Brian Thomas Jr. took the NFL by storm in 2024, but that didn't stop the Jacksonville Jaguars from bolstering the wide receiver corps in the offseason. After signing Dyami Brown in free agency and drafting Travis Hunter second overall, the group is in great shape ahead of the regular season. In fact, the bottom half of the depth chart could end up giving the Jags a tough decision on roster cutdown day.
Along with Parker Washington, Thomas, Hunter, and Brown are locks to make the team. That potentially leaves two spots open. And based on how things unfolded in the preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, they're two clear-cut favorites to seize them.
Related: Winners and loser from the Jaguars preseason game vs. the Steelers
Trent Irwin and Joshua Cephus are in a position to make the Jaguars 53-man roster
Following the draft, the Jags signed veteran Trenton Irwin. At the time, they might not have been thrilled with their depth at receiver, or perhaps they simply wanted to kick the tires on him. Regardless of the reason, the former Stanford Cardinal wasted no time making the most of his opportunity against the Steelers, hauling in four receptions for 44 yards with one touchdown.
Nick Mullens and Trenton Irwin give the @Jaguars the lead 👀
— NFL (@NFL) August 10, 2025
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That's the kind of performance you want to see from your WR5, and there's no doubt that Irwin just saw his stock soar after his encouraging outing in the preseason opener. On the other hand, Joshua Cephus also made a strong impression.
An undrafted free agent in 2024, Cephus became a fan favorite right off the bat but had his work cut out to earn a roster spot. His route-running, in particular, needed work. However, he wasn't able to make the team and instead landed in the practice squad. While the former UTSA Roadrunner was eventually elevated to the active roster, he didn't do much of note.
Nevertheless, Cephus showed notable improvement in the offseason and displayed the progress he's made against the Steelers, logging three catches for 24 yards.
Granted, undrafted rookies Eli Pancol and Dorian Singer also had two and three receptions, respectively, but Cephus appears to have an edge. Ditto Irwin.
The only thing that may prevent either Cephus or Irwin from making the 53-man roster is that neither plays a big role on special teams, something you ideally want your fifth and sixth receivers to do. That said, it doesn't appear to be an issue, and the Jags seem to be pleased with both of them.
Ultimately, the Jaguars will keep evaluating the roster in the next two preseason games, but it looks like Trenton Irwin and Joshua Cephus have a favorable chance to get the nod.