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The Jacksonville Jaguars have added several young, talented safeties recently.
Antonio Johnson, at just 24 years old, had a meteoric rise last season. Inserted into the starting lineup midway through the year, Johnson tied for second in the NFL with five interceptions and was PFF's highest-graded safety.
Johnson has become one of the Jaguars' most important players and is looking to entrench himself as one of the NFL's best safeties in 2026.
Jacksonville drafted Maryland safety Jalen Huskey in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Huskey is only 23, has great size (6'1, 196 pounds), and is an absolute ballhawk, snagging at least three interceptions in each of his last three collegiate seasons.
In 2025, the Jaguars also invested a third-round pick on a safety, Caleb Ransaw, from Tulane. Ransaw was a cornerback in college, but was immediately switched to safety when he got to Jacksonville.
Unfortunately, Ransaw, also 23, missed his entire rookie year with a serious foot injury that required surgery.
The Jaguars brought in veteran Eric Murray in free agency before the 2025 season, and he instantly became a starter for Jacksonville's secondary. The former Houston Texan brought experience and solid play to the Jaguars and really helped the back of the defense.
Murray and Johnson are expected to be the Jaguars' starting safety duo heading into the upcoming season. However, the addition of the talented Huskey, plus the return of Ransaw, may jeopardize Murray's spot.
Is Murray in danger of losing his job in training camp?
Murray gives Jacksonville a very steady veteran in its secondary. However, both Ransaw and Huskey are young and have tremendous upside that may be difficult to keep off the field.
Ransaw, in particular, could be a threat to Murray's starting job. He is an elite athlete and was one of the surest tacklers in his draft class. His scouting profile shows a player who is built for success in the NFL.
Now healthy, Ransaw has been one the Jaguars' biggest winners throughout their offseason practices. He looks like he is picking up right where he left off before his injury.
Huskey, on the other hand, has a knack for creating turnovers. He tallied four interceptions for Maryland last year and had a total of 11 over his last three seasons.
Murray, meanwhile, has four total interceptions in his 10 NFL seasons.
The upside that Ransaw and Huskey can provide may raise the ceiling of Jacksonville's entire defense. Ransaw looks like a complete safety, while Huskey can make big plays that can completely change a game.
Huskey may still be too raw and inexperienced to truly threaten for a starting job as a rookie. However, his ability to impact games by creating turnovers should have him earn a meaningful amount of snaps this season.
Ransaw, though, can absolutely overtake Murray for his starting spot. He was drafted to be a starter, and has shown everything the coaches would want to see from a young player.
Johnson's ascension may make the Jaguars' coaches feel more comfortable having Ransaw on the field. Johnson's versatility and overall ability could provide cover for some of the growing pains an inexperienced player like Ransaw is sure to experience.
Whether as a starter or not, Murray will still have a large role for Jacksonville's defense this season. He provides experience and has a stabilizing presence on the field. Even if he doesn't possess the upside of Ransaw or Huskey, his floor is much higher.
However, even if Murray holds onto his spot throughout camp, he will be looking over his shoulder the entire season.
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Antonio Johnson, at just 24 years old, had a meteoric rise last season. Inserted into the starting lineup midway through the year, Johnson tied for second in the NFL with five interceptions and was PFF's highest-graded safety.
Johnson has become one of the Jaguars' most important players and is looking to entrench himself as one of the NFL's best safeties in 2026.
Jacksonville drafted Maryland safety Jalen Huskey in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Huskey is only 23, has great size (6'1, 196 pounds), and is an absolute ballhawk, snagging at least three interceptions in each of his last three collegiate seasons.
In 2025, the Jaguars also invested a third-round pick on a safety, Caleb Ransaw, from Tulane. Ransaw was a cornerback in college, but was immediately switched to safety when he got to Jacksonville.
Unfortunately, Ransaw, also 23, missed his entire rookie year with a serious foot injury that required surgery.
The Jaguars brought in veteran Eric Murray in free agency before the 2025 season, and he instantly became a starter for Jacksonville's secondary. The former Houston Texan brought experience and solid play to the Jaguars and really helped the back of the defense.
Murray and Johnson are expected to be the Jaguars' starting safety duo heading into the upcoming season. However, the addition of the talented Huskey, plus the return of Ransaw, may jeopardize Murray's spot.
Is Murray in danger of losing his job in training camp?
Steady Veteran Vs Young Upside
Murray gives Jacksonville a very steady veteran in its secondary. However, both Ransaw and Huskey are young and have tremendous upside that may be difficult to keep off the field.
Ransaw, in particular, could be a threat to Murray's starting job. He is an elite athlete and was one of the surest tacklers in his draft class. His scouting profile shows a player who is built for success in the NFL.
Now healthy, Ransaw has been one the Jaguars' biggest winners throughout their offseason practices. He looks like he is picking up right where he left off before his injury.
Huskey, on the other hand, has a knack for creating turnovers. He tallied four interceptions for Maryland last year and had a total of 11 over his last three seasons.
Murray, meanwhile, has four total interceptions in his 10 NFL seasons.
The upside that Ransaw and Huskey can provide may raise the ceiling of Jacksonville's entire defense. Ransaw looks like a complete safety, while Huskey can make big plays that can completely change a game.
Final Thoughts
Huskey may still be too raw and inexperienced to truly threaten for a starting job as a rookie. However, his ability to impact games by creating turnovers should have him earn a meaningful amount of snaps this season.
Ransaw, though, can absolutely overtake Murray for his starting spot. He was drafted to be a starter, and has shown everything the coaches would want to see from a young player.
Johnson's ascension may make the Jaguars' coaches feel more comfortable having Ransaw on the field. Johnson's versatility and overall ability could provide cover for some of the growing pains an inexperienced player like Ransaw is sure to experience.
Whether as a starter or not, Murray will still have a large role for Jacksonville's defense this season. He provides experience and has a stabilizing presence on the field. Even if he doesn't possess the upside of Ransaw or Huskey, his floor is much higher.
However, even if Murray holds onto his spot throughout camp, he will be looking over his shoulder the entire season.
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, and stay even more connected!
Continue reading...
