Every year, the NFL draft produces more talent than there are picks. For the Jacksonville Jaguars, that means scouring the undrafted free agent market for hidden gems, and this season they've signed 18 promising rookies. Among them, cornerback Preston Hodge stands out as a potential surprise to make the final 53-man roster.

Hodge brings serious experience to the table, with 2,240 career snaps split between Liberty and Colorado. Over the last two seasons with the Buffaloes, he's shown sticky coverage skills, allowing just a 50% completion rate on 66 targets in 2025. That's the kind of lockdown potential that gets coaches excited. He also added three interceptions and 10 pass breakups during his Colorado tenure.

But every scouting report has a flip side. Hodge was flagged nine times in two seasons and struggled with missed tackles. He also surrendered some chunk plays, giving up 15.2 yards per catch over that span, according to Pro Football Focus. His natural home is in the slot, where the majority of his snaps have come.

Analytics site Pro Football Network offers a balanced take: "In coverage, he can be a tick late to react at times, and can be prone to over-setting and losing leverage in press-man... he doesn't have the high-end long speed to insulate recovery. Meanwhile, as a support defender, he's woefully inconsistent with his pursuit angles and tackling technique." However, they note that his versatility inside and outside makes him valuable in "off-man and zone-heavy schemes."

The Jaguars' cornerback room is solid at the top with Travis Hunter, Jourdan Lewis, Montaric Brown, and Jarrian Jones locking down four spots. That leaves one or two roster positions open for competition. Christian Braswell enters training camp as the favorite for that fifth spot, but he's no lock. If Hodge can clean up his technique and show he's improved in run support, he could push Braswell all the way—and earn himself a spot on Sundays.