As the Jacksonville Jaguars gear up for training camp, there’s a sense of real excitement in the air. With a new coaching staff led by offensive-minded head coach Liam Coen, the organization has retooled, reenergized, and is ready to compete. Jaguars fans have every reason to be optimistic heading into the 2025 season — not just because of the new faces, but because of the elite-level potential on this roster from top to bottom. Here’s a position-by-position breakdown of what to expect in training camp and who has the inside track on making the 53-man roster.
Quarterbacks: A Fresh Chapter for Trevor Lawrence
There’s no debate — Trevor Lawrence is this team’s franchise quarterback. The former No. 1 overall pick enters 2025 with a new playcaller, a retooled offense, and arguably the best supporting cast of his NFL career. After a 2024 campaign hampered by injuries and inconsistency (both from himself and the staff around him), Trevor has a golden opportunity under Liam Coen to fully showcase the talent that made him a generational prospect.
What fans should be most excited about? Coen’s scheme — which thrives on rhythm, precision, and giving quarterbacks clean throwing windows — is tailor-made for a player like Trevor. With a full offseason of chemistry-building with his young receivers and a cleaner pocket thanks to O-line reinforcements, expect big strides in consistency, confidence, and command. This is the year where Trevor silences the skeptics and reminds the league just how good he can be.
Backing him up is Nick Mullens, a steady veteran presence with a solid command of pro offenses. While Mullens doesn’t bring the same flash or long-term potential, he’s a fine QB2 — someone who can run the offense competently in a pinch and help mentor younger players.
John Wolford brings familiarity and experience with Liam Coen from their time together with the Rams, giving him an outside shot at the backup role. However, the name fans should circle is Seth Henigan — the undrafted rookie from Memphis with serious intrigue. Henigan possesses impressive poise, above-average arm strength, and natural leadership qualities. It’s a long shot, but don’t be surprised if he puts together an eye-catching camp and preseason, earning a spot as the QB2/3 on the roster.
Prediction:
- 53-man: Trevor Lawrence, Nick Mullens
- Practice Squad: Seth Henigan
Running Backs: A Promising Trifecta
Travis Etienne Jr. enters the season as RB1 — and Jaguars fans should feel great about it. Last season didn’t reflect his full potential, but much of that was due to factors beyond his control: injuries, a struggling offensive line, and a stale offensive scheme. With Coen now calling plays and a commitment to balance and creativity, Etienne is in position to bounce back in a major way.
Expect more outside zone, more creative use in the passing game, and most importantly — more space to operate. Etienne remains one of the most explosive backs in football when healthy, and this could be the season he reminds everyone just how dangerous he is.
Behind him, Tank Bigsby is ready to make a leap. The physical runner has all the tools to thrive as a short-yardage hammer and could carve out a bigger role — especially if he fits into Coen’s “Bucky Irving” role from Kentucky last year. Year 3 is often when backs break out — and Bigsby has all the tools to be a major contributor.
Then there’s Bhayshul Tuten, the lightning-fast 4th-round rookie from Virginia Tech. Tuten has rare speed (4.32 40-yard dash) and showed real vision and burst in college. He’s a developmental player for now, but one with star-level upside if things click.
Another name to keep in mind is LeQuint Allen, the 7th-round pick from Syracuse. Allen was an all-purpose back in college with reliable hands and sharp footwork. He may not get a ton of camp buzz early and will likely land on the practice squad, but he still has long term upside.
Prediction:
- 53-man: Travis Etienne Jr., Tank Bigsby, Bhayshul Tuten
- Practice Squad: LeQuint Allen
Wide Receivers: The League’s Most Exciting Core?
Let’s say this clearly — the Jaguars might have the best young receiver room in the NFL.
Leading the way is Brian Thomas Jr., who had an absolutely stellar rookie year in 2024 — 1,282 receiving yards (3rd in the league) and 10 touchdowns, all while dealing with QB instability. With Trevor Lawrence healthy and a far more dynamic offensive scheme, BTJ is poised to make the leap into true superstardom. His speed, route-running, and contested catch ability make him an absolute nightmare for defenses.
Then there’s Travis Hunter, the 2nd overall pick in this year’s draft and perhaps the most electric college player ever. Hunter’s ability to separate, explode after the catch, and track deep balls makes him the perfect complement to Thomas. While he’ll also see defensive snaps, his primary focus this year will be at wide receiver — and all signs point to an immediate impact.
Dyami Brown brings deep-threat speed and clutch ability. After showing flashes with Washington, he finally has a coaching staff that believes in him. Expect him to stretch the field and provide explosive-play potential any given Sunday.
In the slot, Parker Washington has done nothing but produce when called upon. His hands, toughness, and YAC ability make him an ideal slot option, and he adds value on special teams as a returner.
Joshua Cephus, the UDFA standout from last season, is firmly in the mix after a strong spring. Cephus has the size at 6’3 and college production (1,150 yards and 10 TDs at UTSA) to be a real contributor in the NFL. Cephus was a draftable player on my board in 2024 and I still believe in his ability to cement himself at the top of the rest of the crowd competing for the WR5 spot.
The final WR spot could come down to a veteran such as Trenton Irwin or an undrafted rookie such as Eli Pancol, an athletic receiver from Duke who has made early waves with his size and vertical ability. Ultimately, the WR5/6 spots are still anyone’s to gain or lose in training camp and preseason, but as of now I believe they may be leaning towards keeping a veteran to help mentor this young group.
Prediction:
- 53-man: Brian Thomas Jr., Travis Hunter, Dyami Brown, Parker Washington, Joshua Cephus, Trenton Irwin
- Practice Squad: Eli Pancol, Chandler Brayboy, J.J. Jones
Tight Ends: Strange Times
This is officially Brenton Strange’s room now. The 2023 2nd-round pick was drafted for his blocking, but don’t let that label limit your expectations. In limited snaps last season, Strange flashed soft hands, athleticism, and toughness after the catch — and actually outproduced Evan Engram despite having less targets. Under Liam Coen, who utilizes tight ends in dynamic ways, Strange is primed for a breakout season as the lead guy. I’m expecting big things for Strange who could have a breakout year similar to, if not better than, Cade Otten’s performance for the Buccaneers last season.
Behind him are two decent veterans: Hunter Long, signed from the Rams, and Johnny Mundt, signed from the Vikings. Both players bring experience and reliability as blockers and short-yardage targets. While they aren’t major receiving threats, they add valuable depth and can step into specific roles when needed.
Prediction:
- 53-man: Brenton Strange, Hunter Long, Johnny Mundt
Offensive Line: Revamped, Versatile, and Ready to Protect
There’s been real change here, and it was needed. Cam Robinson, Mitch Morse, and Brandon Scherff were starters this time last year but are no longer with the team. In their place is a younger, more versatile group that fits Coen’s scheme better and gives this offense a chance to succeed.
- LT: Walker Little – Now for the first time fully entrenched as the starter. He’s got the size, athleticism, and upside to become a long-term solution.
- LG: Ezra Cleveland – The most consistent lineman from last year. He’s a rock in the run game and dependable in pass protection.
- C: Robert Hainsey – A smart, experienced center who brings familiarity with Coen and should help solidify the middle of the line.
- RG: Patrick Mekari – One of the most versatile linemen in the league, able to play anywhere at a solid level. He was the Jaguars big ticket addition on the offense this free agency.
- RT: Anton Harrison – Looked like a star as a rookie, but had a sophomore slump last year. Anton should be ready to bounce back and solidify the right side.
Keep an eye on Wyatt Milum, the 3rd-round pick from West Virginia. He’s got Pro Bowl potential and might push for a starting job at some point this year. The team will likely train him to play inside at guard, but he was an incredible tackle in college so he offers what may prove to be invaluable versatility down the line.
Depth: Fred Johnson, Cole Van Lanen, and Javon Foster provide tackle depth, while Luke Fortner, Chuma Edoga, and Jonah Monheim are the depth on the interior.
Prediction:
- 53-man: Walker Little, Ezra Cleveland, Robert Hainsey, Patrick Mekari, Anton Harrison, Wyatt Milum, Luke Fortner, Fred Johnson, Cole Van Lanen, Chuma Edoga
- Practice Squad: Jonah Monheim, Javon Foster
EDGE Rushers: One of the NFL’s Best
Let’s start here: Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker form arguably the most dominant edge rushing duo in football. Over the last two seasons, no other tandem has combined for more sacks, and both were top 15 in total pressures last year — a feat no other team can claim. Hines-Allen is the leader of the defense, and one of the most underappreciated elite defenders in the league. He sets the tone with his physicality, motor, and leadership.
Travon Walker continues to prove the doubters wrong. Coming off another double-digit sack season, he’s refining his pass rush plan and technique while maintaining the raw power that makes him so difficult to block. These two are still ascending — and that’s scary for the rest of the league.
Behind them, the Jaguars added plenty of depth this offseason. Emmanuel Ogbah, signed from Miami, is a proven producer who gives the team a very reliable third option off the edge. Dennis Gardeck, formerly of Arizona, and Dawuane Smoot, returning home after a brief stint with Buffalo, add to a loaded group. Smoot’s familiarity with Jacksonville and ability to kick inside if needed brings added flexibility.
Rounding out the room is rookie Jalen McLeod, the 5th rounder from Auburn. While he’s a bit undersized, his burst, bend, and motor give him long-term upside as a rotational rusher.
Myles Cole is another young edge with decent upside, but I expect he will be subject to the practice squad this year.
Prediction:
- 53-man: Josh Hines-Allen, Travon Walker, Emmanuel Ogbah, Dennis Gardeck, Dawuane Smoot, Jalen McLeod
- Practice Squad: Myles Cole
Interior Defensive Line: Bounce Backs and Breakouts
Back where he belongs on the interior, Arik Armstead is poised for a much more productive year. Playing him on the edge last season didn’t maximize his power and length — but now back inside next to this edge duo, he can return to form and become a disruptive force on passing downs.
Maason Smith, last year’s 2nd-round pick, is the name fans should get excited about. A physical freak out of LSU, Smith came on strong late last season and has the potential to become a dominant presence between Hines-Allen and Walker. His size, power, and athleticism are rare.
In the middle, DaVon Hamilton continues to be a rock as the run-stuffing nose tackle. If he stays healthy, his presence allows the rest of the D-line to be more aggressive.
The fourth spot should belong to Jordan Jefferson, who flashed in limited action last year and has the tools to be a reliable rotational piece. The 5th spot would come down to Tyler Lacy and UDFA Eli Mostaert. I predict Eli earns the final IDL spot after impressing in camp, he has the strength and leverage to carve out a role.
Prediction:
- 53-man: Arik Armstead, Maason Smith, DaVon Hamilton, Jordan Jefferson, Eli Mostaert
- Practice Squad: Tyler Lacy
Linebackers: Underappreciated Talent in the Middle
Let’s talk about Foye Oluokun and Devin Lloyd — one of the most slept-on linebacker duos in the NFL. Foye remains one of the league’s most productive and instinctive tacklers, while Lloyd continues to grow into a sideline-to-sideline difference-maker with tremendous athletic upside. Under new defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile — a known linebacker guru — these two could elevate to another level.
Ventrell Miller showed flashes last season and enters camp as the top depth piece behind the starters. Jack Kiser, the high-floor 4th round rookie out of Notre Dame, could contribute right away on both defense and special teams. Chad Muma, now in year three, remains a dependable reserve who still has upside.
Prediction:
- 53-man: Foye Oluokun, Devin Lloyd, Ventrell Miller, Jack Kiser, Chad Muma
Cornerbacks: Quietly One of the Strongest Units
At full health, Tyson Campbell is a top-tier lockdown corner. Injuries have slowed him down the last two seasons, but when he’s on the field, he’s a technician in man coverage and rarely gives up separation.
Jarrian Jones might be the breakout star of this entire defense. The 2nd-year corner didn’t allow a single touchdown as a rookie and looked like a 5-year veteran in his poise, footwork, and anticipation. With more attention this year, he’s got a shot to become a household name.
Inside, Jourdan Lewis brings elite production. He was the highest-graded nickel corner in the league last year and brings immediate leadership and dependability to a position that has given Jacksonville issues in the past.
Travis Hunter, while primarily a receiver to start, gives the Jaguars a dynamic weapon they can unleash on defense situationally. He won’t occupy an extra roster spot, but expect to see him out there in key matchups.
Veteran Montaric Brown has stepped up in big moments before and enters as the likely CB4. Then, in one of my camp surprise predictions, UDFA Jabbar Muhammed out of Oregon makes the 53-man roster. His competitiveness and instincts give him the edge over Christian Braswell and De’Antre Prince, both of whom have promise and should land on the practice squad if not the 53 man roster themselves.
Prediction:
- 53-man: Tyson Campbell, Jarrian Jones, Jourdan Lewis, Montaric Brown, Jabbar Muhammed
- Practice Squad: Christian Braswell, De’Antre Prince
Safeties: A True Competition Across the Board
No clear-cut starter yet, but this safety room is deep and full of players with something to prove.
Caleb Ransaw, the 3rd-round rookie, brings the most raw upside. He’s an ideal athlete for the position with the instincts and tools to become a long-term answer on the back end. Expect him to see starting reps sooner rather than later.
Eric Murray was brought in this offseason and should start early on thanks to his experience and reliability. Antonio Johnson is another name to monitor — he flashed as a rookie in 2023 but was quieter last year. Still, the talent is there for a bounce-back.
Darnell Savage brings elite athleticism, but his health and consistency will be the judge of his success in this new regime. Savage could end up being a cap casualty if the new staff doesn’t love what they see. Andrew Wingard remains one of the team’s emotional leaders and is rock-solid in the box or on special teams. Then there is Daniel Thomas who might not bring value on defense, but he’s one of the best gunners in the league and that absolutely may earn him a spot on the 53 man. Finally there is Rayuan Lane, the hard-nosed rookie out of Navy. I expect him to develop on the practice squad but he could be a surprise to make the roster.
Prediction:
- 53-man: Caleb Ransaw, Eric Murray, Antonio Johnson, Andrew Wingard, Daniel Thomas
- Practice Squad: Rayuan Lane
Special Teams: One of the Best Units in the League
The Jaguars are absolutely stacked on special teams.
- K: Cam Little – Sophomore kicker with a huge leg and pinpoint accuracy. Expect him to build off of last season.
- P: Logan Cooke – Still one of the best in the business. Reliable, consistent, and a field position weapon.
- LS: Ross Matiscik – An elite long snapper who rarely makes mistakes and even brings special teams ability in the tackling department.
Total 53 man roster:
QB: Trevor Lawrence, Nick Mullens
RB: Travis Etienne Jr., Tank Bigsby, Bhayshul Tuten
WR: Brian Thomas Jr., Travis Hunter, Dyami Brown, Parker Washington, Joshua Cephus, Trenton Irwin
TE: Brenton Strange, Hunter Long, Johnny Mundt
OL: Walker Little, Ezra Cleveland, Robert Hainsey, Patrick Mekari, Anton Harrison, Wyatt Milum, Luke Fortner, Fred Johnson, Cole Van Lanen, Chuma Edoga
EDGE: Josh Hines-Allen, Travon Walker, Emmanuel Ogbah, Dennis Gardeck, Dawuane Smoot, Jalen McLeod
IDL: Arik Armstead, Maason Smith, DaVon Hamilton, Jordan Jefferson, Eli Mostaert
LB: Foye Oluokun, Devin Lloyd, Ventrell Miller, Jack Kiser, Chad Muma
CB: Tyson Campbell, Jarrian Jones, Jourdan Lewis, Montaric Brown, Jabbar Muhammed
S: Caleb Ransaw, Eric Murray, Antonio Johnson, Andrew Wingard, Daniel Thomas
ST: Cam Little, Logan Cooke, Ross Matiscik
Practice Squad: Seth Henigan, LeQuint Allen, Eli Pancol, Chandler Brayboy, J.J. Jones, Jonah Monheim, Javon Foster, Myles Cole, Tyler Lacy, Christian Braswell, De’Antre Prince
Photo Credits: Jaguars Wire, The Florida Times Union, NFL, Sports Illustrated, Yahoo, Ravens Wire, Fan Sided, Jacksonville Jaguars,
