Training camp optimism is a rite of passage across the NFL, but genuine buzz is much harder to come by. Every summer produces a handful of rookies who force coaches, teammates and beat writers to sit up and take notice long before the preseason begins.
In Jacksonville, the headlines have understandably centred on established stars and the continued evolution of Liam Coen’s offense. Yet behind the scenes, several first-year players are quietly making compelling cases for increased roles through the first seven
days of training camp.
From spectacular catches to valuable first-team reps, these are the Jaguars rookies who have wasted little time making an impression at the Miller Electric Center:
Josh Cameron, WR
If one rookie has emerged as the surprise package of Jaguars training camp so far, it’s sixth-round wide receiver Josh Cameron.
The former Baylor walk-on arrived in Jacksonville with a reputation for doing things the hard way. After developing into one of the Big 12’s most productive receivers during his final collegiate seasons, Cameron entered camp needing to prove he belonged in one of the deepest receiver rooms in football. So far, he’s done exactly that.
While plenty of rookies flash during individual drills, Cameron has repeatedly produced when the intensity has increased. His spectacular diving reception during an early team session immediately caught the attention of those watching practice, but perhaps more impressive has been the consistency that followed. Rather than disappearing after one highlight, Cameron has continued stacking positive days together, showing reliable hands, crisp routes and an ability to create separation against NFL defensive backs.
With Brian Thomas Jr., Jakobi Meyers, Travis Hunter and Parker Washington ahead of him, opportunities won’t come easily. That’s precisely why every rep matters. Cameron has made the most of virtually all of them.
The Jaguars didn’t draft Cameron expecting immediate headlines. They drafted an intelligent, dependable receiver with a history of outperforming expectations. Through the opening stretch of camp, he’s doing exactly that again.
His biggest challenge now is sustaining the momentum once preseason games begin. If he can translate these practice performances into live action, Jacksonville may have found one of the steals of the later rounds. And if you’re looking for the rookie who has generated the most genuine excitement through the opening week of camp, Cameron sits comfortably at the top of the list.
Emmanuel Pregnon, G
Offensive linemen rarely generate highlight reels during training camp, but Emmanuel Pregnon has quietly enjoyed one of the more encouraging starts among Jacksonville’s rookie class.
With injuries causing the Jaguars to juggle things around on the o-line, the third-round selection has been given valuable work alongside experienced offensive linemen, with coaches clearly eager to evaluate his versatility across the interior. Those opportunities alone speak volumes about how highly the Jaguars view his long-term potential.
Camp hasn’t been without its welcome-to-the-NFL moments. Veteran defensive tackle Arik Armstead produced one of the practice highlights when he powered through Pregnon to disrupt a running play. Rather than hurting the rookie’s stock, however, it served as another reminder that Jacksonville is deliberately throwing him into meaningful situations against elite competition.
For a rookie offensive lineman, development often comes through difficult reps rather than dominant ones. Pregnon appears to be embracing exactly that challenge, and every additional snap with the first-team offense will only accelerate his progress.
CJ Williams, WR
Josh Cameron may have stolen the spotlight, but fellow sixth-round receiver CJ Williams has quietly put together a solid start to his own NFL career.
Williams entered camp facing the same uphill battle as Cameron, attempting to carve out a place in an exceptionally competitive receiver room. Rather than forcing spectacular plays, he’s impressed through consistency, clean route running and dependable hands whenever his number has been called.
That approach may not produce viral social media clips every day, but it’s exactly the type of reliability coaching staffs value during the early stages of training camp. Every clean route and routine catch builds confidence, particularly for young receivers hoping to earn preseason opportunities.
If Williams can continue producing steady performances while others chase highlight moments, he’ll give himself every chance of remaining firmly in the fight for a roster spot as camp progresses.
Tanner Koziol, TE
Tanner Koziol hasn’t dominated headlines, but the rookie tight end has quietly gone about the business of showing why Jacksonville invested a fifth-round pick in him.
The former Houston standout brings versatility to the Jaguars’ offense, offering value both as a receiver and as a developing blocker. Early camp sessions have reflected that flexibility, with Koziol seeing opportunities in a variety of personnel groupings as coaches assess how best to utilise his skill set.
Behind established options on the depth chart, Koziol isn’t under pressure to become an instant starter. Instead, every practice is another opportunity to prove he can contribute sooner rather than later.
Tight ends often require patience at the professional level, but Koziol’s encouraging start suggests Jacksonville believes there’s enough upside to begin expanding his responsibilities as camp unfolds.
Devon Marshall, CB
Every NFL training camp produces an undrafted player who refuses to be ignored. In Jacksonville, Devon Marshall is rapidly becoming that name.
After leaving NC State without hearing his name called during the draft, Marshall arrived with little external expectation. Inside the Jaguars’ building, however, he’s quickly earned opportunities to compete in a crowded cornerback room, and that’s often the first sign coaches believe a player has genuine potential.
Marshall hasn’t produced a signature interception or viral highlight—at least not yet—but he’s consistently remained part of conversations surrounding Jacksonville’s most intriguing young defenders. For an undrafted rookie cornerback fighting established veterans and draft picks alike, simply staying in that discussion is an achievement.
The Jaguars have shown in previous seasons they’re willing to reward undrafted players who earn their opportunities, regardless of draft status. Marshall’s task now is straightforward: continue stacking competitive practices together, make the most of preseason snaps and force the coaching staff into a difficult decision when final roster cuts arrive.
He may still be a long shot, but every August produces a surprise success story. Through the opening stages of training camp, Marshall looks as though he has every chance of becoming Jacksonville’s latest.
