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Compared to the rest of the NFL, it was a relatively quiet offseason for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
This, in part, was due to GM James Gladstone's belief in the construction of the roster heading into the offseason, but also, this approach was him being mindful of preserving the compensatory draft picks that the Jaguars are projected to receive in 2027.
That said, the Jaguars did make two additions during the free agency period, signing Chris Rodriguez and trading for Ruke Orhorhoro.
Jacksonville also made 10 selections in the NFL draft, and, as the LA Rams do, Gladstone prioritized adding experienced players who can step in and make some level of impact from the jump.
So, looking back at all of the additions made this offseason by the Jaguars, which ones could have the greatest impact in 2026?
One of the more pressing needs that the Jaguars have this offseason is at the defensive tackle position, specifically generating a more consistent pass rush. Adding Orhorhoro to the mix doesn't completely solve that issue by any means, but he does seem to give the Jaguars more pass rush juice.
Last season, Orhorhoro, who primarily was on the field for passing downs, generated 30 pressures and four sacks. Among 121 defensive tackles, he ranked tied for 51st in PFF's pass rush productivity metric. Beyond filling his own column on the state sheet, a steady and strong interior pass rush presence can do wonders for the rest of the defense.
He may not start while playing behind Arik Armstead and DaVon Hamilton, but Orhorhoro should carve out a regular rotational role and he has the ability to make an impact in a key area. - Paul Bretl
While Ruke Orhorhoro may have the biggest impact on Jacksonville's defense, the situation is not quite as clear on the offense. Tight end Nate Boerkircher will almost certainly be more important in the future, but for right now, running back Chris Rodriguez has the better chance to make a noticeable impact immediately.
The Jaguars lost their star running back, Travis Etienne, to free agency, and it will now fall on Rodriguez, along with sophomore backs Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen, to take his place. Who will be RB1 is up in the air, though it will almost certainly come down to Tuten or Rodriguez, but either way, Rodriguez will be taking significant snaps, and will therefore have a big impact on the offense.
Liam Coen coached Rodriguez at Kentucky, at which time Rodriguez was one of the most productive RBs in college football, and specifically praised his tough, physical style of play as what he wants to see more of in 2026 after signing him. It's clear Rodriguez will be playing a major role from Week 1, which gives him the opportunity to make an impact right away. - Casandra Chesser
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: 2 Jaguars additions who can make greatest impact on 2026 season
Continue reading...
This, in part, was due to GM James Gladstone's belief in the construction of the roster heading into the offseason, but also, this approach was him being mindful of preserving the compensatory draft picks that the Jaguars are projected to receive in 2027.
That said, the Jaguars did make two additions during the free agency period, signing Chris Rodriguez and trading for Ruke Orhorhoro.
Jacksonville also made 10 selections in the NFL draft, and, as the LA Rams do, Gladstone prioritized adding experienced players who can step in and make some level of impact from the jump.
So, looking back at all of the additions made this offseason by the Jaguars, which ones could have the greatest impact in 2026?
DT Ruke Orhorhoro
One of the more pressing needs that the Jaguars have this offseason is at the defensive tackle position, specifically generating a more consistent pass rush. Adding Orhorhoro to the mix doesn't completely solve that issue by any means, but he does seem to give the Jaguars more pass rush juice.
Last season, Orhorhoro, who primarily was on the field for passing downs, generated 30 pressures and four sacks. Among 121 defensive tackles, he ranked tied for 51st in PFF's pass rush productivity metric. Beyond filling his own column on the state sheet, a steady and strong interior pass rush presence can do wonders for the rest of the defense.
He may not start while playing behind Arik Armstead and DaVon Hamilton, but Orhorhoro should carve out a regular rotational role and he has the ability to make an impact in a key area. - Paul Bretl
RB Chris Rodriguez
While Ruke Orhorhoro may have the biggest impact on Jacksonville's defense, the situation is not quite as clear on the offense. Tight end Nate Boerkircher will almost certainly be more important in the future, but for right now, running back Chris Rodriguez has the better chance to make a noticeable impact immediately.
The Jaguars lost their star running back, Travis Etienne, to free agency, and it will now fall on Rodriguez, along with sophomore backs Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen, to take his place. Who will be RB1 is up in the air, though it will almost certainly come down to Tuten or Rodriguez, but either way, Rodriguez will be taking significant snaps, and will therefore have a big impact on the offense.
Liam Coen coached Rodriguez at Kentucky, at which time Rodriguez was one of the most productive RBs in college football, and specifically praised his tough, physical style of play as what he wants to see more of in 2026 after signing him. It's clear Rodriguez will be playing a major role from Week 1, which gives him the opportunity to make an impact right away. - Casandra Chesser
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: 2 Jaguars additions who can make greatest impact on 2026 season
Continue reading...
