Which Jaguars undrafted rookies have a chance to make the team?

The Jacksonville Jaguars have had mixed success identifying talent in the NFL Draft. However, they've routinely unveiled undrafted gems. Just last year, they signed wide receiver Elijah Cooks after the draft, and he ended up making the initial 53-man roster. In 2022, it was defensive tackle De'shaan Dixon.

For this reason, it will be interesting to keep tabs in the Jags' 2024 undrafted class. Based on their track record, at least one undrafted rookie will make the cut. Who will it be? These four may have a favorable chance.

4 undrafted rookies with the best chance to make the Jaguars' 53-man roster

Steven Jones, offensive guard

Offensive lineman Steven Jones has an uphill battle to make the roster but his odds might've increased after Chandler Brewer suffered a season-ending injury. Right now, the starters at guard are Ezra Cleveland and Brandon Scherff. Sophomore Cooper Hodges is making a strong case to earn the top backup job, but there could still be one spot left for Jones.

That said, it won't be easy, and head coach Doug Pederson said as much when he met with the local media at mandatory camp. In the same breath, he said it was hard to have a read on the former Oregon Duck without pads on but had overall done a good job.

Jones would need to beat the likes of Keaton Sutherland, Cole Van-Lanen, and Blake Hance to seize a spot. Will it be tough? You bet but he might just have a chance.

Andrew Parker, linebacker

By his own admission, Andrew Parker Jr. may have a hard time making the adjustment to the Jaguars' 4-3 defense, having lined up in a 3-4 scheme in college. That said, the Appalachian State product is equipped with the skill set to successfully pull off the switch.

While Parker didn't get an invite to the NFL Scouting Combine, he put together an impressive outing at his Pro Day. His vertical jump and his three-cone drill would've ranked within the top three at his position in the combine.

Devin Lloyd and Foye Oluokun will start at linebacker for the Jags next season. However, the rest of the depth chart could get a shakeup in the summer. Chad Muma will tentatively be the primary backup at the position but he'll need to fend up sophomore Ventrell Miller, who's back after tearing his Achilles last year.

If Parker has a strong training camp, he may very well join the competition and make a push for a roster spot.

Josh Proctor, safety

Defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen values players who can line up at multiple spots in the backfield. For that reason, Josh Proctor may have a shot at making the team. Back at Ohio State, the Oklahoma native showed that he could play multiple positions at a high level. On the other hand, his tackling skills and backpedaling could use some work. Working in his favor is that those are things players can refine.

Having said that, Proctor will need to prove that he can stay healthy, having dealt with a myriad of ailments every season he played for the Buckeyes. If he can avoid injuries and show he can contribute on special teams, he could end up getting the nod over fellow safety Erick Hallett II.

Joshua Cephus, wide receiver

While first-round draft pick Brian Thomas Jr. has stolen the spotlight during offseason activities, he isn't the only rookie receiver making a positive impression. Joshua Cephus has done enough in mandatory camp and Organized Team Activities to make you think he may have a chance.

Head coach Doug Pederson, for one, has been pleased with how well Cephus has been able to retain information. For his part, offensive coordinator Press Taylor wants to see where the UTSA product fits, pointing out that he'll probably need to carve a niche on special teams to make the team.

For the sake of clarity, the Jaguars have most likely earmarked five spots in the roster for Gabe Davis, Christian Kirk, Devin Duvernay, Parker Washington, and Thomas. This means Cephus could be vying for the last spot. And if Jacksonville does decide to carry seven receivers like they did last year, the former Roadrunner will also need to beat Tim Jones.

Then again, Cephus should feel good about his chance with fellow undrafted free agents David White Jr. and Wayne Ruby being done for the year due to injuries.

As Elijah Cooks proved last year, it's not impossible to make the team as an undrafted rookie. It will be interesting to see if Cephus can follow in his footsteps.

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