Training camp is about to put the Jaguars’ defense under the microscope.
With practices set to begin Wednesday, Jacksonville’s roster is largely in place for now, even if GM James Gladstone still has room to add. Over the next month, the real sorting begins: who climbs the depth chart, who earns snaps, and who survives the cut to the 53-man roster and practice squad.
Up front, the edge group looks pretty clear at the top. Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker are the anchors, and the bigger question is how the rest of the rotation settles in behind them. The names in that mix are Wesley Williams, Danny Striggow, Zach Durfee, BJ Green, Bryan Thomas Jr., and Quindarius Dunnigan.
At defensive tackle, the picture is less settled. The main question is whether anyone can force their way into a fifth roster spot at the position, or whether Jacksonville keeps just four tackles.
Linebacker is another spot with real competition. Foye Oluokun, Ventrell Miller, Dennis Gardeck, Jack Kiser, Branson Combs, Jalen McLeod, Parker Hughes, and Yasir Abdullah are all in the group, and there are a few battles to watch.
Can Combs push Miller for playing time? And if the Jaguars carry six linebackers, who grabs the last seat - McLeod, Hughes, or Abdullah?
Cornerback brings the deepest crowd. Travis Hunter, Montaric Brown, Jourdan Lewis, Jarrian Jones, Christian Braswell, Jabbar Muhammad, Keni-H Lovely, Corey Ballentine, Presont Hodge, and Devon Marshall are all listed there. If Jacksonville keeps six corners, Braswell and Muhammad look like the favorites to claim those spots after strong offseason work, but they still have to hold that edge through camp.
Safety has its own pecking order taking shape. Eric Murray and Antonio Johnson are the starters, while Caleb Ransaw appears to be the leading candidate for the third safety job.
Jalen Huskey could still force his way into that conversation with the size and versatility he brings. That third safety role matters in Anthony Campanile’s defense, and Huskey and Rayuan Lane are both expected to be core special teams pieces.
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Travis Hunters Camp Video Had Jaguars Fans Doing A Double Take
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The reveal was simple enough: Hunter prefers women's deodorant over men's, a choice that quickly became a conversation starter online. It is the kind of quirky personal preference that does not change anything on the field, but in a camp setting where every glimpse of a player gets picked over, it was enough to spark plenty of jokes and discussion among fans and even some players. [Read more 🡒]
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One of the most interesting pieces of that picture is Travis Hunter, who is working his way back after missing most of his rookie season and is expected to line up at cornerback opposite Montaric Brown while still handling both sides of the ball. The Jaguars clearly see him as a difference-maker if he can stay on the field, and his role only adds to the sense that camp is less about finding out who this team is and more about figuring out how high the ceiling can go. Even with so much settled, the biggest test may be whether the pieces around Lawrence and Hunter can turn continuity into something more than just familiarity. [Read more 🡒]
Antonio Johnson Faces A Huge Jaguars Camp Test
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Johnson is also entering the final year of his rookie deal, which adds another layer to camp beyond the usual competition for snaps. The Jaguars have reason to see him as more than just a useful depth piece now, but the next step is proving he can hold that spot when the pads come on and the pressure rises. [Read more 🡒]