![Jacksonville Jaguars general manager James Gladstone, left, talks with Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen, right, after the. Jacksonville Jaguars’ mandatory minicamp Tuesday June 10, 2025 at the Miller Electric Center in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_4154,h_2336/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/55/01jxdgnfx9s1n8fb2kya.jpg "Jacksonville Jaguars general manager James Gladstone, left, talks with Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen, right, after the. Jacksonville Jaguars’ mandatory minicamp Tuesday June 10, 2025 at the Miller Electric Center in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]")
The Jacksonville Jaguars have a trio of talented receivers in Travis Hunter, Brian Thomas Jr., and Dyami Brown. They, along with fourth-year pro Parke Washington, are pretty much locks to make the team. However, the rest of the depth chart is a work in progress, and sophomore Joshua Cephus is doing his best to earn consideration.
Although the Jags signed wide receiver Trenton Irwin after Organized Team Activities, he's not a lock to make the team. Sure, he's a proven commodity that came through for the Cincinnati Bengals when called upon and will get a realistic shot at earning a roster spot.
Having said that, Irwin will have to face stiff competition. Undrafted rookies Eli Pancol and J.J. Jones are also vying for a spot. Ditto Cephus, who's doing his best to make a strong impression.
John Shipley of Sports Illustrated reported after Day 1 of mandatory minicamp that Cephus made a jaw-dropping catch in the red zone, pointing out that the second-year receiver will need to show consistency but could ultimately crack the team.
"With Hunter spending the day on defense, this meant a big chance for the Jaguars' backup receivers to see increased reps," Shipley wrote. "The two wideouts who made the most catches after the starting duo of Thomas and Dyami Brown figured to be Parker Washington and Josh Cephus, with the latter making an impressive catch in the middle of the end zone during one period."
Shipley continued, "It will of course, take consistency to earn a spot in the Jaguars' receiver room, but it could make sense for them to carry six receivers due to Hunter playing defensive snaps. If Cephus can carry a strong offseason into training camp, perhaps he can be one of the options to play that role for the Jaguars' offense that needs reliable depth behind their top targets."
An undrafted free agent in 2024, Cephus signed with the Jags and immediately flashed during offseason workouts. However, he struggled once the time to wear pads came. The former UTSA Roadrunner ultimately didn't make the team. He did land in the practice squad and was eventually elevated to the active roster.
Joshua Cephus' path to the Jaguars 53-man roster will be tough
One thing that could help Joshua Cephus make the roster is volunteering to play special teams. Fellow wide receiver Tim Jones, who had a prominent role on that phase of the game, left in free agency, and someone will need to fill the void. In fact, Parker Washington has a strong chance to earn a spot because he can contribute as a returner. Having said that, playing special teams won't be the sophomore's only ticket to make the team.
If Cephus continues to make plays in training camp, he should have a favorable chance to make the cut. But as John Shipley noted, being consistent will be key, and that's something he lacked last year. It's also too early to tell how many receivers Jacksonville will carry into the regular season, but if they plan to keep six, his odds could increase considerably.
Ultimately, it looks like the battle for the fifth (and potentially sixth) receiver spot will be one to keep an eye on in training camp. Joshua Cephus is gearing up for it and ensuring he gets a look.