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[Jacksonville Jaguars]

Travis Hunter’s true position to impact future contracts

Photo by Logan Bowles/Getty Images

Snap counts and CBA wording could be the difference in millions for Travis Hunter down the line.

Is Travis Hunter a wide receiver or a cornerback? In a few years, his contract will tell us.

Since making possibly the biggest splash of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars have been working unicorn athlete Travis Hunter as mostly a wide receiver, after the former Heisman trophy winner famously played both receiver and cornerback at Colorado.

The Jags do still plan to play Hunter on both sides of the football, which is something ESPN NFL insider Dan Graziano analyzed when it comes to future contract details for Hunter.

At current, Hunter is making over $46.6 million on his rookie four-year deal with a fifth-year option. That salary is based on him being a somewhat “regular” football player, which everyone knows he is not.

So, Graziano dug into the nitty gritty of the NFL’s Collective Bargaining Agreement to see how Hunter’s two-way play will impact the Jaguars’ front office when his rookie deal runs up.

For starters, Hunter will benefit financially by playing both sides of the ball through the performance-based pay scale. Last season, NFL teams were given a little over $14 million to dish out for players based on a predetermined scale. The scale is determined…

“by (i) adding the player’s total plays on offense or defense, as appropriate, plus special teams and (ii) dividing that number by the total plays of the player on the team’s roster with the most combined plays on offense, defense and special teams for that Club.”

Graziano smartly points out that the language above uses “offense OR defense.” Since no one has really had a player like Hunter that is anticipated to play big-time snaps on both sides of the ball, there has never been a need to discuss the scale using “and” language, until now.

Hunter will reap the rewards of playing both sides, and any special teams if applicable, and will likely be compensated very well upon the close of his rookie year with a PBP payout based on his snap count. Graziano predicts that with the growing PBP pool combined with Hunter’s contract numbers, he could be in line for a payout of around $400,000 next year. A drop in the bucket for sure, but more than enough to keep gas in Hunter’s fishing boat for the offseason.

The next step the Jags will have to figure out with Hunter is a potential fifth-year option if they don’t negotiate a new contract beforehand. That option must be picked up upon the close of a player’s third year, so in May of 2028 for Hunter. This is also not to mention any potential franchise tag shenanigans the Jags could get in with Hunter.

If Hunter were to have his fifth-year option picked up last season, he would have stood to make over $3 million more if he were paid like a wide receiver, at almost $24 million.

The CBA does have language for this and Hunter will be optioned or tagged based on what position he plays the most snaps in, which at this point seems to be at receiver. Assuming wide receivers continue to get paid like they do, Hunter will benefit again from the CBA as he will almost certainly get the higher of the two deals based on the wide receiver market.

The final individualized step for Hunter to maximize his earnings is with wording in any potential new contract based on incentives.

The CBA does have very strong wording on this…

“Any player whose primary position is on offense cannot have an incentive bonus that depends on team performance on defense (or special teams), unless such player played in 15% or more of the Club’s defensive (or special teams) in the prior season (pro rating participation in the event of games missed due to injury). Any player whose primary position is on defense cannot have an incentive bonus that depends on team performance on offense (or special teams), unless such player played in 15% or more of the Club’s offensive (or special teams) plays in the prior season (pro rating participation in the event of games missed due to injury).”

Essentially, the world is Hunter’s (and his agent’s) oyster as to how he can word potential bonuses. Graziano said Hunter could lump offensive and defensive bonuses into one or they could try and keep things more individualized. The Jags will have to agree to this of course, but it doesn’t seem like this front office would shy away from shelling out an extra million or two if Hunter can produce at high levels both ways.

There really is no blueprint at all for this. The Jags and their rookie superstar are in as uncharted waters as ever. Maybe Hunter mainly just plays offense and no one ever has to worry. Maybe he will become the greatest two-way athlete to ever exist.

One thing is for sure: Travis Hunter will get paid, one way or another.

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/2025/...ters-true-position-to-impact-future-contracts

 

[Jacksonville Jaguars]

Report: Jaguars sign EDGE Dennis Gardeck, release RB Keilen Robinson

Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images

Update: Jacksonville also waived OL Cooper Hodges with a failed physical designation.

The Jacksonville Jaguars’ new regime is continuing to bolster the defensive line unit — a proposterus notion if you ask the former general manager. According to Jordan Schultz, outside linebacker Dennis Gardeck is heading to Duval County.

Sources: The #Jaguars are signing former #Cardinals OLB Dennis Gardeck, who has 17 career sacks — including 9 over the past two seasons.

A former undrafted free agent out of Sioux Falls, Gardeck spent 7 seasons in Arizona and now heads to Jacksonville. pic.twitter.com/Erjs5aFjgZ

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) June 4, 2025​

Gardeck, who will be 31 before Week 1, was undrafted out of Sioux Falls in 2018. He made the Arizona Cardinals’ roster by contributing on special teams, and he eventually contributed on defense after switching from inside to outside linebacker.

The Illinois native collected 17 sacks, 156 tackles (23 for a loss), and 7 pass deflections across seven seasons in the desert. Gardeck led the team in sacks last season before tearing his ACL (for a second time) in Week 7.

There may not be pluses for age, injury history, and draft pedigree in his profile, but Gardeck compensates for it by providing positional versatility and being an “intangibly rich” character — two trademark traits for Jacksonville’s new regime.

“Gardeck left his imprint with the Cardinals,” Darren Urban wrote for azcardinals.com.

Gardeck, like one-time teammate Haason Reddick, was a college pass rusher the Cardinals initially tried to make an inside linebacker. Like Reddick, they figured out Gardeck was better as a natural edge. He showed that again post-ACL by winning starting edge snaps for a third coach, after Jonathan Gannon was hired.

Even though he was limited in his defensive time, and ended up suffering a second ACL tear last season seven games into the season, Gardeck had 17 sacks in his seven-year Arizona stint, with 23 tackles for loss. He was a captain. He bonded with many in the building. He was ubiquitous in the community. He’d hit the strobe after taking down a quarterback, and won over the fanbase in the process.

In an assumingly corresponding move, the Jaguars released running back Keilan Robinson, according to Jeremy Fowler.

Th #Jaguars have released running back Keilan Robinson, per source. A fifth-round pick last year now set for waivers.

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) June 4, 2025​

The former Longhorn was selected in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft to be Jacksonville’s secondary return man behind Devin Duvernay. Unfortunately, Robinson played in just six games as a rookie due to a toe injury. He recorded 2 kick returns for 34 yards.

Update: The Jaguars waived offensive lineman Cooper Hodges, according to the team.

The Jacksonville Jaguars have signed LB Dennis Gardeck, the team announced today. Additionally, the team has waived OL Cooper Hodges with a failed physical designation.

— JaguarsPR (@JaguarsPR) June 4, 2025​

Hodges was drafted in the seventh round out of Appalachian State in 2023. He had a promising rookie minicamp (which included cartwheels) but missed his Year 1 campaign due to a dislocated kneecap. That unfortunate injury cost him the 2023 season, and he played 63 offensive snaps in 2024 before a lower leg injury placed him back on season-ending IR.

What are your thoughts on Jacksonville’s transactions? Let us know in the comments below!

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/2025/...is-gardeck-after-releasing-rb-keilen-robinson

 

[Jacksonville Jaguars]

2025 NFL Draft: 3 things to know about Bhayshul Tuten

Travis Register-Imagn Images

Get to know the Jaguars’ new additions from draft weekend with our ‘3 things to know’ series

With the 2025 NFL Draft in the books, it’s time to reflect on how the Jacksonville Jaguars fared. Did rookie GM James Gladstone deliver a masterclass, or has he just set the Jags back five years? Truth is, we probably won’t know that for some time. But we can get to know the newest members of the team a little bit better. In the flatest of our mini-series of deep dives, here are three things to know about Bhayshul Tuten, RB, Virginia Tech:

Journey to relevance​

Transfer Running Back Bhayshul Tuten Commits To Virginia Tech

Tuten had over 1,300 rushing yards for North Carolina A&T last season. That includes a 13-carrry, 113-yard performance against Duke.https://t.co/mtQVB60MG6 pic.twitter.com/JxlYU2PXUJ

— Tech Sideline (@TechSideline) January 14, 2023​

Bhayshul Tuten was selected 104th overall in April’s draft, a fitting reward for an impressive college career and a platform to begin a professional one. But the outlook for Tuten wasn’t always so optimistic. Despite an outstanding high school resume, he didn’t get the attention his performances deserved…

A star for Paulsboro High School in New Jersey, Tuten would become a multi-faceted weapon for the Red Raiders. Under the tutelage of legendary head coach Glenn Howard, he became one of the most productive running backs in the nation, finishing his career with 3,768 yards rushing and 77 touchdowns on 429 carries for an average of 8.8 yards per carry. Add to that his prowess as a receiver - 35 career receptions for 437 yards and seven touchdowns - and four touchdown returns on special teams, and you would think that Tuten would be in high demand as a recruit. Instead, he was deemed a zero-star recruit and received just one scholarship offer - from North Carolina A&T.

In two years with the Aggies, Tuten showed the whole of College Football what they had overlooked. After easing his way in as a freshman, Tuten went on to record 1,363 yards and 13 touchdowns on 208 carries in 2022 - the fifth-best single-season rushing performance in A&T history. He broke both the school and conference record for consecutive 100-yard games in a season, and earned All-Big South-first team and FCS third-team All-America honors.

Finally the FBS came calling. Tuten went to Blacksburg, Virginia and picked up where he left off in Greensboro, North Carolina - immediately becoming the starting running back for Virginia Tech. In two years with the Hokies, Tuten surpassed 2,000 rushing yards, added another 320 as a receiver, and amassed 29 touchdowns in total.

Any draft prospect who gets selected has earned it. But maybe, Bhayshul Tuten has earned it more than most.

Speed merchant​

He was the fastest RB at the NFL Combine.@HokiesFB RB Bhayshul Tuten is bringing his 4.32 speed to the @Jaguars ‍ pic.twitter.com/cdHOWFoVwW

— NFL (@NFL) April 26, 2025​

Running backs that average 8.8 yards per carry at high school, and 6.0 yards per carry in college, tend to be quick. But there’s quick, and then there’s Bhayshul Tuten, who has rockets strapped to his cleats…

Ever since high school, Tuten has been hard to catch. As well as his exploits on the gridiron, he was dominating on the track too - and as a senior ran the eighth-fastest 60-meter time in South Jersey history, crossing the line in 7.03 seconds. Despite showing that speed on a weekly basis at college, it wasn’t until the NFL combine where Tuten really burst into the draft conversation, the running back posting a blazing 4.32 second forty yard dash. That seemed to be the cherry on top of an exciting draft profile for Jaguars GM James Gladstone, who didn’t wait long on Day 3 to give Tuten the call he’d been working towards since he first put on pads.

That forty time was the fastest of any running back at this year’s combine - and Tuten ranked fifth of all attending prospects. If you felt the Jags’ backfield needed an injection of speed this offseason, it got it.

Fertile NFL roots​

Bhayshul Tuten played at Paulsboro HS in New Jersey. He's the 8th 0-star pick, so far in #NFLDraft2025 https://t.co/Wc5d35BbCY

— High School Football America (@HSFBamerica) April 26, 2025​

As mentioned earlier. Bhayshul Tuten hails from Paulsboro, New Jersey. A small town of approximately 6,000 inhabitants, Paulsboro is probably best known as the site of Fort Billingsport, the first federal land purchase by the United States. Or maybe well remembered for its role as a crucial location during the Revolutionary War. And for a select few locals, they may tell you that it was where the 2004 movie ‘Jersey Girl’ starring Ben Affleck, Jennifer Lopez and Liv Tyler was filmed. Yeah, that one passed me by too…

Despite it’s tiny size and relative anonymity, Paulsboro does appear to be very good at one thing - producing NFL talent. Before Tuten, no less than SEVEN professional football players were born and raised in the borough that sits on the bank of the Delaware River. It began with cornerback Kevin Ross, who from 1984 spent 14 years in the league, notably with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he went to two Pro Bowls. Next up was Willie Lee ‘Flipper’ Anderson, a wide receiver who spent time with the Rams, Colts and Redskins before winning a Super Bowl with the Denver Broncos in 1997 - his final year as a pro.

Since those two leading lights, running back Isaac Redman (Pittsburgh Steelers), safety Anthony Scirrorro (three teams), defensive end Alex Silvestri (who won a ring with the New England Patriots in 2011) and linebacker Gerald Hodges (five teams) have all graced the league at various points. Another, offensive tackle Julién Davenport, is still officially active but without a team, having just finished his eighth NFL season with the Atlanta Falcons last year.

Paulsboro is a production line of football talent. Bhayshul Tuten hopes to be the next from there to make his mark.

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/2025/6/6/24444263/3-things-to-know-about-bhayshul-tuten

 

[Jacksonville Jaguars]

Tweets of the week: Campbell and Lewis named top CB duo, reactions to Hunter, and more

Photo by Maya Dehlin Spach/WireImage

“Holy shit”

Happy Friday, Big Cat Country! Let’s look at some of this week’s Jacksonville Jaguars highlights, hype, and more from X/Twitter.

The Jaguars and EverBank Stadium celebrated the beginning of Pride Month:

Happy Pride Month, #DUUUVAL! pic.twitter.com/A3GPYQQI0z

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) June 1, 2025

Happy Pride Month! #DUUUVAL is for everyone ️‍ pic.twitter.com/wzCOuEqht1

— EverBank Stadium (@EverBankStadium) June 1, 2025

Go Jags:

pic.twitter.com/a3bHV7SUEX

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) June 3, 2025

Big Smoot’s reaction when the news broke of him coming back:

IM HOME #duval

— Dawuane Smoot (@Bigsmoot_94) June 3, 2025

Tom McManus’s prediction for Smoot’s return:

Smoot has got 5 sacks minimum written all over him. LFG.

— Tom McManus (@meathead55) June 4, 2025

The NFL highlighted Travis Hunter’s skill set:

WR, CB... and QB? @TravisHunterJr | @Jaguars pic.twitter.com/INW4kedkxp

— NFL (@NFL) June 2, 2025

Hunter was in the Madden 26 trailer:

Travis Hunter in the #Madden26 trailer pic.twitter.com/hk6k1hgrqa

— Jamal St. Cyr (@JStCyrTV) June 4, 2025

Pat McAfee and Chad Johnson reacted to Travis Hunter playing DB during OTAs:

Holy shit https://t.co/6Uxw4NFVi3

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) June 3, 2025

https://t.co/OqgdOKnzww pic.twitter.com/EyufFuX3z1

— Chad Johnson (@ochocinco) June 3, 2025

PFF named Tyson Campbell and Jourdan Lewis one of the best cornerback duos:

The best CB duos in football pic.twitter.com/popY4MSvUI

— PFF (@PFF) June 4, 2025

Lewis’s response:

https://t.co/9fQ4dJqFcf

— Jourdan Lewis (@JourdanJD) June 4, 2025

Jourdan Lewis and Eli Pancol changed their profile pictures:

#NewProfilePic pic.twitter.com/a7XVlmQSzj

— Jourdan Lewis (@JourdanJD) May 31, 2025

#NewProfilePic pic.twitter.com/wMWofR3chm

— Elijah (@elipancol) June 1, 2025

Liam Coen threw out the first pitch at Wednesday’s Jumbo Shrimp game:

Jaguars HC Liam Coen throws out the first pitch for tonight’s Jacksonville Jumboshrimp game! ️ pic.twitter.com/1bVYTAPt6z

— 1010 XL / 92.5 FM (@1010XL) June 4, 2025

Coach brought the #Duuuval pic.twitter.com/1OzjytFf8r

— Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (@JaxShrimp) June 4, 2025

Fred Johnson and Jalen McLeod celebrated birthdays:

Everybody scream "HAPPY BIRTHDAY FRED" @FISGlobal | #DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/0Zsp4gJLFA

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) June 5, 2025

Shoutout to the birthday boy! @FISGlobal | #DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/5rgabHqpz6

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) June 5, 2025

Tank Bigsby training:

Tank Bigsby (Jacksonville Jaguars ) Running Back Training pic.twitter.com/h4ZZjsqYsv

— Brad Lester (@BradLester1) May 31, 2025

Former Jaguar Leonard Fournette hosted a football camp in Louisiana:

“Are you rich?”

“I’m blessed.” @LSUfootball great @_fournette draws a big crowd at his football camp at Central High School.

Fournette tells the kids he is not retired. #LSU pic.twitter.com/bD3odjVe7H

— Jacques Doucet (@JacquesDoucet) June 3, 2025

NFL Network’s The Insiders:

A more comfortable Brian Thomas Jr. is in line for an evolved, diverse role in new #Jaguars offense + HC Liam Coen makes clear Travis Etienne trade rumors inaccurate & the RB is a key part of their 2025 plans.

More for @nflnetwork The Insiders: pic.twitter.com/wqwHRmyhV2

— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) June 3, 2025

Fun game of Jaguars offseason and training camp: Which side of ball will Travis Hunter practice on today?

Insight on Hunter continued development in OTAs for @nflnetwork The Insiders: pic.twitter.com/nAr5t6M8UA

— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) June 3, 2025

I hope you have a good weekend! Not following Big Cat Country on social media? You can find us on Twitter, Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, and Threads.

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/2025/...duo-reactions-to-hunter-ana-de-armas-and-more

 

[Jacksonville Jaguars]

Reacts Survey results: Jaguars fans grade the 2025 offseason

Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The results are in!

This week, we asked Jacksonville Jaguars fans to grade the team’s moves this offseason.

Nearly half of respondents gave an “A” grade, and almost 90% of respondents gave an “A” or “B”.

Jacksonville’s latest moves were a series of post-draft EDGE additions, first Emmanuel Ogbah in April, then Dawuane Smoot and Dennis Gardeck in the past seven days.

“You obviously want,” head coach Liam Coen explained at Thursday’s OTA, “Waves of maybe some different types of rushers at times.”

“There’s always going to be a learning curve and a physical growth curve that is going to need to occur [for younger guys]. But getting some of those guys that have established themselves in this league and played meaningful snaps, I think will just help us, maybe in times of crisis and just to maybe be a little bit more consistent in some ways, knowing that we’re pretty young as a team in general.”

According to FanDuel Sportsbook, the Jaguars have the 24th-lowest odds (+8000) to win Super Bowl LX in February 2026. They also had the 24th-lowest odds at the beginning of the offseason, but they were set at +11000 then.

Top comments from Wednesday’s post:

JaxCommenterGuy
Jags fans claim the offseason championship belt every season, so I imagine this year will be the same. Jags fans award points for "doing something", and we did a lot of something.
If we don't award points for, "different is better by default" then it's tough to grade.

• We fired a GM who was overconfident for no reason and hired a GM who is younger, less experienced and overconfident for no reason.
  We fired the coach who was an "offensive whiz" and won a superbowl and hired a coach who is a less experienced offensive whiz but has been an OC in 4 places (twice in college) in 4 years.
  We cut dudes who were good-not-great and with little-to-no financial benefit, and replaced them with different dudes who (so far) have been good-not-great.
  We entered the draft with a lot of draft capital and potential to upgrade at a lot of positions. We spent a lot of it on a dude who is going to "revolutionize the entire sport of modern football". Our first third round pick 'might' be a starting safety, but is currently more of a "capable backup at multiple positions"
  We didn't spend a 1st, 2nd or 3rd round pick on a running back! Which is great! But we did spend a 4th.

So overall we decided to fill the tank with optimism and blind hope. I'll give it a B-, if only because we are entering the summer of "no news" and I don't want to be unreasonably sad for the next two months.
mnkman322
I went with a C grade.
Firing Baalke is so bare minimum it should have been done at least a year before Shad drained to do so.
Trading that much draft capital for a player with Hunter's pre-draft production on paper is a negative especially considering our native pick was still in the top 5.
Actually adding edges behind JHA and Travon is another one of those so bare minimum that even the fans were vocal about it long before it happened, but for right now doing the low hanging bare minimum is a positive.
Don't think we added enough proven talent for all the talent we jettisoned by Gladstone's choice this offseason, and if we don't win at least 9 games this season (like we did in Pederson's first year) then I'll be an even bigger Gladstone skeptic next offseason.
Gripper
I'll give them a 'B' for being bold. Bold on hiring young GM/Head coach and bold for giving up draft capital (that has done nothing for the Jags in years) to get an unbelievable player.
Hopefully this boldness will add up to wins.
WillGMCC
granted the bar is extremely low, but I think the D line has the potential to take a leap forward. change in scheme, Armstead where he belongs, (hopefully) Mason Smith keeps that upward trajectory, JHA at his ideal weight, better edge rotation etc. it wouldn't shock me if that group was noticeably better.
GlobalJag
I gave it a B because of ...

• The youth, energy and aggressiveness of the new GM, HC and coordinators
  Perhaps our most dynamic receiver group ever
  A significantly upgraded O line
  Much improved (on paper) back end of the defense

acedarney
After years of neglecting the long term health of the OL, something had to be done, and it was. A draft pick in the first three rounds and free agents to avoid going into the draft with Fortner and Hodges penciled in as starters was the bare minimum. We should be drafting an OL in the first three rounds every year. I think we're better at receiver and secondary, and everywhere else is kind of treading water.
JaxCommenterGuy
We need some hype videos from camp and voluntary workouts to start popping up so we can give them an A.
ShatleydtheBed
B.
If Travis turns out to be the real deal, the defense fields a competitive unit and Liam gets Trevor to produce close to expectation, then easy bump to A. Love all the front office hires and the cohesive foundation we're building there. Breath of fresh air coming from snake Baalke. Lots to be excited about, but also lots to be skeptical of. Time will tell!
MalabarJag
I gave it a C. I would have given an "incomplete" if that were an option.
Baalke was a bad GM. Pederson was a decent HC, but his choice of assistants was his undoing. We don't know what the Jags have with the new coaching staff, the HC, OC, and DC have never coached at that level before. Likewise at GM. Changes needed to be made, and they were, so that's a plus. It could be great, or the Peter Principle on steroids.
I didn't like the trade up. Free agency was a "meh" and in retrospect I think the Jags could have signed the same players or equivalents a week later at about half the cap hits. As far as what the new GM has done so far I'd rate it as a D. I hope I'm wrong.
MCG679
I gave it a C.
Not a fan of the trade up for Hunter. With so many holes to fill seems reckless and downright stupid to give up so much draft capital for a guy who is built like a stick and was injury prone in college.
I mean he got broken ribs and a lacerated liver from a shoulder check. It wasn't some vicious hit. Add on to that he's had other injuries and the fact that Colorado wasn't exactly facing the best of the best at the collegiate level.
I don't think he's gonna be the phenom everyone thinks he's gonna be after a few real vicous hits and injuries.
Also lets not forget who's throwing him the ball. Hell everybody was thrilled silly last year that T-Flaw finally made the major step of not consistently throwing the ball to the other team. Laser focus ball placement to avoid his WRs taking vicious hits is still a little ways down the road.
Hope old man Sanders taught him the art of avoiding contact like he did during his NFL career.
Also is anyone really scared of the Rams being a consistently dominant force in the league ?
We MIGHT end up winning the AFC south at some point.
But it's not like it's some bruiser of a division.
Just have to hope for the best and wait and see.
This organization hasn't earned the right for me to believe any of the hope and promises they try to sell every year.
JaxSouthsider
B overall. Mix of two grades. Getting rid of Baalke is an A. The FA and draft moves: We will "C"​

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/2025/...vey-results-jaguars-fans-grade-2025-offseason

 

[Jacksonville Jaguars]

Jaguars OTAs Day 10: Brian Thomas Jr. pushing ‘to be the best’

Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Brian Thomas Jr. spoke at the podium after delivering a beastly performance during practice on Thursday.

The Jacksonville Jaguars continued their offseason Organized Team Activities (OTAs) on Thursday. Here are our takeaways from the practice field and ensuing media availability.

Press conference takeaways

Head coach Liam Coen addressed media for the first time since the team added Dennis Gardeck, Dawuane Smoot, and Trenton Irwin via free agency.

“Yeah, just a ton of respect for [Gardeck] competing against him two times a year in L.A. since 2018. Every time we would go play the Arizona Cardinals, he was on the game-wrecker board ... whether it was originally for special teams, and then also for rushing the passer and creating some disruption. It just gives us somebody a little bit different kind of style rusher, special teams demon. He was a captain in Arizona on special teams. He had three sacks in a game last year. Not sure how many people did that this past season, but he did and had an interception in the following game. So you’re just looking at continuing to find guys that can disrupt the game in a specific way, whether it’s in the DPR or on special teams.”

“[Smoot] obviously has roots in this area and has strong friendships with some of the guys on the team. And then when you talk to guys that maybe have not been in this building, Eric Ciano, our strength coach, was with him in Buffalo and he just said he was a tireless worker in the weight room, on the practice field, consistently going. You kind of had to pull him back at times, and that was something that continuing to get a little bit of veteran presence, guys that have played meaningful reps in this league that can give us some meaningful snaps hopefully and continue to create that competition we’re looking for.”

“Just the type of person that [Irwin] is that we’ve heard from Zac [Taylor] and those guys in Cincinnati. Just continuing to develop the roster, really. So far, he’s been a great guy to kind of get to know a little bit, and he’ll continue to learn the offense as we go here.”

Other than a thoughtful response to a question on Trevor Lawrence posted below, Coen didn’t have much else to share. He admitted, “I can’t really single any [rookie] out specifically that I think that’s like, ‘Wow, oh my goodness, this has been amazing,’” and he described his recent first pitch at the Jumbo Shrimp game as “A change-up right down the pipe. Might have gone 400 over the left center field for somebody else, but I think it was about what I was hunting up.”

“When you look at maybe the first few days of OTAs and really even phase two that we were out here on the grass, I think his footwork has drastically improved. The rhythm of playing the position in every system is different, right? The drop of a quarterback is very similar to a dance and so each song, right, has a different rhythm. Each play has a different rhythm. Each systems have different rhythms. And continuing to develop that for him so that, we talk about footwork so much because when the game is being played, we know it’s lived in the gray. But we’re trying to create black and white lines for footwork, for reads, for timing, because when the when the things start moving, oftentimes you have to revert back to your fundamentals, your footwork, your timing. And so, I think he’s taken a step in that area as well as just the overall operation. That’s what I’ve really looked for, for him in this time has been okay, really focusing on his lower half and his footwork and then also just running the show. Like, I’m not really judging does he make every single throw right now. Is every single ball perfectly accurate right now? Is he operating the offense at a high level? Yes, he is right now.”

Wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. also spoke at the podium. While he was his typical reserved self, he did express surefire confidence about his growth entering his second NFL season.

“I feel way better this year than I did last year. Just coming off a long rookie season, with the combine, draft, all that, just being able to have some off time, take care of my body and come back and be ready to go, I feel way better this season, for sure.”

Thomas Jr. also discussed his time spent with rookie wide receiver Travis Hunter.

“A fun dude. Super cool, super chill—I’m not going to say that one [laughs]. Super cool, super fun ... We compete in everything we do. We come out here each and every day, coming out here striving to be the best.”

“He’s been asking a lot of questions. But that’s just him trying to be the best he can be. Just talking through routes, talking through little things, plays, why we run these certain plays versus these certain looks. So just little things like that. He wants to be the best. We both want to be the best. We just come out and compete each and every day and whatever he needs help with, I’m glad to help him.”

“That’s one of my goals: to become a better leader and be there for my teammates when they need me. That’s super important for me.”

I find it noteworthy that Thomas Jr. mentioned free agent pickup Dyami Brown when he was asked about the idea of playing alongside Hunter.

“I’m super excited to have him and Dyami over there on the other side. They’re both going to play a big role in the offense. They’re both going to help us out and push us to go where we want to go. I’m super excited to have both those guys out there with me.”

That quote, paired with the one below (from general manager James Gladstone in March), suggests a significant role for Brown in 2025.

“I think it’s easy to look at Dyami’s career path and trajectory and know that he’s ascending, right? The way that he closed out last season was nothing short of impressive and we look for him to carry that into really his one-year contract with us. He took a bet on himself that a year from now, given the opportunity that he sees here with the Jacksonville Jaguars, he’s going to take another step and earn an even larger contract. What he provides just on a vertical plane and in run-after-catch scenarios is something that is extremely exciting, extremely alluring for our offensive staff and I think that he’ll be able to take another step to expand his game. We’ll see him come to life in the same ways that he did towards the end of the season with Washington this last season right off the bat while also expanding his role to fit what we’re intending on doing this this coming season.”

On-field takeaways

Thomas Jr. and Brenton Strange were the playmakers of the day; both had big catches over the middle of the field and multiple trips to the endzone (*Strange’s second score may have been out of bounds). BT looked especially smooth and reminded everyone in attendance who the Jaguars’ top pass-catcher is as he gathered a few big passes with no defenders nearby. Montaric Brown had a rough morning against Thomas Jr. (though he did have a great deflection against Strange to prevent a touchdown) and Tyson Campbell had a strong red zone deflection against Thomas Jr.

I only saw one Hunter reception — he suited up on offense today — but it was cool to see him being the first player to run to the endzone and celebrate with his teammate anytime the offense scored. Seventh-round running back LeQuint Allen and undrafted free agent Eli Pancol are two rookies who continue to stand out for how natural they look playing alongside NFL veterans.

An even lesser-known name who impressed at practice was Branson Combs, an undrafted free agent out of Wake Forest. He converted from wide receiver to linebacker a few years ago and it showed today. He had several good plays in coverage during 7-on-7 that were driven by quick processing and high effort.

De’Antre Prince intercepted Trevor Lawrence during 11-on-11 drills, and original team owner Wayne Weaver made an appearance. That’s all the notes I really have from what was a relatively slow practice at the Miller Electric Center as the Jaguars prepare for next week’s mandatory minicamp.

this is a form of art pic.twitter.com/lKjab8hghq

— Gus Logue (@gus_logue) June 5, 2025​

Is there anyone in particular you’re interested in hearing more about during summer practices? Let us know in the comments below!

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/2025/...aguars-ota-practice-observations-brian-thomas

 

[Jacksonville Jaguars]

Jacksonville Jaguars sign punter Logan Cooke to 4-year contract extension

The Pro Bowl punter is staying in Jacksonville through 2029.

The Jacksonville Jaguars signed punter Logan Cooke to a four-year contract extension, the team announced Monday.

We have signed P Logan Cooke to a four-year contract extension!#DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/EUGOQgsEst

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) June 9, 2025​

The Jaguars selected Cooke in the seventh round (247th overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft following his four-year career at Mississippi State. He holds franchise records for games played by a punter (112), career gross punting average (47.4 yards), and rate of punts placed inside the 20-yard line (41.8%).

Cooke’s 43.5 net punting average is the highest career mark in NFL history. His 47.4 gross punting average ranks sixth in NFL history. The Darbun, Miss. native earned Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro honors in 2024.

Punting
Season	Age	Team	Lg	Pos	G	GS	Pnt	Yds	Y/P	RetYds	NetYds	NY/P	Lng	TB	TB%	Pnt20	In20%	Blck	AV	Awards
2018	23	JAX	NFL	P	16	0	86	3872	45.0	184	3548	41.3	72	7	8.1	37	43.0	0	2
2019	24	JAX	NFL	P	16	0	75	3507	46.8	127	3340	44.5	66	2	2.7	25	33.3	0	3
2020	25	JAX	NFL	P	14	0	56	2669	47.7	148	2421	43.2	67	5	8.9	19	33.9	0	3
2021	26	JAX	NFL	P	15	0	64	3026	47.3	173	2833	44.3	68	1	1.6	28	43.8	0	3
2022	27	JAX	NFL	P	17	0	58	2862	49.3	203	2539	43.8	70	6	10.3	24	41.4	0	3
2023	28	JAX	NFL	P	17	0	61	2893	47.4	154	2659	43.6	65	4	6.6	29	47.5	0	2
2024	29	JAX	NFL	P	17	0	68	3359	49.4	251	3048	44.8	73	3	4.4	34	50.0	0	4	PB,AP-2
7 Yrs	112	0	468	22188	47.4	1240	20388	43.6	73	28	6.0	196	41.9	0	20
17 Game Avg	17	0	71	3368	47.4	188	3095	43.6	73	4	6.0	30	41.9	0	3

Punting Table

Provided by Pro-Football-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 6/10/2025.

According to Ian Rapoport, Cooke’s deal is worth $16 million ($4 million per season). He became the highest-paid punter in the league... until the Seattle Seahawks extended punter Michael Dickson on a four-year, $16.2 million deal less than 24 hours later.

What are your thoughts on Cooke’s contract, Jaguars fans? Let us know in the comments below!

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/2025/...e-jaguars-sign-logan-cooke-contract-extension

 

[Jacksonville Jaguars]

Jaguars 2025 state of the roster: Quarterbacks

Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

It is time to evaluate the most secure position group in Jacksonville: the quarterbacks.

Welcome back to the summer 2025 iteration of the Jacksonville Jaguars state of the roster.

As the entire NFL has seen in the past few weeks, the Jaguars are operating on a whole different level than the one people are used to. This is not the same old, same old under the previous regime(s).

Each week, we will take a detailed look at every Jags position group which have mostly all been retooled under the James Gladstone front office and Liam Coen coaching style.

The simplest group of them all is the quarterback room. There is one quarterback in Duval County that matters. And his name is Trevor Lawrence.

Trevor Lawrence

Contract: First year of a 5-year, $275,000,000 contract.

Age: 25 (26 in October).

Games Played: 60 games over 4 seasons.

Stats: 13,815 yards passing, 4th all-time in Jags history. 1-1 in playoffs. 89 passing TDs, 54 INTs.

Notes:

Everyone and anyone has an opinion on Trevor Lawrence. That is what happens when you are one of the best modern era college quarterbacks who gets drafted No. 1 overall and is billed as the next coming of Jesus on the football field (literally because of the hair and metaphorically because of his skills, of course).

Has Lawrence lived up to the unbelievable hype set in front of him? Not really. Are there 1,001 reasons why he hasn’t been given the infrastructure to succeed to the best of his abilities? Absolutely.

This season will be a huge year for Lawrence in the first year of his mega contract, and with a new team and staff around him. Currently, Lawrence is the fifth-highest-paid quarterback in the league, which you obviously will hear negativity on. But at the end of the day, it’s Trevor freaking Lawrence, man.

A key for Lawrence this year will be figuring out who is his safety blanket on third down situations without tight end Evan Engram. Engram and Lawrence clearly had a strong connection, like the one he had with Marvin Jones Jr. and with Christian Kirk. We know he wants Brian Thomas Jr. involved and there will be plenty of action for Travis Hunter, but there will need to be someone to step up to help Lawrence when things go awry.

This team has invested in the offensive line, has two starting caliber running backs along with a tool shed of running back weapons, a pair of number one receivers and an emerging tight end.

This season has the makings of where we will finally see Lawrence unlocked and playing to his full potential. And at the very least, the guy is only 25 years old. It isn’t like he has been in the NFL for 10 years yet. There are plenty of good things to come from our golden-haired god.

this is a form of art pic.twitter.com/lKjab8hghq

— Gus Logue (@gus_logue) June 5, 2025​

Nick Mullens

Contract: First year of a 2-year, $4,500,000 deal.

Age: 30 (31 in March).

Games Played: 33 across 7 seasons.

Stats: 6,429 career passing yards. 10 starts for 49ers in 2020. Career QBR of 88.3.

Notes:

Admittedly, I had to Google this one. In doing so, I learned that former Jaguars backup quarterback Mac Jones is ninth all-time in Jags passing yards. I really don’t know how to feel about that.

Anyway, Nick Mullens in the new QB2 in Jacksonville and he certainly isn’t a bad option. He has been in the league a decently long time and has had decent success. He has played for two excellent quarterback-friendly teams in San Francisco and Minnesota so maybe he has a thing or two to teach Lawrence that could help unlock some random part of his game.

Mullens is likely an improvement over Jones if he is ever needed. He boasts an 88.3 career quarterback rating and completes passes at almost 66%.

He is a solid pickup. As with any backup quarterback, though, let’s hope we only see him kneeling out games.

John Wolford

Contract: 1 year, $1,170,00 deal.

Age: 29 (30 in October).

Games Played: 7

Stats:

Notes:

John Wolford is also on this team! He played for Jacksonville high school Bishop Kenny, then the Rams for a few years as a career backup, and is now the third-stringer back where he got his football start. Wolford too played for a very quarterback-friendly organization in Los Angeles and learned under both Sean McVay and Matthew Stafford. He was even a backup for Coen in Tampa Bay this past season.

Wolford’s biggest strength for this team is that dude is extremely bright. If you have never read his own op-eds on daily prep, I would extremely encourage it.

Here is one with the Athletic, and one on his own. The guy clearly knows at least how to be an NFL quarterback.

If Wolford is in the game for Jacksonville this season, though, we are likely in trouble. Here’s to hoping we don’t ever have to cross that bridge. Wolford is a Super Bowl champion, so the Jags can say they have a Super Bowl-winning quarterback. That’s fun!

John Wolford played with Liam Coen in Tampa and LA. Now in Jacksonville.

“There’s something that’s hard to pinpoint and describe about a playcaller that gets in a rhythm and he gets in a rhythm a lot.” -John Wolford on Liam Coen #DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/9D0uyeYZnU

— Jamal St. Cyr (@JStCyrTV) May 27, 2025​

Seth Henigan

Contract: 3 years, $2,985,000.

Age: 22 (23 in March).

Games Played: N/A

Stats: 104 touchdown passes to 34 interceptions. 34-16 record at Memphis.

Notes:

The Jags picked up Seth Henigan as a UDFA out of Memphis. In 2021, Henigan actually became the first true freshman at Memphis to start a season opener, and through 50 games, he amassed over 14,000 yards passing. He is the all-time touchdown leader at Memphis and threw touchdowns in 41 straight games at one point. The kid can play football, and he very well might do it in Jacksonville as the third stringer.

He will battle it out with Wolford for that final roster spot and he might just win it. He is younger and a raw talent. Jon Gruden really likes him, and Coen, in his own words, has grown to really like Hennigan.

He was never a big recruit, did a lot of good at a smaller notable school, and went undrafted. This is a guy who will fight for his right to be on an NFL roster and he might just make it after all.

What are your thoughts on the QB position entering 2025? Let us know in the comments below!

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/2025/6/9/24445683/jacksonville-jaguars-2025-roster-review-quarterbacks

 

[Jacksonville Jaguars]

Brian Thomas Jr. leaves field after hard fall, reported ‘fine’ after further evaluation

Photo by Logan Bowles/Getty Images

The Jaguars’ young star avoided a scary situation after taking a hard fall and leaving the practice field on Wednesday.

The Jaguars kicked off their second minicamp practice on Wednesday with the rest of the NFL. Unfortunately it did not come without a bit of an injury scare involving second-year standout Brian Thomas Jr.

Per multiple reports, last year’s first-round pick was seen experiencing a hard fall following a catch on the field. From those in attendance, it looked as if Thomas Jr. may have injured his shoulder with the way they helped him into the locker room.

Brian Thomas Jr. OK after injury scare at minicamp. https://t.co/zEYwyu30yP

— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) June 11, 2025​

However, following the team’s session, head coach Liam Coen was quick to let reporters know that their star receiver was in fact “fine” and that he was withheld from returning to the field out of an abundance of caution. Seeing just how early it is in the offseason, this was certainly the right call to make and I think most of us would have been shocked to see him back out there with his pads on.

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/2025/6/11/24447515/jaguars-brian-thomas-jr-liam-coen-injury

 

[Jacksonville Jaguars]

Jaguars Reacts Survey: What is Jacksonville’s best position group?

Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Let’s review the Jaguars’ roster strengths entering 2025.

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Jacksonville Jaguars fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

Jaguars fans — Which position group do you have the most confidence in entering 2025?

My pick would be the wide receiver group. Brian Thomas Jr. is perhaps the team’s best player, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if Travis Hunter takes that title sooner rather than later.

There’s unquestioned star power at the top of the unit — and don’t forget about projected No. 3 receiver Dyami Brown, who impressed at Jacksonville’s OTA practices.

“I’m super excited to have [Hunter] and Dyami over there on the other side,” Thomas Jr. said last week. “They’re both going to play a big role in the offense. They’re both going to help us out and push us to go where we want to go. I’m super excited to have both those guys out there with me.”

If you’re more confident in a different group, let us know which one in the comments below!

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/2025/6/11/24446887/jaguars-reacts-survey-best-position-group-2025

 

[Jacksonville Jaguars]

Jaguars Mandatory Minicamp wrap-up: Hunter plays both ways in final minicamp practice

Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen and QB Trevor Lawrence both spoke with the media following the conclusion of 2025 Mandatory Minicamp. Here are a few takeaways from the final practice and their combined media availability before July/August’s Training Camp.

On Thursday, the Jacksonville Jaguars wrapped up their inaugural Mandatory Minicamp under Liam Coen and James Gladstone. A shorter practice than Wednesday’s public defensive dominance, Thursday featured a rebound of the offense as multiple Anthony Campanile curse words floated throughout the Miller Electric practice fields. Here are our takeaways wrapping up 2025 Mandatory Minicamp.

Full media availability:

Observations from Mandatory Minicamp Day 3:

BTJ back in action

Today’s practice kicked off markedly different from Wednesday’s highly competitive affair, with a little more 7-on-7 and a larger focus on special teams in the early periods. However, an easy early takeaway from practice was the visual confirmation that receiver Brian Thomas Jr.’s Wednesday tumble was truly a minor thing, with him corralling multiple 15+ yard catches in the early 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 periods.

Brian Thomas on the field practicing today after a little bit of an injury scare yesterday. pic.twitter.com/oNpQyxz3ch

— Jamal St. Cyr (@JStCyrTV) June 12, 2025​

All eyes on Hunter

In your non-Brian Thomas Jr news, the Jaguars have finally given fans and media what they have been clamoring for: Travis Hunter playing on both sides of the ball within the same practice. Not only did Hunter start the day off on offense before later lining up on defense, but they also did it in style, sending him inside to change out of the offensive teal and into white (instead of just throwing a penny jersey over his teal outfit). The team is leaning into the gravity/aura that is Travis Hunter, as I’m sure fans are here for it.

#Jaguars 11-on-11

WR/CB Travis Hunter is now practicing on defense. Switched jerseys mid-practice and on his first snap had tight coverage on WR Dorian Singer.

After checking the route, Seth Henigan wisely goes elsewhere

— . ℍ (@TravisDHolmes) June 12, 2025​

Coach Coen, when asked after practice, discussed the decision to finally unveil Hunter in his dual-role capacity and advised this was a natural part of Hunter’s progression:

“That’s definitely what we have to build towards for training camp, and then obviously in season, knowing that during practice, he’s going to have to do both. He wants to do it. It’s not as if it’s something he can’t handle. He wants to go and do that more. He wants more, and that’s a good thing. But ultimately, we also have to protect him from himself at times as well, and make sure we get out of this phase healthy, but that is absolutely the plan moving forward.”

In today’s practice, Hunter secured 3 catches in the teams period, with most of them being the catch-and-run variety. On defense, his receiver was only targeted once, with him playing zone on the short catch and making the immediate stop. Overall, it was a sharp day for the rookie WR/CB with no noticeable errors or opportunities. Throughout this offseason, much ado has been made about players’ weights and the change in the teams’ weight training processes. Per Coen, Hunter is towards the top of the team in his physical growth this offseason.

“I think he’s physically grown. You looked at, we had the weight room goals and accomplishments that we had this spring, and he was up there with some of the guys who have put on the most muscle mass since getting here this spring. So, I think I’ve seen a little bit of physical growth, specifically in his upper half, and also just, it’s a lot of volume, man. It’s a lot of volume. This is not an offense specifically that you just go out, line up and play. There’s a lot of shifts and motions and two play calls, sometimes three play calls. So, it is a lot, and then him having to obviously do defense as well. You see the type of guy that he is. He’s in here early, he stays late, and wants to work. He loves the game. The growth will continue. I think we’ll see a little bit more of a jump once we get into training camp as well.”

The last widely recognized “Ironman” player in the NFL (someone who plays significant, starter-level snaps on both offense and defense) was Chuck Bednarik of the 1950s Philadelphia Eagles. If Hunter were to play real, substantive, rotational offensive and defensive snaps for the Jaguars, it would be truly historic — likely the first serious Ironman role in the NFL in over 60 years.

The initial learning and growth phase of the offseason is complete. Short-term goals met. Enjoy your time on the lake (or river), Travis.

#Jaguars WR/CB Travis Hunter getting his vacation time started off right. Take a guess where he will be spending his month off pic.twitter.com/n9WLbLyxdW

— . ℍ (@TravisDHolmes) June 12, 2025​

Don’t call it a comeback

For the rest of the Jaguars’ offense, Thursday was a much cleaner day with a more balanced showing from the offense after Wednesday’s defensive shellacking. Coen stated similar after practice:

“I thought it was just less balls on the ground in general, less procedures, less flags thrown on the ground today from our lovely referees that came from the NFL. That was great. Once those refs come, NFL guys come, it’s real. They’re throwing the real flags. It was great having those guys in the building and hearing their reasons why, so that definitely helped clean it up a little bit. Specifically offensively, I felt like it was just a better overall day. We wanted to leave here with good momentum and confidence that these guys can go and have and take through the offseason program.”

However, with Rookie Minicamp, OTAs, and Minicamp in the books, Coen noted that the next goal for the team is resting up, but also making sure they are prepared in the coming weeks to hit the ground running for Training Camp (both physically and mentally):

“The work doesn’t stop. Go enjoy family and get away from it a little bit, but we’ve got a lot of work to do this summer. We’ve got to come back in the best possible physical shape that we can be in coming into training camp, not use training camp to get in shape. That’s got to be something that we’re hitting the ground running and able to just go once we get in here. And they’ve got a lot of studying to do. They’ve got a lot of material to continue to cover, so that again, we’re not starting back at square one when we come back in training camp. We will, in fact, go back to install one, but install one may be a little heavier than install one this spring. So, ultimately, they’ve got some work to do this summer, and that was the message.”

Trevor Lawrence: Fashion sleeve or nah?

After QB Trevor Lawrence’s productive Thursday practice, he was asked about the use of his compression sleeve on his throwing shoulder over the past practices, which Coach Coen previously advised was precautionary due to general soreness. Lawrence provided his perspective on the fashion choice to the media:

“You have to think about I hadn’t thrown before OTAs since December, so it was about four months of not throwing. I don’t know the last time, I couldn’t tell you the last time I didn’t throw for four months. I guess four years ago, when I got surgery. I think just going from that to, I started throwing a couple of weeks before we started the offseason program, but then we jumped into practice and heavy volume. I think just over time, obviously, you have to adjust and get in shape for that, so just a little bit of soreness. The compression helps just relieve some of that, but that’s all it is so nothing I’m concerned about.”

Both Lawrence and Coen touched on Trevor’s seemingly immediate chemistry with WR Dyami Brown this offseason, with Trevor raving about Brown’s speed, ability to take the top off the defense, but also his football IQ:

“He’s a really smart football player. He’s picked up the system really quickly. He’s always in the right spot. I think that’s something about him, I don’t know if you guys watched plenty of practices, he’s gotten the ball a lot because it seems like he’s always in the right spot. He always has a feel for the zone, like where to sit, where to throttle, kind of those voids. I just think he’s really smart and I’m really excited about adding him to the offense, to the weapons that we already have.”

Coen, in his availability, also raved when discussing Dyami’s skill set and his ability to be more than what folks have seen from him to date:

“I think when you watched him last year and you saw a little bit more of a ball in hand/deep threat. You didn’t really see him work the intermediate that much, and I think over the course of this spring, Trevor and him have gained a little bit of a chemistry on some of those intermediate in- breakers, curls, maybe out-cuts, I just think that they have a little bit of chemistry in that that was part of the selling point to have him come here was, man, we really want to continue to diversify your route tree and have you do more. You’re not just a screen, jet sweep, vertical threat. We want to continue to diversify his route tree, and I think that those two have built a little bit of chemistry out here.”

Secondary competition updates

CB Jarrian Jones continues to put together a solid offseason resume, with an extremely nice pass breakup on a deep in-breaking route from Dyami Brown. CB Deantre Prince, not to be outdone, followed that play up with a great play on the ball from Nick Mullens, nearly pulling in the interception on the sideline throw to WR Trenton Irwin. It wasn’t only the cornerbacks to get in on the action, however. In addition to the solid secondary play by Jarrian and Deantre, rookie linebacker Jack Kiser also showed off his Senior Bowl defensive back coverage skills, securing a nice pass breakup in the teams period.

Clutch Cam (Little)

Cam “The Cannon” Little went five-of-five on field goals on Thursday during the teams period, with a long of around 57 yards. Coen wrapped up his presser, discussing the sophomore kicker out of the University of Arkansas.

“He’s a stud. You should see him hit a golf ball; it’s the same that you see out here. He’s explosive. The ball jumps off of his foot. He’s got multiple different kicks in his repertoire in the kickoff game as well, which obviously we know with the new rule changes will be really imperative for us to be able to take advantage of some of those rules with the different types of kicks and styles of play. He’s been great. Been really consistent, and he’s really fun to be around.”

That’s it from us until late July/early August’s Training Camp dates are announced! Who are you most looking forward to seeing in pads? Who’s your favorite underdog fighting for a roster spot? Let us know in the comments!

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/2025/...unter-plays-both-ways-final-minicamp-practice

 

[Jacksonville Jaguars]

Tweets of the week: Reactions to Cooke’s contract extension, Jaguars Media Day, and more

Photo by Courtney Culbreath/Getty Images

A roundup of Jaguars highlights, hype, and more

Happy Friday, Big Cat Country! Let’s look at some of this week’s Jacksonville Jaguars highlights, hype, and more from X/Twitter.

Brian Baldinger made an appearance at practice:

@Jaguars good morning in #duval #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/ga8yssm5OM

— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) June 11, 2025

The NFL highlighted Hunter:

Travis Hunter is having fun with the process @TravisHunterJr | @Jaguars pic.twitter.com/BK6hpUo8yL

— NFL (@NFL) June 11, 2025

The Insiders on NFL Network talked about the Travis Hunter buzz:

From The Insiders on @NFLNetwork: The buzz is real for the #Jaguars and WR/CB Travis Hunter... though his rookie contract may be among the last signed. pic.twitter.com/KuW5fyDq4W

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 11, 2025

Jarrian Jones reacted to him being hurdled on the new Madden cover:

Jarrian Jones reacts to Madden cover.

"S*** was kinda hard." pic.twitter.com/BONXf9oiTy

— Jamal St. Cyr (@JStCyrTV) June 10, 2025

NFL UK and Ireland and the Jaguars shared some big cat energy from media day:

Big cat energy from the @Jaguars pic.twitter.com/zCjDk440rf

— NFL UK & Ireland (@NFLUKIRE) June 10, 2025

Had to give y’all a sneak peek #DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/Twk96E6BZS

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) June 9, 2025

The NFL and Daniel Thomas commented on Logan Cooke’s contract extension:

.@LoganCooke2 is the highest-paid punter in the league for a reason @Jaguars pic.twitter.com/pBB6xG8FGp

— NFL (@NFL) June 9, 2025

Best in the League congrats brother https://t.co/DCgcvht7C5

— daniel thomas (@gamechanger021) June 9, 2025

EverBank Stadium spoke about Touchdowns for Tomorrow:

Every @jaguars TD means more students gain access to financial education. Over 10,000 students have been impacted in the classroom & on the field through @EverBank's Touchdowns for Tomorrow! pic.twitter.com/rT0fVqNbiz

— EverBank Stadium (@EverBankStadium) June 9, 2025

LeQuint Allen Jr.’s 64 receptions on 83 targets was the most of any running back draft pick:

LeQuint Allen, @Jaguars RB - The 7th round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft had 64 receptions on 83 targets in 2024 at @CuseFootball - the most of any 2025 RB Draft pick (Per ESPN) #DUUUVAL #Jags #Jaguars #jacksonville #NFL #NFLUK #NFLDraft #NFLPicks #NFL2025 pic.twitter.com/zQMzws574h

— Pro Football Hall of Fame Ambassador (@PFHOFAmbassador) June 8, 2025

Tank Bigsby made The 33rd Team’s list of speed demons:

Speed demons pic.twitter.com/XLMLvc7gnh

— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) June 8, 2025

Brian Thomas Jr. highlights:

Brian Thomas pic.twitter.com/Uvph8bv0aW

— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) June 7, 2025

Jonah Monheim celebrated a birthday:

HBD, 60 @FISGlobal | #DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/EZiHL4JcUt

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) June 7, 2025

Details on the Jaguars trade with the Cleveland Browns that resulted in drafting Travis Hunter:

Jaguars & Browns GMs James Gladstone and Andrew Berry kept the big Travis Hunter trade a secret for weeks leading up to the draft.

"Andrew, I think we're in luck because nobody really actually has my number" pic.twitter.com/WKr9bndHYq

— NFL on CBS (@NFLonCBS) June 6, 2025

Coach Coen was a guest on the Pat McAfee Show:

"Trevor Lawrence has been working his tail off..

We've gotta improve the run game to help create a little more balance" ~ @LiamCoen #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/i2WEPHuJOL

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) June 12, 2025

"Trevor Lawrence has shown that he has it..

He's mentally and physically tough..

It's ultimately just about him going out there and playing free" ~ @LiamCoen #PMSLive https://t.co/UX3IhVugLn pic.twitter.com/ejE64gjdSY

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) June 12, 2025

I hope you have a good weekend! Not following Big Cat Country on social media? You can find us on Twitter, Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, and Threads.

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/2025/...contract-extension-jaguars-media-day-and-more

 

[Jacksonville Jaguars]

Reacts Survey results: Fans weigh in on Jaguars’ top position group

Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The results are in!

This week, we asked Jacksonville Jaguars fans which position group they have the most confidence in entering the 2025 NFL season.

Nearly half of the respondents voted for wide receiver.

According to FanDuel Sportsbook, Brian Thomas Jr. has the seventh-lowest odds (+1400) to lead the NFL in recieving yards after finishing third in the category as a rookie in 2024. The Jaguars’ receiver room also includes No. 2 overall pick Travis Hunter, free agent addee Dyami Brown, and slot/return man Parker Washington. If any/all of those players exceeds expecations in 2025, the Jaguars may have the best wideout unit in the NFL.

One of the biggest training camp storylines figures to be the battle at the bottom of that unit. Undrafted rookies Eli Pancol, Dorian Singer, and Cam Camper flashed in OTAs, Josh Cephus and Austin Trammell are still around, and the team recently added former Bengal Trenton Irwin.

“Josh Cephus has done some good things over the course of the offseason program,” head coach Liam Coen said after Day 4 of OTAs. “[Cam] Camper has shown up in a way. He made a big play today, obviously on the touchdown.”

“That whole group is, I don’t want to say swimming, but at times they’re going to be. There’s so much when these guys come in post-draft, especially later on, in an install of a whole new system. Our vets and these guys have been in an offense for let’s call it a month and a half, and now these guys get put into it right in the middle of an install. So, it’s really hard to judge some of that, but I think they’ve done a nice job of trying to handle it in the heat, with the elements, doing a lot of running. So, we’ll see how those guys end up competing in training camp.”

Top comments from Wednesday’s post:

Favorite585
Linebacker is probably our strongest position group, but I picked Defensive Line strictly because I love the additions post-draft to round out the edge. I personally would say Running Back is one of our strongest as well (ahead of the QB and WR room) - 2 - 1000 yard rushers, with 2 rookies that were highly productive in college and wowed in some way at the combine (1 with the speed, the other with hands).
JaxSouthsider
Anyone who doesn't say ST is lying
DHarm
It is probably WR, maybe the DL, but this might actually be the wrong question...It should be - What is our worst position group?
DHarm
It is probably WR, maybe the DL, but this might actually be the wrong question...It should be - What is our worst position group?
sgillespie00
Why isn't secondary or tight end listed there?​

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/2025/...rvey-results-jaguars-best-position-group-2025

 

[Jacksonville Jaguars]

Jacksonville Jaguars 2025 breakout candidates: DT Maason Smith

Photo by Logan Bowles/Getty Images

Despite a slow burn, Maason Smith started to flash for the Jaguars down the stretch of his rookie season. Could he be in line for a breakout in 2025?

If the Jacksonville Jaguars are to make any sort of noise in 2025, they will need a handful of players to take a step forward in their development.

One name that has begun to heat up in OTAs as a potential breakout candidate is second-year defensive tackle Maason Smith.

Reacts Survey results: #Jaguars fans are Maason Smith believers (via ⁦@gus_logue⁩) https://t.co/VAZix7bWEi

— Big Cat Country (@BigCatCountry) June 1, 2025​

The former LSU star started to flash his skill down the stretch of his rookie campaign as he racked up 3 sacks and 3 tackles for a loss in the last seven games in which he was active for the Jaguars last season. However, that breakout trajectory wasn’t so clear early on.

After being selected with a top 50 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, many assumed (understandably) that Smith would be a prominent piece to the defensive line rotation last season. Unfortunately, that ended up being far from the truth, as he was a designated healthy scratch in a handful of games for reasons that nobody ever quite figured out.

Rumblings of a power struggle between the former general manager and head coach might have had some validity, but now that team owner Shad Khan has finally cleaned house, it’s allowed Smith the freedom to play his brand of football as he is looking to showcase his ability for this new regime.

Maason Smith says the new defensive scheme allows him to play more freely. pic.twitter.com/QdkoOdCsQJ

— Jamal St. Cyr (@JStCyrTV) May 27, 2025​

What are your expectations for Smith in 2025, Jaguars fans? Let us know in the comments!

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/2025/6/17/24446866/jaguars-2025-breakout-candidates-maason-smith

 

[Jacksonville Jaguars]

Jaguars 2025 Training Camp and Dolphins Joint Practice Dates Announced!

Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The National Football League on Wednesday announced the Jaguars’ 2025 training camp reporting dates, in addition to the Jaguars’ and Miami Dolphins’ preseason joint practice start date.

The NFL on Tuesday confirmed the Jacksonville Jaguars are currently scheduled to kick off their 2025 Training Camp on Saturday, July 19th, with their rookie class set to report at that time. However, the Jacksonville veteran players must report on Tuesday, July 22nd.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS ️
Jaguars Training camp dates:
Rookies report July 19
Veterans report July 22
Joint Practices will be held with the Miami Dolphins in Miami starting 8/21 ahead of final preseason game on 8/23.@ActionSportsJax

— Alivia Tassely (@AliviaASJax) June 18, 2025​

Additionally, the Jaguars’ preseason week three opponent, the Miami Dolphins’ Joint Practice date, has also been confirmed and will take place in Miami Gardens, Florida. The team’s first practice session will take place on Thursday, August 21st, per the league press release.

Based on prior seasons and Organized Training Activities, Jaguars fans should expect to be welcomed back for a third consecutive training camp at the beautiful Miller Electric Center (MEC) practice facilities over the coming weeks. However, at the time of this report, no details have been released on which exact dates the public will be allowed to view this summer. It is currently unknown if the Joint Practices in Miami will be open to the public. We will provide an update with additional Training Camp and joint practice details, once released by the team.

Media and fans, will finally be able to evaluate this new Jacksonville Jaguars roster in pads - moving us one step closer to real football! Which Training Camp battle(s) are you most excited to see, Duval? Let us know in the comments!

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/2025/...-training-camp-joint-practice-dates-announced

 

[Jacksonville Jaguars]

Jaguars Reacts Survey: What is Jacksonville’s most concerning position?

Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Let’s review the Jaguars’ roster weaknesses entering 2025.

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Jacksonville Jaguars fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

Jaguars fans — Which position group do you have the least confidence in entering 2025?

My pick would be the safety unit, which PFF graded as the weakest across the entire league last season.

Jacksonville carried the league’s lowest-graded safety unit in 2024 and lost arguably the best player, Andre Cisco, from that group via free agency. Darnell Savage and Antonio Johnson remain as options, though both graded poorly last season. Veteran Eric Murray was brought in from Houston, but he hasn’t graded above 65.1 in any of the past six seasons. The team may view third-round pick Caleb Ransaw as a potential future starter, but he played mostly in the slot at Tulane.

Ransaw is indeed expected to play safety for the Jaguars after aligning as a cornerback in college. He’ll need a strong rookie campaign to lift this group into “average” territory.

If you’re less confident in a different group, let us know which one in the comments below!

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/2025/6/18/24450370/jaguars-reacts-survey-most-concerning-position-2025

 

[Jacksonville Jaguars]

Tweets of the week: PFF names BTJ the highest-graded wide receiver on post routes in 2024 and more

Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images

“If you still litter in 2025 you weird af”

Happy Friday, Big Cat Country! Let’s look at some of this week’s Jacksonville Jaguars highlights, hype, and more from X/Twitter.

The Jaguars celebrated Juneteenth and the best mascot in the league on National Mascot Day:

Today we celebrate Juneteenth, a day that marks the emancipation of enslaved Black Americans pic.twitter.com/iXGJYolnTT

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) June 19, 2025

Happy National Mascot Day to the best in the game, @JaxsonDeVille pic.twitter.com/87dJGbt4V7

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) June 17, 2025

Travis Hunter made an appearance at Dicks:

Travis Hunter at @DICKS with @HeyDudeShoes for a signing and a “Dude-Val Day” - sporting the @AEW gear too for @TonyKhan @ActionSportsJax pic.twitter.com/BEKLeauyNM

— Brent Martineau (@BrentASJax) June 18, 2025

Pete Prisco ranked Brian Thomas Jr. at 44 on his list of top 100 NFL players:

"By this time next year, we're going to be talking about Brian Thomas Jr. in the same class as Ja'marr Chase and Justin Jefferson."@PriscoCBS ranks Brian Thomas Jr. at No. 44 in his Top 100 NFL Players. pic.twitter.com/03kDj80PN5

— NFL on CBS (@NFLonCBS) June 18, 2025

His thoughts on BTJ:

Brian Thomas Jr. isn’t getting the attention he deserves right now. He’s bigger, stronger and better than a year ago. He will be in the elite conversation this year with the best of the best. Bank on it

— Pete Prisco (@PriscoCBS) June 13, 2025

BTJ was named the highest-graded wide receiver on post routes during 2024 by PFF:

The highest-graded WR on post routes in 2024:

Brian Thomas Jr pic.twitter.com/3CWKbITbQk

— PFF (@PFF) June 17, 2025

Travon Walker hosted his third annual youth football camp in his hometown of Thomaston, Georgia:

Restoring his roots Travon Walker recently returned to his hometown of Thomaston, GA, to host his 3rd annual youth football camp! pic.twitter.com/HcZun8hMBE

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) June 18, 2025

Chad and Alyssa Muma held their third yearly Muma Movement Camp to empower youth with Type 1 Diabetes:

Chad and Alyssa Muma recently hosted their 3rd annual Muma Movement Camp, empowering the next generation with Type 1 Diabetes to believe that anything is possible, and their condition does not limit their abilities pic.twitter.com/JgOG8kkiVz

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) June 14, 2025

Josh Hines-Allen shared pictures and his thoughts on being left off a list of top-ten players from his draft class:

Just for the fun it! pic.twitter.com/tdSFQdpVTk

— Joshua Hines-Allen (@JoshHinesAllen) June 17, 2025

Not making the Top Ten from my draft class is wild to me. I’ve never been handed anything, always had to earn every inch and still get misunderstood. But that’s alright. Let’s keep proving people wrong, just like always.

— Joshua Hines-Allen (@JoshHinesAllen) June 19, 2025

The Jaguars’ rookies went on a bonding fishing trip:

Bonding beyond the game at our 8th annual rookie fishing trip @RealSaltLife | #DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/MgQRWFpp9S

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) June 13, 2025

The team hosted nonprofit Kut Different:

Today we hosted Kut Different, a nonprofit dedicated to school & community-based male mentorship and youth development #DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/K8Z62iRdbC

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) June 19, 2025

Jamal Agnew shared his opinion on people littering:

If you still litter in 2025 you weird af

— Mal (@jamalagnew) June 19, 2025

Football’s Greatest Moments shared a throwback of Leonard Fournette’s Jaguars highlights:

Jaguars Leonard Fournette pic.twitter.com/biItnSf9vr

— Football’s Greatest Moments (@FBGreatMoments) June 12, 2025

I hope you have a good weekend! Not following Big Cat Country on social media? You can find us on Twitter, Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, and Threads.

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/2025/...d-wide-receiver-on-post-routes-in-24-and-more

 

[Jacksonville Jaguars]

Jaguars 2025 state of the roster: Running backs

Travis Register-Imagn Images

The Jaguars have a wealth of talent in the running back room and all four can contribute right away.

For the second installment of the state of the roster overview, we turn our attention to the Jacksonville Jaguars' running backs.

After examining the least controversial position group on the team, the quarterbacks, we now take a dive into the stable of running backs this Jags team possesses behind those aforementioned signal callers. Two returners will be the featured pairing, with two rookies right behind them looking to enhance the offense and special teams in a number of ways.

Much akin to the quarterback grouping, this position group isn’t likely to change, especially after the departure of Keilan Robinson after just one season. Even with the emergence of Tank Bigsby in Year 2, though, assumedly the Jags will start the season with Travis Etienne Jr. as the team’s feature back.

Travis Etienne Jr.

Contract: 4th year of a 4-year, $12,898,105 contract. Post June 1 designations: Dead Cap of $6,143,000 if released. Owed $0 is traded. 25th highest paid running back.

Age: 26 (27 in January).

Games Played: 49 games over 4 seasons (Missed entire rookie year).

Stats: 2,691 career rushing yards, 18 rushing TDs. 1,046 receiving yards, 1 TD.

Notes:

After a down year last season, Etienne enters 2025-26 in an awkward spot. He isn’t owed any money after this season, and it will be up to Etienne to alter that. Etienne’s in-between status could potentially mean more carries for Bigsby, who emerged as a solid back in his second year after a disastrous rookie season. But with no draft day trades of Etienne, it looks like the Jags will let him ride out his fifth year in a bit of a prove-it scenario.

Head coach Liam Coen has said that Etienne has “done a great job” so far in practice and has had Etienne running with the first team. It’s hard to tell how much of last season was due to bad injury luck with the former first-round pick, bad scheme, and an overall bad team.

Maybe Etienne still has plenty of juice left in the tank, returning to the form he had when he rushed for 1,000 yards in back-to-back seasons. Or maybe Etienne has hit his newer generation running back ceiling, where RBs just aren’t needed to last as long as they used to. Etienne will have to play well this upcoming year to continue as a Jag, or even as an RB1 for another team. He clearly has the talent. Now is the time to make it count.

Jaguars RB Travis Etienne on dealing with trade chatter: "I just have to control what I can control"https://t.co/NgFYrZDY9B pic.twitter.com/S53UOV0yXa

— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) June 10, 2025​

Tank Bigsby

Contract: 3rd year of 4 4-year, $5,392,915 rookie contract.

Age: 23 (24 in August).

Games Played: 33 over 2 seasons.

Stats: 766 rushing yards in Year 2, 7 rushing touchdowns. 10 career kick returns.

Notes:

The guy at the heels of Etienne is the former third-round pick, Bigsby. His rookie year was bad, but his sophomore year showed why many think he can be a higher-upside back in this league. Bigsby had two 100-yard games last year and scored twice in both. Coincidentally, the Jags won both of those games.

Tank Bigsby's final stats:

26 carries
118 yards
2 TD

Second career 100-yard rushing game, second in last three games.

Bigsby showing out this season in teal! pic.twitter.com/fu4ptx44Xu

— Clint Richardson (@Clintau24) October 20, 2024​

He is not the receiving threat that Etienne is, but his bruising run style might afford him more and more touches as next season goes on. Bigsby was one of the best running backs last year after contact and in gaining yards over expected. Those are the types of stats that keep you in the league for a long, long time.

If Bigsby can add a receiving element to his game, he will have the makings to be a bona fide stud in Jacksonville. With the two backs drafted this year, he no longer needs to have any special teams duties of any sort. The ceiling is high on Bigsby and Etienne is likely feeling that more than anyone out there. Maybe that is good for all parties involved.

Did Tank Bigsby take Compound V before last season pic.twitter.com/dyqdrifgBp

— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) May 3, 2025​

Bhayshul Tuten

Contract: 1st year of a 4-year, $5,276,520 rookie contract.

Age: 23 (24 in February)

Games Played: 46 career college games with NC A&T, Virginia Tech.

Stats: 2023 Sporting News & College Football Network All-American kick returner, Phil Steele Fourth Team All-American kick returner, 2023 All-ACC Second Team all-purpose back, 2023 All-ACC Third Team running back. 2024 All-ACC Second Team running back. 3,600 career rushing yards.

Notes:

Tuten was taken in the fourth round this past season after he averaged an eye-popping 6.3 yards per carry last season at Virginia Tech. Tuten showed he legitimately might be one of the bounciest backs in the draft. In theory, Tuten can be the Bucky Irving equivalent in Jacksonville, being used in the motion/screen game well before Bigsby and likely to relieve Etienne.

The former Hokie was extremely dangerous in the outside zone, which is exactly where Irving made a lot of his impact with Coen in Tampa Bay. At the combine, Tuten ran a 4.32 40-yard dash so he clearly has the breakaway speed to torch defenders on the corner. He is an exciting prospect who pundits thought could have been drafted far earlier than where he went. He can even return kicks if necessary, most likely alongside…

Here's a look at which incoming rookies were best as man or zone runners in college

Red names = better in man scheme
Blue names = better in zone scheme

I also highlighted five who were notably better as outside zone runners.

Kaleb Johnson, Jaydon Blue, and Jordan James were… https://t.co/25oRrSzpKb pic.twitter.com/nwSsfu6cya

— Jacob Gibbs (@jagibbs_23) May 1, 2025​

LeQuint Allen

Contract: 1st year of a 4-year, $4,318,756 rookie contract.

Age: 20 (21 in August)

Games Played: 39 across 3 seasons at Syracuse

Stats: Two-time All-ACC running back, 32 total scores is 5th in Syracuse history. 2,359 career rushing yards with back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons.

Notes:

The second running back taken of the James Gladstone regime was Allen out of Syracuse. He gives a lot of the same value as Tuten does on both offense and on special teams. Allen gives the Jags almost an embarrassment of riches in the running back room, as he can catch, run and return whenever needed.

lequint allen can really glide pic.twitter.com/8ONDazVzM6

— Gus Logue (@gus_logue) June 5, 2025​

Allen led all college running backs last year in catches with 64, again providing a much-needed receiving back option over someone like Bigsby. Last year, Coen was among the top in the league for targeting running backs in the passing game. It’s hard to imagine that this offense won’t feature all four of these guys at various different points in the game. More running backs equal more rest for each guy. And it also creates a strain on defenses. For just a seventh-round pick, the Jags got a guy who can really change a football game.

LeQuint Allen LOVES to block.

He took 144 snaps in pass pro (the most of any 2025 Draft RB) and allowed just 1 pressure and 0 sacks. He won’t blow you away with big hits but he’s hyperaware, proactive, and aggressive.

The best pass protecting RB in the draft, easily. pic.twitter.com/Ut7qomxo2b

— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) February 3, 2025​

What are your thoughts on the RB position entering 2025? Let us know in the comments below!

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/2025/...ille-jaguars-2025-roster-review-running-backs

 

[Jacksonville Jaguars]

Reacts Survey results: Jaguars fans feel iffy about the offensive line

Photo by Logan Bowles/Getty Images

The results are in!

This week, we asked Jacksonville Jaguars fans which position group they have the least confidence in entering the 2025 NFL season.

40% of respondents chose the offensive line.

Last season, Jacksonville’s offensive line finished 19th in ESPN’s pass block win rate and 25th in run block win rate. They were 19th in PFF’s pass block grade and 26th in run block grade.

The Jaguars made several additions to the unit during the offseason. Free agent pickups Robert Hainsey and Patrick Mekari are expected to start along the interior, and third-round pick Wyatt Milum could push Ezra Cleveland for his job at left guard.

Walker Little impressed during offseason practices to lock down his spot at left tackle, but a potential camp battle to watch is at right tackle, where former first-round pick Anton Harrison will try to hold off free agent signee Chuma Edoga.

Head coach Liam Coen had some choice words on Harrison when asked what he’s seen from him throughout the summer.

“I think obviously the footwork, the athleticism, the ability to pass pro on an edge. When Anton wants to go, he can go. Just consistently doing it on a day-in, day-out basis. Smart, he understands the ‘why’ of what we’re trying to get accomplished. As much as he can continue to rise going into year three as a first-round pick, to take a huge step this year and be a lockdown tackle for us.”

Let’s hope Anton wants to go!

Top comments from Wednesday’s post:

sgillespie00
Jaguars fans have seen a lot of bad safety play over the last (almost) 20 or so. I expect more this coming season, although hopefully they'll be just good enough.
mnkman322
Most concerning group is definitely in the secondary, but I'm not sure safety has as big of an on field impact on the team as paying 55M for an career 85 QB rating passer though so if people say QB, I get it.
Jaguardian
I like the way the two of you used the term,"most concerned" ( ) when referring to the Jaguars weak link positionally. Ironically, I agree that it's the safeties, which I don't feel safe at all. Hopefully, that changes this upcoming season.
JaxSouthsider
Safety. Eric Murray is a decent box safety who sucks at covering. Ransaw is raw. Other than that, all the other guys were a part of last year's terrible unit.
At least Dewey will be back full time. I think he's actually pretty adequate
WillGMCC
to answer the headline (concerning), quarterback. to answer the survey question (least confidence), safety.
TLE422
O'line. Without an effective one, nothing on offense is going to work. It's terrible until proven otherwise.
jagsandliquor
Offensive line. The team glosses over it every year, thinking somehow Etienne will just stop getting hit for 1 yard losses. I just dont get it. Maybe having travis hunter will fix it.
Favorite585
For me it's got to be Safety - I do feel more optimistic this year, I think Savage has a bounce-back year with our new DC, Antonio Johnson breaks out from his sophomore slump year. The rest of the group is unimpressive-Eric Murray is an average veteran, hoping 2 rookies can maybe make an impact. Dewey and Daniel Thomas add enough of a floor that the group should be fine, but nothing earth shattering in this position group.​

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/2025/...rvey-results-jaguars-fans-iffy-offensive-line

 

[Jacksonville Jaguars]

2025 NFL Draft: 3 things to know about Jack Kiser

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Get to know the Jaguars’ new additions from draft weekend with our ‘3 things to know’ series

Get to know the Jaguars’ new additions from draft weekend with our ‘3 things to know’ series

With the 2025 NFL Draft in the books, it’s time to reflect on how the Jacksonville Jaguars fared. Did rookie GM James Gladstone deliver a masterclass, or has he just set the Jags back five years? Truth is, we probably won’t know that for some time. But we can get to know the newest members of the team a little bit better. In the latest of our mini-series of deep dives, here are three things to know about Jack Kiser, LB, Notre Dame:

Agricultural Roots​

Jack Kiser was an impressive athlete from the very small town of Royal Center and Pioneer HS in Indiana and was one of the best athletes in the Midwest in 2018. He is now Notre Dame’s all-time leading tackler and a new member of the #jacksonvillejaguarsdraftclass #notredamedraft pic.twitter.com/MntHtrusEp

— Tom Lemming (@LemmingReport) April 26, 2025​

A town with just 797 inhabitants according to the last count, Royal Center, Indiana is far from regal and isn’t particularly the centre of anything. Adopting it’s name from a place in New York, it came to be in 1846 after a railroad was built through the territory, and is surrounded by farmland. This is the home of Jack Kiser, one of four children to parents Aaron and Deborah, who would go on to star for one of the most prestigious football programs in America. But he had duties way before he put on pads and a helmet.

The Kiser family have owned a farm in this remote part of Indiana for generations. In fact, Jack could see his grandparents’ home from the doorstep of the house he grew up in, right across the cornfield. His grandma Frances still lives there to this day. And as is common in agriculture, this was a family business - and everyone was expected to contribute, no matter how big or small. That rule extended to Jack despite him being the youngest of the family, and is likely to have helped forge a strong work ethic that has served him well in football.

This serene brand of living has shaped Kiser in other ways too. He didn’t have a phone until he was 14 years old, and even then had to share it with his older sister. His family and his partner Meagan describe him as ‘chilled’ and ‘goofy’, someone who enjoys the outdoors for hikes as much as he enjoys movies and board games. The demeanor changes when he hits the gridiron, but the wristband he wears that says ‘don’t do anything stupid’ on it will tell you that there’ll be no off-the-field drama from the Jaguars’ new linebacker.

Playmaking Ability​

Very solid and experienced linebacker with elite stamina coming to the Jaguars. Jack Kiser film. pic.twitter.com/wnsIGqtQ44

— Nash Henry (@NashJagsNats22) April 26, 2025​

Tiny Pioneer High School was where Jack Kiser made a name for himself on the football field. His father Aaron was the coach of the youth team, and allowed Jack to train with the third grade players despite being a year younger. Jack was allowed to train and suit up on gameday but not hit the field, his father believing it was unfair for him to take gametime away from his older teammates. Regardless his peers and other coaches did manage to smuggle him into the rotation for one play in the final game of the year - and Jack duly made a tackle, laying the foundations for a strong career.

Intriguingly, Kiser would predominantly play Quarterback and Safety for the Panthers throughout his time at high school, amassing an incredible 3,771 passing yards, 59 passing TDs, 7,364 rushing yards and 139 rushing TDs on offense, and 424 tackles, 32 pass breakups, 20.5 TFLs, 20 interceptions and nine forced fumbles on defense.

Kiser was regarded as a four-star prospect at linebacker, so a position change was always mooted for him before he headed to college. We sadly never saw him air it out at Notre Dame, but the ball skills were on show when he dropped into coverage; Kiser had four interceptions for the Fighting Irish, returning two of them for touchdowns in his junior year.

Split Loyalties​

Nobody is more deserving of this opportunity!!

From Royal Center to Jacksonville—the best is yet to come for Jack Kiser! pic.twitter.com/LxUC4sjuuS

— Marcus Freeman (@Marcus_Freeman1) April 26, 2025​

Every Indiana kid’s dream is to head to South Bend and wear the famous golden dome of Notre Dame. Just over an hour north from Royal Center, it was the obvious choice for Jack Kiser, who received eleven scholarship offers to play college football. But not everyone on the Kiser farm would have been happy with that decision, as easy as it was for the linebacker; turns out another D1 university, even closer to home, has much stronger ties to the family…

Kiser himself has admitted that he was raised in a Purdue household. Both his father and uncle attended the Lafayette university with scholarships as track and field athletes, as well as numerous other extended family members. The Boilermakers would likely have been confident of landing Kiser based on his family tradition, and was one of the schools to offer him a scholarship. But it appears Jack wasn’t as fixated on the black and gold as maybe they hoped. For most people choosing between Notre Dame and Purdue seems fairly straightforward. Loyalty can often adjust that perspective, but not in Kiser’s case - and the rest, they say, was history.

Kiser wasn’t shy in sticking it to his family school either. Notre Dame faced Purdue twice during his tenure there, winning both games by a bruising total scoreline of 93-20. Jack played his part too, with eight total tackles and one pass breakup across the two contests. Performances like those allowed him to leave South Bend as Notre Dame’s all-time leading tackler. That ruthless streak will very much be welcomed by the Jaguars as they look to bolster their linebacker corps.

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/2025/6/25/24455483/3-things-to-know-about-jack-kiser