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3 Jaguars undrafted rookies who could make 53-man roster push
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- 3 Jaguars undrafted rookies who could make 53-man roster push
Last year, we saw undrafted rookies Danny Striggow and BJ Green make the Jacksonville Jaguars' initial 53-man roster. Which UDFAs from the 2026 draft class have the best opportunity to accomplish that?
Ultimately, how these players perform will carry the most weight when James Gladstone and Liam Coen are making these decisions. But also a part of the equation is that the UDFA has to be at a position group where there is a roster spot opening.
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So, taking into account those two important factors -- level of play and roster construction -- here are three UDFAs to watch for as offseason programs and eventually training camp begin.
CB Devon Marshall
Travis Hunter , Jourdan Lewis , Montaric Brown , and Jarrian Jones hold the top four spots on the depth chart. Christian Braswell probably makes the team, but he's not a roster lock. If the Jaguars keep a sixth cornerback, that spot is completely up for grabs.
Marshall made 47 of his 50 tackle attempts and was one of PFF's top graded run defenders at the cornerback position last season. Throughout his career, he has been stingy in coverage, allowing a completion rate of just 49%. He's also had excellent ball production, generating four interceptions and 20 pass breakups over the last two seasons.
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DL Jalen Hunt
As of now, we can say that four roster spots at defensive tackle are accounted for between Arik Armstead , DaVon Hamilton , Albert Regis, and Ruke Orhorhoro . The fifth and potential sixth spot, however, do seem to be available. Could the Jaguars choose Hunt's upside over Matt Dickerson 's veteran presence?
Although listed at 315 pounds, Hunt was a versatile member of the Cincinnati defensive front, playing 284 snaps at defensive end, along with 132 snaps from the interior. Hunt recorded a career-high 22 pressures and three sacks in 2025, along with being one of PFF's top run defenders.
RB J'Mari Taylor
For a large portion of last season, the Jaguars carried four running backs on the 53-man roster. Compared to the rest of the NFL, that's a bit unusual, with most teams carrying three. But if Taylor impresses this summer, the Jaguars have shown a willingness to go heavy at running back, and may be more willing to do that again in 2026 with a younger room overall.
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Taylor was a big factor in the passing game from the running back position, totaling 128 targets over four seasons, 54 of which came in 2025. As a ball carrier, he averaged 4.8 yards per rush at Virginia in 2025, eclipsing the 1,000-yard mark while scoring 14 rushing touchdowns.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: 2026 NFL draft: 3 undrafted rookies who could make Jaguars final roster
