As the NFL Combine kicks off from February 23 to March 2 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, all eyes are on the top draft prospects showcasing their skills. This annual event is a golden opportunity for NFL teams to get an up-close look at the talent pool, with players participating in position-specific drills and athletic tests. It's not just about the numbers, though; these prospects will also engage in one-on-one meetings with teams, offering a deeper glimpse into their on-field and off-field personas.
Focusing on the Jacksonville Jaguars, let’s dive into their situation at defensive back as they gear up for the offseason.
Jaguars' Defensive Backs Under Contract for 2026
- Cornerbacks: Travis Hunter, Jarrian Jones, Jourdan Lewis, Jabbar Muhammad, Trevian Thomas, Keith Taylor, Christian Braswell
- Safeties: Rayuan Lane, Eric Murray, Antonio Johnson, Caleb Ransaw, Cam'Ron Silmon-Craig
Assessing the Jaguars' Needs
At cornerback, the Jaguars have a solid foundation with Jourdan Lewis, Jarrian Jones, and Travis Hunter, who’s set to transition to a full-time cornerback role. However, with Montaric Brown and Greg Newsome approaching free agency, there's a vacancy for a starting outside cornerback opposite Hunter. Reports suggest that at least one of Brown or Newsome may not return, making this a critical decision point for the Jaguars.
Even if Brown or Newsome stays, depth remains a concern. With 11 picks in the draft, Jacksonville might opt to bolster their secondary without stretching their salary cap.
At safety, Andrew Wingard's impending free agency opens the door for Antonio Johnson, who impressed last season with five interceptions and three pass breakups, to step up. However, under Anthony Campanile's defense, which frequently employs three-safety sets, the Jaguars might still seek additional depth. The development of second-year players Rayuan Lane and Caleb Ransaw will likely influence this decision.
Defensive Backs Invited to the 2026 NFL Combine
A host of promising defensive backs will be showcasing their talents at the Combine, including:
- Keith Abney II (Arizona State)
- Marcus Allen (North Carolina)
- Jadon Canady (Oregon)
- Brandon Cisse (South Carolina)
- Bud Clark (TCU)
- Tacario Davis (Washington)
- Mansoor Delane (LSU)
- Charles Demmings (Stephen F.
Austin)
- Thaddeus Dixon (North Carolina)
- Caleb Downs (Ohio State)
- Daylen Everette (Georgia)
- Bishop Fitzgerald (USC)
- Andre Fuller (Toledo)
- Jaylon Guilbeau (Texas)
- TJ Hall (Iowa)
- Ahmari Harvey (Georgia Tech)
- **A.J.
Haulcy** (LSU)
- Colton Hood (Tennessee)
- Jalen Huskey (Maryland)
- Davison Igbinosun (Ohio State)
- Domani Jackson (Alabama)
- Chris Johnson (San Diego State)
- Dalton Johnson (Arizona)
- Jalon Kilgore (South Carolina)
- Will Lee III (Texas A&M)
- Hezekiah Masses (Cal)
- Jermod McCoy (Tennessee)
- **Latrell McCutchin Sr.
** (Houston)
- Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (Toledo)
- Devin Moore (Florida)
- Louis Moore (Indiana)
- Ahmaad Moses (SMU)
- Malik Muhammad (Texas)
- Julian Neal (Arkansas)
- Xavier Nwankpa (Iowa)
- VJ Payne (Kansas State)
- D'Angelo Ponds (Indiana)
- **Toriano Pride Jr. ** (Missouri)
- Ephesians Prysock (Washington)
- Kamari Ramsey (USC)
- Chandler Rivers (Duke)
- Keionte Scott (Miami)
- DeShon Singleton (Nebraska)
- Avery Smith (Toledo)
- Genesis Smith (Arizona)
- Robert Spears-Jennings (Oklahoma)
- Treydan Stukes (Arizona)
- **Lorenzo Styles Jr.
** (Ohio State)
- Michael Taaffe (Texas)
- Avieon Terrell (Clemson)
- Dillon Thieneman (Oregon)
- Jakobe Thomas (Miami)
- Zakee Wheatley (Penn State)
- Collin Wright (Stanford)
As the Combine unfolds, the Jaguars will be keenly observing these prospects, looking for the perfect fit to enhance their secondary and make a strong push in the upcoming season.