![Jaguars defensive end Bryan Thomas Jr. (57) runs a drill with center Robert Hainsey (73) during the Jaguars’ fourth OTA of the year, Monday June 1, 2026 at the Miller Electric Center in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_37,y_219,w_1380,h_776/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ReutersImages/mmsport/55/01m0tfwcssdz9gy5tr9q.jpg "Jaguars defensive end Bryan Thomas Jr. (57) runs a drill with center Robert Hainsey (73) during the Jaguars’ fourth OTA of the year, Monday June 1, 2026 at the Miller Electric Center in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]")
The Jacksonville Jaguars seemingly had a void in their pass rush early in the offseason. More specifically, they appeared to lack a legitimate No. 3 option in their rotation behind Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen. However, that no longer appears to be an issue due to the sudden emergence of sophomore B.J. Green II.
In fact, the Jags' pass rush may be in better shape than originally thought, as Danny Striggow and rookie Zach Durfee have done enough to earn a role in the rotation next season. If that wasn't enough, Bryan Thomas Jr. is quietly emerging as a realistic choice to make the 53-man roster despite the fact that he didn't get his name called in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Bryan Thomas Jr. is making a realistic push to make the Jaguars roster
Dating back to the offseason program, Bryan Thomas Jr. has made a strong impression. He then proceeded to take advantage of his opportunities in the preseason, registering a combined three tackles, one sack, and one fumble recovery in two contests.
For his part, defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile is pleased with what he's seen from Thomas thus far, pointing out that the sookie out of South Carolina has stood out when he's watched him on tape.
"He definitely has shown me some things. I mean, he's played explosively in the games, and I think he's, you know, I think he's jumped out," Campanile told reporters after Day 17 of training camp (3:23 mark). His play style, his effort, that's jumped out, and that's what we saw in him. You know, watching this tape at South Carolina, he was a guy that was going to run and hit. He was going to play his ass off every play."
Campanile continued, "That's what, honestly, we really, really liked about him, and we were fired up to get him in here for that reason. And he's proven to do that here in the summer and since the spring, since he's been here."
Thomas is now in a position to potentially sneak into the initial 53-man roster. A strong outing in the preseason finale could most definitely help him seal the deal.
What does Bryan Thomas Jr. need to do to make the Jaguars roster?
The Jaguars currently have somewhat of a logjam at defensive end. Travon Walker, Josh Hines-Allen, and B.J. Green II are locks to make the team. Danny Striggow should also get the nod. That potentially leaves two roster spots up for grabs. In theory, Zach Durfee has done enough to earn one, and the other one would probably go to fellow rookie Wesley Williams.
Having said that, Williams hasn't stood out nearly as much as either Durfee or Bryan Thomas Jr. That could potentially allow Thomas to get a roster spot. For that to happen, though, he'll need to finish strong and outplay Williams in the preseason finale against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Of course, Jacksonville may be hesitant to choose Thomas over Williams because of his status as a fourth-round pick in 2026. But at worst, he should land on the practice squad. Then again, the Jags could be at risk of losing him on the waiver wire.
If the Jaguars are truly going with whoever is more deserving for a roster spot, Bryan Thomas Jr. should have the edge going into Week 3 of the preseason.
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