When people talk about the Jacksonville Jaguars, most conversations start with Trevor Lawrence. Others quickly shift to Travis Hunter, Josh Hines-Allen, or Bhayshul Tuten. That's understandable. Star players tend to dominate headlines. The problem for thePhiladelphia Eagles is that Jacksonville's success isn't built solely on star power.
The Jaguars enter Week 5 with one of the NFL's more balanced rosters. While the marquee names attract most of the attention, several under-the-radar contributors have quietly helped Jacksonville build a 3-1 record. If the Eagles focus only on the obvious threats, they may be surprised by lesser-known names ina game where nothing will come easy. Here are six nationally overlooked Jaguars who deserve Philadelphia's
attention.
Chris Rodriguez Jr., running back
Bhayshul Tuten understandably receives most of the attention in Jacksonville's backfield. He's earned it. Chris Rodriguez Jr., however, has quietly become an important piece of the Jaguars' rushing attack. Rodriguez has added 108 rushing yards and a touchdown on 26 carries while giving Tuten fresh legs.
Jacksonville has shown a willingness to rotate backs and keep defenses guessing. That makes Rodriguez more than just a reserve. If Philadelphia's defense focuses exclusively on slowing Tuten, Rodriguez can make them pay.
Brenton Strange, tight end
Given the Eagles' coverage issues against tight ends and underneath receivers, Brenton Strange deserves special attention. The Jaguars tight end ranks second on the team in targets (18), receptions (14), and receiving yards (167). He has also found the end zone once this season.
Lawrence clearly trusts him, especially when Jacksonville needs a reliable chain mover. If Philadelphia's linebackers and safeties lose track of him, Strange could become one of the game's most important matchup problems.
Brian Thomas Jr., wide receiver
Calling Brian Thomas Jr. "overlooked" may stretch the definition a bit. Calling him dangerous is not. The former first-round pick earned Pro Bowl and Pro Football Writers Association All-Rookie Team honors in 2024, but Jacksonville's other offensive weapons have somewhat overshadowed his production this season.
Through four games, he ranks fourth on the team in targets (14), receptions (9), and receiving yards (105). That's exactly why Philadelphia can't afford to forget about him. One explosive performance is all it takes to remind everyone why they drafted him so highly.
Ventrell Miller, linebacker
Ventrell Miller may not draw much national attention, but Jacksonville's coaching staff clearly values his impact. He leads the Jaguars in both solo tackles (17) and total tackles (30). Three of those stops have resulted in tackles for loss, including a sack.
He's also added a forced fumble and a pass breakup. Miller consistently finds the football and has become one of Jacksonville's most productive defenders. The Eagles will likely hear his name called often Sunday.
Jourdan Lewis, cornerback
Jourdan Lewis has quietly become one of Jacksonville's more productive defensive backs. The veteran nickel corner already has 12 tackles, two interceptions, and two pass breakups through four games. He's active around the football and can create momentum-changing plays when quarterbacks challenge him.
Philadelphia's passing game has struggled with consistency recently. Testing Lewis carelessly could create additional problems. He's been limited at practice with a hamstring injury. We'll see what happens
DaVon Hamilton, defensive tackle
Interior defensive linemen rarely receive the attention they deserve unless they're recording double-digit sacks. DaVon Hamilton has still made his presence felt. He enters Week 5 with 12 tackles, a half-sack, and a forced fumble, and he's an important piece of Jacksonville's defensive front. He's been limited in practice by a foot injury. We'll see how he progresses.
His ability to clog rushing lanes and create disruption inside could become especially important against an Eagles offensive line still adjusting to injuries and personnel changes. The Jaguars have stars who can take over a game. Philadelphia knows that already.
What makes Jacksonville dangerous, however, is the quality of its supporting cast. Rodriguez, Strange, Thomas, Miller, Lewis, and Hamilton may not generate the same attention as Lawrence or Hunter, but all six have played meaningful roles during the Jaguars' strong start. If the Eagles hope to leave London with a win, they'll need to look beyond the obvious names on Jacksonville's roster.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles must account for the Jaguars' supporting cast in London matchup
