The Jacksonville Jaguars went 4-13 in 2024, but it wasn't because of a lack of talent. Sure, the new regime revamped the roster last offseason, but the Jags also had a handful of players who had previously left a bit to be desired or just needed a chance to show what they were capable of doing.
Many of those players got the opportunity to showcase their talent and didn't disappoint. By the end of the season, they had become key cogs for the Jags. With this in mind, here are the most pleasant surprises from 2025.
LeQuint Allen, Jaguars running back
At first sight, LeQuint Allen didn't do much of note as a rookie, toting the rock 23 times for 94 yards and hauling in 10 receptions for 54 yards. But once you look beyond his statline, you'll see a highly reliable player. While his production doesn't pop off the statsheet, he carved a niche as a pass blocker. In fact, he even logged more offensive snaps than fellow rookie Bhayshul Tuten.
Allen may not get 20 carries in a game next season. However, that doesn't mean he's not a valuable contributor just because he doesn't have a fancy role on offense.
Antonio Johnson, Jaguars safety
After a promising rookie season, Antonio Johnson struggled in 2024. That led to questions about his future in Jacksonville. Heck, he was seemingly a roster cut candidate last offseason. The former Texas A&M Aggie ultimately the season behind Eric Murray and Andrew Wingard. But he still got playing time and ended up making the most out of it.
Johnson ended up having a bigger impact than Murray and Wingard, registering five interceptions and nine passes defensed. Having bounced back in 2025, the East St. Louis native will enter a contract year in a great position to cash in.
Devin Lloyd, Jaguars linebacker
The Jaguars sent a message to linebacker Devin Lloyd when they declined the fifth-year option on his rookie deal. While the former Utah Ute excelled at stopping the run in past seasons, he struggled in coverage and didn't generate nearly enough make big plays. That changed in 2025.
Lloyd showed massive improvement in coverage and finished the year with five interceptions. He even earned Second-Team All-Pro honors. Because his breakout season took place in a contract year, the 2021 first-round pick is now poised to earn a big payday.
Cole Van Lanen, Jaguars offensive lineman
Cole Van Lanen had always been a dependable backup, but nobody would have expected him to play at such a high level in 2025. Injuries forced him to play at all spots across the offensive line but center, and he didn't miss a beat. The former Wisconsin Badger would later replace Walker Little at left tackle full-time. Not long after, he got a three-year deal worth $51 million.
Moving forward, the Jaguars don't have to worry about Trevor Lawrence's blindside being protected with Van Lanen around.
Parker Washington, Jaguars wide receiver
Parker Washington mostly played in the slot in his first two seasons, and only when Christian Kirk was injured. When the Jags cut ties with Kirk in 2025, it paved the way for Washington to earn a bigger role. Early in training camp, the former Penn State Nittany Lion made a strong bid for a featured role with his lights-out performance.
The regular season came, and Washington went on to lead the Jags in receiving yards. This is noteworthy when you take into account that Jakobi Meyers, Brian Thomas Jr., and Travis Hunter were around.
While Thomas, Meyers, and Hunter could get more playing time next season, expect Washington to still have a big role.