Jacksonville Jaguars' UDFA defensive end Bryan Thomas Jr. has already seen an increased role on defense in the early going of the 2026 season.
Thomas Jr. made the Jacksonville 53-man roster coming out of training camp after a disruptive summer, particularly in the preseason. After being inactive in Week 1, he filled a special teams-heavy role in Denver in Week 2.
But last week against New England, Thomas Jr. saw his opportunities on defense increase significantly. Following nine defensive snaps in Denver, Thomas Jr. played 22 snaps against the Patriots, which was the third-most on the team at that position, behind only Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker.
Thomas Jr.'s role expanding so quickly is a credit to the day-to-day work he's put in and the trust
he's building.
"I think the guys in the defensive line room they trust him, and you can trust that he's going to play hard and give everything that he has," said defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile on Thursday.
With those snaps in Week 3, Thomas Jr. would go on to record two quarterback pressures and a sack.
This increase in reps came as the Jaguars were looking for more steady pass rush production from the rotation players at the defensive end position.
From the sound of it, more opportunities will continue to come Thomas Jr.'s way.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: How Jaguars UDFA has earned increased role early in 2026 season
