NFL analyst warns UDFA sleeper could spark massive roster shakeup

The Jacksonville Jaguars came out of the NFL Draft with nine players, but that didn't stop them from signing 20 undrafted free agents in the aftermath. What stood out about the additions is that the front office brought in four wide receivers. Ben Cooper of Pro Football Focus believes one could separate himself from the bunch and seize a roster spot in 2025.

Cooper drew up a list of undrafted free agents to keep an eye on for each team and picked wide receiver Eli Pancol for Jacksonville, bringing up the team's need for depth at the position as a reason the Duke product can crack the roster.

"Travis Hunter’s arrival completely changes the outlook of the Jaguars’ receiving corps. He will pair with Brian Thomas Jr. to form one of the league’s most exciting young receiving tandems. However, Jacksonville signed six undrafted free-agent wide receivers, signaling the team is looking for more behind that star pair.

Pancol broke out in 2024 with nine receiving touchdowns, 800 receiving yards and just two drops on 89 targets. He was particularly potent in the short area of the field (0-9 yards), racking up 349 of his receiving yards. Jacksonville’s wide receiver depth chart is wide open at the back end, and Pancol may be a worthy roster candidate."

It's easy to understand why Pancol has a shot. Heck, this wouldn't be the first time someone suggests he can make the team next season. He made a strong impression in rookie minicamp with an acrobatic catch, but that wouldn't be the only reason.

As Cooper noted, Pancol broke out in 2024, which is more impressive when you take into account that he was coming off a serious injury. On top of that, the Duke product posted a 40-yard dash of 4.33 seconds and a three-cone drill of 6.88 seconds. This is a long-winded way to say that he does have a chance.

Then again, Pancol will also have to compete with fellow undrafted free agents J.J. Jones, Chandler Brayboy, and Cam Camper. Third-year pro Elijah Cooks and sophomore Joshua Cephus III will also be in the mix, so this could turn out to be one of the most interesting position battles in training camp.

Why Eli Pancol can make the Jaguars 53-man roster in 2025?

Four roster spots are earmarked for Parker Washington, Brian Thomas Jr., Travis Hunter, and Dyami Brown. But with the departure of Gabe Davis, one or two, depending on how many wide receivers the Jacksonville Jaguars carry in 2025, could be up for grabs. That gives Eli Pancol a path to make the team.

It's worth noting that aside from Brown and Hunter, the Jags didn't add another receiver in free agency or at any point in the draft. Given that they signed four as undrafted free agents, it's fair to say that they envision at least one making the cut. And that's the thing, aside from Davis, Jacksonville let Tim Jones and Devin Duvernay in free agency. Both of them mainly contributed on special teams, so whoever the Jags keep around will be expected to also contribute in that phase of the game.

Could it be Pancol? He should most definitely feel good about his odds, especially when you consider that there's a new regime in place and everyone will be on equal footing. Of course, he'll have a steep hill to climb as a free agent. Moreover, there's a chance the team's brass could make extra additions in the summer if the current group of receivers fails to stand out.

Then again, nobody should bat an eye if Pancol makes the cut.

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