Dating back to the 2010s, the Jacksonville Jaguars have a good track record of finding undrafted free-agent gems. Just last year, defensive ends Danny Striggow and B.J. Green made the initial 53-man roster after not hearing their name on draft day. In 2026, it could be cornerback Devon Marshall who gets the nod after going undrafted.
Some NFL analysts have stated that Marshall has a realistic chance to get a roster spot with the Jags as a rookie. You can add another one to the choir, based on a recent list.
Devon Marshall is being give a change to stick with the Jaguars in 2026
Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report drew up a list of every NFL team's most likely undrafted free agent to make the roster. For the Jaguars, he chose Devon Marshall, arguing that he has the traits to develop into a solid player in the pros. In particular, his ability to make plays stands out. Here's the skinny.
"After the draft, they signed NC State's Devon Marshall," Knox wrote. "This may prove to be one of the wiser moves Jacksonville made over draft weekend because Marshall has impressive ball skills and NFL-caliber traits."
The past two seasons, Marshall racked up a combined four interceptions and 23 passes defensed, so the ball skills are definitely there.
On the other hand, Knox's B/R colleague Daniel Harms describes Marshall as instinctive and competitive, adding that he's got superb tracking skills and recognition in zone coverage.
This begs the question, why did Marshall go undrafted if he's got such a promising skill set? The answer is simple: he lacks top athleticism and recovery speed. Those are crucial traits a cornerback needs to thrive in the NFL.
Then again, Montaric Brown isn't the fastest corner but just signed a three-year deal extension worth $31.5 million to stay in Duval. It also doesn't help that the former Wolfpack has less than ideal size at 5'10" and 194 pounds. Nevertheless, the Jags liked his traits enough that they were willing to take a flyer on him.
This doesn't mean that Marshall is a lock to make the roster, but he should most definitely feel good about his odds.
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The Jaguars may have unvailed a draft gem in Devon Marshall
Leaving aside his skill set, Davon Marshall has a shot at earning a roster spot because the Jaguars didn't add reinforcements at cornerback in the draft. Montaric Brown will start opposite Travis Hunter in the perimeter, while Jourdan Lewis and Jarrian Jones will mostly line up at nickel. That's four corners, three if Jacksonville lists Hunter as a receiver.
Christian Braswell is at the bottom of the depth chart. He's been on and off the roster, but either Marshall or fellow undrafted rookie could challenge him and get ahead of him. Another thing working in Marshall's favor is that the free-agent market at cornerback doesn't look particularly enticing, so it's hard to see Jacksonville bringing in a veteran. Barring a trade, he should have a chance to show what he's got.
Maybe Devon Marshall ends up failing to crack the 53-man roster, but it won't be for a lack of effort. If he does,
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