the last spots on the depth chart to ensure they have a well-rounded unit next season.