{"id":369030,"date":"2026-08-12T03:42:14","date_gmt":"2026-08-12T03:42:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/369030\/"},"modified":"2026-08-12T03:42:14","modified_gmt":"2026-08-12T03:42:14","slug":"10-takeaways-from-the-jacksonville-jaguars-first-2026-depth-chart","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/369030\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Takeaways From the Jacksonville Jaguars First 2026 Depth Chart"},"content":{"rendered":"

With joint practices against the New Orleans Saints finally arriving Thursday and preparations underway for Saturday\u2019s preseason opener, the Jacksonville Jaguars released their first look at the pecking order, releasing the first (unofficial) depth chart of the 2026 season on Tuesday. While the first depth chart of the year should never be treated as a final declaration of who will start in Week 1, it does provide an interesting snapshot of where several position battles currently stand.<\/p>\n

We break down our top takeaways from the first depth chart, including what it tells us about Jacksonville\u2019s offensive line situation and which players may be making a serious push for starting roles.<\/p>\n

Perhaps the biggest theme identified throughout the initial depth chart release is fairly straightforward: the players who were already in Jacksonville in 2025 generally remain ahead of the newcomers, for now. That doesn\u2019t mean those positions are settled. In fact, some of the most intriguing battles are just beginning. But, it does mean that much of the hoopla surrounding the initial release may not mean as much as has been made about it by the media. That\u2019s simply the blunt truth.<\/p>\n

\"JACKSONVILLE,<\/a><\/p>\n

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 7: Bhayshul Tuten #33 of the Jacksonville Jaguars runs the ball during an NFL 2025 game against the Indianapolis Colts at Everbank Stadium on December 7, 2025 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Logan Bowles\/Getty Images) Getty Images<\/p>\n

One of the more interesting, yet expected, developments comes at running back, where Bhayshul Tuten and Chris Rodriguez are listed as co-starters to open the offseason. Both players have generated plenty of discussion throughout the offseason, and the Jaguars appear to be keeping the competition open rather than handing the job outright to Tuten, as has been heavily expected throughout the offseason. How the workload eventually gets divided during the preseason, and what happens when the Jaguars face the Saints in joint practices, should provide a much better indication of where this battle may be headed.<\/p>\n

Patrick Mekari is still listed ahead of Wyatt Milum at right guard, and that has understandably generated some reaction considering how Milum has performed at guard, while Mekari has been load managed with a back issue. Milum has taken a significant number of snaps at guard throughout the offseason and has looked good there. His work at tackle has been more inconsistent, although I\u2019d describe it as generally fine. Some may look at the depth chart and wonder why Mekari remains ahead despite his limited workload. Personally, I think it\u2019s simply too early to draw any major conclusions. The biggest tests of this competition haven\u2019t happened yet.<\/p>\n

The last time I recall a big Mekari play from this offseason was the play that featured the long Chris Rodriguez run on the first day of padded work. If Milum is ultimately going to win this job, he\u2019ll need to do it by demonstrating consistency in health and performance over the next several weeks. He\u2019s going to get plenty of opportunities to make that case.<\/p>\n

Perhaps the most fascinating development along the offensive line is Anton Harrison being listed as the starting left tackle. What initially looked like an experiment has now progressed to the point where it has to be taken seriously. The Jaguars have continued giving Harrison opportunities on the left side, and his placement atop the initial depth chart suggests this isn\u2019t simply a temporary offseason curiosity. What started as an offseason experiment now appears to be a legitimate possibility for Jacksonville.<\/p>\n

\"JACKSONVILLE,<\/a><\/p>\n

JACKSONVILLE, FL – JUNE 09: Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) looks on during Minicamp on June 9, 2026 at Miller Electric Center in Jacksonville, Fl. (Photo by David Rosenblum\/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) Icon Sportswire via Getty Images<\/p>\n

Travis Hunter\u2019s placement is another obvious headline. Hunter is listed as the starting cornerback while also appearing as the backup at wide receiver behind Brian Thomas Jr. While not a surprise, based on how Hunter has been used this offseason, it\u2019s possible confirmation that should BTJ suffer any in-season injuries or knicks, Travis would likely be the receiver to step in as that alternative vertical threat in the offense. Meanwhile, he would continue his role as the starting corner. At least, that\u2019s how I\u2019m interpreting it, deciphering the unusual role Jacksonville is building for Hunter. How much he actually plays at each position during the preseason joint practices will also be something worth closely monitoring.<\/p>\n

\"Jan<\/a><\/p>\n

Jan 4, 2026; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Ventrell Miller (51) after the game against the Tennessee Titans at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

At linebacker, Ventrell Miller and Branson Combs are listed with an \u201cOR,\u201d indicating another competition that remains open. Miller enters this offseason with plenty of experience in Jacksonville\u2019s defense, but the team appears willing to give Combs a legitimate opportunity to challenge him. As with Tuten and Rodriguez, similar to the 2025 offseason where Miller opened the offseason as a co-starter with Devin Lloyd, the preseason and joint practices should provide more clarity than an initial depth chart ever could.<\/p>\n

Dickerson Gets First Crack<\/p>\n

The defensive line features one of the more intriguing surprises. 30-year old veteran defensive tackle Matt Dickerson is currently ahead of Ruke Orhorhoro as the backup at the 3-technique tackle spot behind Arik Armstead. Dickerson played a healthy 39% of defensive snaps (196) last season for Jacksonville. Following the Jaguars\u2019 offseason trade that sent Maason Smith to Atlanta in exchange for Orhorhoro, it was reasonable to assume that Orhorhoro would have an inside track to that backup role. Apparently, that\u2019s not a given. For now, Dickerson has been given the first opportunity on what could be described as an open runway behind Armstead.<\/p>\n

\"NEW<\/a><\/p>\n

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – NOVEMBER 23: Ruke Orhorhoro #98 of the Atlanta Falcons runs across the field during an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on November 23, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Perry Knotts\/Getty Images) Getty Images<\/p>\n

That doesn\u2019t mean Orhorhoro has lost the competition. It means he has to take the job. He has, notably, flashed in multiple practices over the past week while rushing the passer. The next several weeks will be important for the third-year defensive lineman as he gets the opportunity to demonstrate why Jacksonville acquired him in the first place.<\/p>\n

\"JACKSONVILLE,<\/a><\/p>\n

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 07: Jourdan Lewis #2 of the Jacksonville Jaguars reacts after a play against the Indianapolis Colts during the fourth quarter at EverBank Stadium on December 07, 2025 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry\/Getty Images) Getty Images<\/p>\n

At slot corner, Jourdan Lewis remains ahead of Jarrian Jones. That isn\u2019t necessarily surprising, particularly considering Lewis\u2019 experience and his role as a leader. However, the circumstances surrounding this battle make it worth monitoring. Lewis has been limited or out through much of training camp as he continues working his way back from the foot injury that ended his 2025 season. Meanwhile, Jones has performed well and is widely viewed as a legitimate candidate to push Lewis for the starting slot role. For now, Lewis maintains his position on the depth chart. That could change as early as this week.<\/p>\n

Christian Braswell is currently listed as the No. 2 corner behind Montaric Brown. Jabbar Muhammad, meanwhile, is listed as the No. 2 corner behind Travis Hunter, as both players fight for potentially one spot. Those placements also offer a glimpse into how Jacksonville currently views its reasonably untested cornerback depth, particularly considering Hunter\u2019s two-way role. However, Jarrian\u2019s ability to play outside provides significant fluidity in how things could actually play out in case of a true injury.<\/p>\n

The most important thing to remember about this depth chart is that it\u2019s only a snapshot, not a verdict. A consistent theme throughout Jacksonville\u2019s initial release is that players who were already on the roster in 2025 generally remain ahead of the newer additions entering this week, which makes sense.<\/p>\n

Returning players have familiarity with the system, terminology, and staff. New additions still have to prove that they can translate their offseason work into consistent performance against NFL competition. In other cases, competing players have to prove they can remain healthy, while providing consistent outcomes to earn a role (IE: Wyatt Milum, Caleb Ransaw, Jalen McLeod, etc).<\/p>\n

The Jaguars are about to get their first real opportunity to evaluate several of these competitions against another team in joint practices with the Saints. Then comes the preseason opener this weekend. The initial depth chart tells us where Jacksonville stands today. The next three weeks will tell us where these players actually belong.<\/p>\n

What, if anything, surprised you from the team\u2019s initial depth chart? Which roster battles are you personally keeping a watchful eye on this preseason? Let us know in the comments!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"With joint practices against the New Orleans Saints finally arriving Thursday and preparations underway for Saturday\u2019s preseason opener,…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":369031,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[116,118,58330,6620,6621,148606,117675,117],"class_list":["post-369030","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-jacksonville","tag-jacksonville","tag-jacksonville-headlines","tag-jacksonville-jaguars-analysis","tag-jacksonville-jaguars-depth-chart","tag-jacksonville-jaguars-news","tag-jacksonville-jaguars-preseason","tag-jacksonville-jaguars-training-camp","tag-jacksonville-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/369030","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=369030"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/369030\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/369031"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=369030"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=369030"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=369030"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}