The road to an NFL roster is never easy, but for undrafted rookies, it's an uphill battle that requires equal parts talent, opportunity, and grit. Last season, the Jacksonville Jaguars proved that the path exists, as Danny Striggow and BJ Green both carved out spots on the initial 53-man roster. Now, with the 2026 draft class signed and 18 undrafted free agents in the fold, the question becomes: who has the best shot to follow in their footsteps?
Ultimately, general manager James Gladstone and head coach Liam Coen will lean heavily on performance during offseason programs and training camp. But talent alone isn't enough—opportunity matters just as much. A UDFA needs to land in a position group with a genuine opening, where competition is alive and the depth chart isn't already locked. With that in mind, here are three undrafted rookies poised to make a serious push for a roster spot.
1. A Cornerback with a Nose for the Ball
At cornerback, the Jaguars have Travis Hunter, Jourdan Lewis, Montaric Brown, and Jarrian Jones occupying the top four spots. Christian Braswell is likely on the roster, but he's not a lock. If Jacksonville decides to keep a sixth cornerback, that spot is wide open—and one UDFA has the credentials to seize it. This defender made 47 of his 50 tackle attempts last season and graded out as one of PFF's top run defenders at the position. His coverage skills are equally impressive, allowing just a 49% completion rate over his career, while his ball production stands out with four interceptions and 20 pass breakups over the last two seasons. In a secondary that values playmaking, this rookie could be the surprise of camp.
2. A Versatile Defensive Lineman with Upside
On the defensive interior, four spots are essentially locked: Arik Armstead, DaVon Hamilton, Albert Regis, and Ruke Orhorhoro. But the fifth and even sixth spots feel very much in play. The Jaguars could opt for veteran Matt Dickerson's experience, or they might roll the dice on a younger, higher-upside option. Enter a Cincinnati product who, despite being listed at 315 pounds, brings surprising versatility. He logged 284 snaps at defensive end last season and 132 from the interior, showing he can disrupt from multiple alignments. In 2025, he posted a career-high 22 pressures and three sacks while earning high marks as a run defender. If he can bring that same energy to camp, he could force the coaching staff to keep an extra body up front.
3. A Running Back Who Can Carve a Role
For much of last season, the Jaguars carried four running backs on the 53-man roster, suggesting the team values depth in the backfield. While the top of the depth chart is settled, the fourth spot is far from guaranteed. One undrafted rookie has the skill set to push for that role, offering a mix of quickness, pass-catching ability, and special teams value. In a league where versatility is king, a back who can contribute on third down and in the return game has a clear path to sticking around. If he shows he can protect the quarterback and make plays in space, don't be surprised to see his name on the final cut list.
As the Jaguars gear up for offseason workouts and training camp, these three undrafted rookies represent the kind of underdog stories that make the NFL so compelling. They have the talent—now they just need the opportunity to prove it.