The Jacksonville Jaguars didn't load up on talent in free agency because they had several players waiting in the wings ready to take on bigger roles. Some of these players have already turned heads in the offseason; they'll need to take their game to the next level to come out on top. All things considered, this is a good problem to have.
The Jags won't be handing out starting jobs. If you want it, you'll have to earn it. That will just raise the level of competition and bring the best out of everyone. And that's precisely the position several players find themselves in to start training camp.
With this in mind, here are the projected winners of Jacksonville's most important training camp battles.
Predicting the winners of the Jaguars' most heated training camp battles
Starting Jaguars running back: Chris Rodriguez vs. Bhayshul Tutuen
At least from an outside perspective, this appears to be a bigger battle than it truly is. Some of that stems from the fact that as promising as Bhayshul Tuten is, he only has one year of experience under his belt and was dealt the tough task of replacing Travis Etienne. On top of that, Chris Rodriguez was a more productive running back than the traditional stats suggest.
Having said that, Rodriguez should have no trouble cementing his place as RB1 on the depth chart. Leaving aside that he's consistently shown in training camp that he can fill Etienne's shoes, Chris Rodriguez still isn't 100 percent after undergoing foot surgery in the offseason.
Once Rodriguez is back at full strength, he should have a substantial role in the Jacksonville backfield, but Tuten will be the top option.
Prediction: Bhayshul Tuten
Starting Jaguars linebacker next to Foye Oluokun
In contention: Ventrell MIller vs. Branson Combs
This could be the most heated battle and could ultimately come down to the wire. Ventrell Miller was seemingly the top option to start next to Foyesade Oluokun when Devin Lloyd bolted for the Carolina Panthers. However, sophomore Branson Combs made a strong impression in the offseason, and it's carried over into training camp.
On the other hand, Miller hasn't been bad. Heck, he's had a solid offseason but will need to hold off Combs. That could turn out to be a challenge because Combs himself is putting himself in a position to win.
Prediction: Branson Combs
Starting Jaguars right guard
In contention: Wyatt Milum vs. Patrick Mekari
The Jaguars gave Patrick Mekari a three-year deal worth $37.5 million in 2025 to start at right guard. He left much to be desired and is now at risk of losing his job.
Some of Mekari's struggles were due to injuries, meaning that he could bounce back if he managed to stay healthy, but that's been an issue early in training camp. Injuries have forced the veteran hog molly to sit out practices, and Wyatt Milum has made the most out of his absence, getting the majority of the first-team reps at right guard.
As the saying goes, availability is the best ability in football. If Mekari keeps missing time, Milum will take the job by default. Perhaps if Mekari could make things interesting if he returns, but even then, Milum will probably get the nod.
Prediction: Wyatt Milum
No. 3 Jaguars pass rusher behind Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen
In contention: BJ. Green II vs. Danny Striggow
One of the biggest questions surrounding the Jaguars in the offseason is whether they have a No. 3 pass rusher behind Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen on the roster. While they've been urged to bring in reinforcements, the team's brass is confident that one of their young defensive ends will separate himself from the bunch. Sophomores B.J. Green and Danny Striggow are the favorites to come out on top.
Striggow appeared to be on the front seat early in the offseason, but Green has seemingly moved ahead of him with a strong start to training camp. Moreover, Josh Hines-Allen had a ringing endorsement of him, while head coach Liam Coen likes his grittiness.
Although Striggow could experience a surge in the second half of training camp, Green is trending toward seizing the No. 3 job.
Prediction: BJ Green II
Starting safety next to Antonio Johnson
In contention: Caleb Ransaw vs. Eric Murray
This isn't a competition, per se. Eric Murray remains at the top of the depth chart after signing with the Jaguars in 2025 to bring stability at safety. That said, sophomore Caleb Ransaw has had a strong offseason and could challenge him for the starting job.
Coming off a banner season, Antonio Johnson is firmly entrenched in the other safety spot. This means that if Ransaw were to move ahead of someone on the depth chart, it would be Murray. Then again, don't expect him to just give Ransaw his job.
Head coach Liam Coen has previously praised Murray for his aggressiveness, so it's clear Jacksonville values the veteran safety. On the other hand, Ransaw has the bigger upside at this stage of his career. Moreover, he may do a good job of generating big plays, an area in which Murray doesn't necessarily excel.
When you add it all up, Ransaw could definitely supplant Murray to start the season.
Prediction: Caleb Ransaw
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