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There are intriguing players to watch every year during training camp, and for the Jacksonville Jaguars, it's starters that are the focus.
Brian Thomas Jr., Chris Rodriguez Jr. and Caleb Ransaw are the three Jaguars ESPN's Mike DiRocco tabbed as players to watch in his training camp preview.
Thomas is aiming for a comeback in 2026 after early struggles in 2025. He went through a sophomore slump, recording eight to 10 drops over 14 games after a stellar rookie campaign, in which he was a 1,000-yard receiver.
His down year played a role in Jacksonville searching for receiving help, and the team found it. The Las Vegas Raiders traded Jakobi Meyers to the Jaguars for a 2026 fourth- and sixth-round pick.
Meyers quickly became one of Trevor Lawrence's favorite targets in nine games. He led the receiver core in receptions (42) and targets (61) across that span.
Now, Thomas may have regained momentum as the leading receiver with his performance throughout OTAs. The 2024 first-round pick and Lawrence have unlocked the deep passing game over the summer.
Entering the offseason healthy, his speed and explosiveness are back. With the pads coming back on during training camp, Thomas must continue to sustain the success he showed in June.
Rodriguez is part of an interesting position battle with Bhayshul Tuten. Injuries have pushed him back, though, as he underwent surgery on his left foot that has caused him to miss most of the offseason.
Jacksonville lost a star running back in Travis Etienne Jr., who signed with the New Orleans Saints. The team couldn't replace his production with limited spending power, so it is using a "by-committee" approach.
So far, Tuten has felt like the eventual starter. He mentioned how he's gotten faster since his NFL combine days, and the coaching staff is planning how to utilize his strengths.
But Rodriguez is familiar with coach Liam Coen. The two spent a season together at Kentucky in 2021, and Coen values the extra yards his former Wildcat can generate. Rodriguez had 78 rushing yards over expectation on 112 carries last season in Washington, according to NFL Next Gen Stats.
Ransaw is in a position to earn a starting role heading into his second year despite missing his rookie season with a foot injury. The Jaguars have moved him from cornerback to safety, where Antonio Johnson and Eric Murray are the starters.
He's making up for lost time, showcasing the skills that made him a third-round pick for Jacksonville. In his lone season at Tulane, Ransaw recorded 31 tackles, two pass deflections and one sack.
Injuries have played a role in each of the three Jaguars' time with the organization. All three are healthy for training camp, which starts next Wednesday. Rodriguez and Ransaw are intriguing watches because of their position battles.
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Brian Thomas Jr., Chris Rodriguez Jr. and Caleb Ransaw are the three Jaguars ESPN's Mike DiRocco tabbed as players to watch in his training camp preview.
Thomas is aiming for a comeback in 2026 after early struggles in 2025. He went through a sophomore slump, recording eight to 10 drops over 14 games after a stellar rookie campaign, in which he was a 1,000-yard receiver.
His down year played a role in Jacksonville searching for receiving help, and the team found it. The Las Vegas Raiders traded Jakobi Meyers to the Jaguars for a 2026 fourth- and sixth-round pick.
Meyers quickly became one of Trevor Lawrence's favorite targets in nine games. He led the receiver core in receptions (42) and targets (61) across that span.
Now, Thomas may have regained momentum as the leading receiver with his performance throughout OTAs. The 2024 first-round pick and Lawrence have unlocked the deep passing game over the summer.
Entering the offseason healthy, his speed and explosiveness are back. With the pads coming back on during training camp, Thomas must continue to sustain the success he showed in June.
Rodriguez is part of an interesting position battle with Bhayshul Tuten. Injuries have pushed him back, though, as he underwent surgery on his left foot that has caused him to miss most of the offseason.
Jacksonville lost a star running back in Travis Etienne Jr., who signed with the New Orleans Saints. The team couldn't replace his production with limited spending power, so it is using a "by-committee" approach.
So far, Tuten has felt like the eventual starter. He mentioned how he's gotten faster since his NFL combine days, and the coaching staff is planning how to utilize his strengths.
But Rodriguez is familiar with coach Liam Coen. The two spent a season together at Kentucky in 2021, and Coen values the extra yards his former Wildcat can generate. Rodriguez had 78 rushing yards over expectation on 112 carries last season in Washington, according to NFL Next Gen Stats.
Ransaw is in a position to earn a starting role heading into his second year despite missing his rookie season with a foot injury. The Jaguars have moved him from cornerback to safety, where Antonio Johnson and Eric Murray are the starters.
He's making up for lost time, showcasing the skills that made him a third-round pick for Jacksonville. In his lone season at Tulane, Ransaw recorded 31 tackles, two pass deflections and one sack.
Injuries have played a role in each of the three Jaguars' time with the organization. All three are healthy for training camp, which starts next Wednesday. Rodriguez and Ransaw are intriguing watches because of their position battles.
Join our ROUNDTABLE community! It's free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/roundtable-rtb/id6450423049) and stay even more connected!
Continue reading...
