Jaguars<\/a> will compete to find the best 22 players to operate as starters on both sides of the ball. While certainly, there are players who will not lose their starting role as the season draws near, there could be a few players who surprise observers as camp rolls on and rosters begin to finalize.<\/p>\nAhead of training camp, we took a look at five players who could surprise with their roles heading into the 2025-26 season.<\/p>\n
Montaric ‘Buster’ Brown, Cornerback<\/p>\n
Jaguars fourth-year cornerback Montaric Brown has been the team’s spot starter over the last couple of seasons while dealing with injuries to starter Tyson Campbell.<\/p>\n
In his career, Brown has played in 37 games, starting 17. Last year, Brown earned the most playing time of his career, starting 10 games while playing in all 17. He totaled 75 tackles, six tackles for loss, eight pass breakups and one interception.<\/p>\n
Brown quickly became one of the team’s best tackling defensive backs and stands to play better in a zone-based scheme deployed by Jaguars defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile. During the offseason program, Brown stood out as one of the most technically sound players.<\/p>\n
While Brown may not start opposite Campbell due to the addition of cornerback\/wide receiver Travis Hunter, he stands to play a large role in this upcoming season.<\/p>\n
Andrew Wingard, Safety<\/p>\n
Similar to Brown, Jaguars safety Andrew Wingard has operated as a starter, spot starter and depth player for the franchise since being signed as an undrafted free agent in 2019.<\/p>\n
Wingard has played in 86 games (28 starts), including seven starts over the last three years. In 2021, Wingard started 15 games, the most he’s started in a single season in his career.<\/p>\n
Over his six-year career, Wingard has accounted for 265 tackles (184 solos), eight tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, 13 pass breakups and five interceptions.<\/p>\n
While many assume third-round pick Caleb Ransaw or veteran Darnell Savage will start opposite free-agent signee S Eric Murray, Wingard’s pole position shouldn’t be ignored. The team utilized multiple safeties during the offseason program with Wingard drawing a significant number of starting reps throughout the process.<\/p>\n
After nearly earning the starting role last season before a near-season-ending knee injury, Wingard is in a position for significant playing time heading into his seventh season with the team.<\/p>\n
Parker Washington, Wide receiver<\/p>\n
While the team’s receiving corps will be under an intense spotlight with the additions of Hunter and veteran Dyami Brown, third-year receiver Parker Washington could get overlooked, but shouldn’t.<\/p>\n
Washington enjoyed a solid season last year after earning seven starts due to various injuries and changes to the team’s receiving corps. He played in 17 games, starting seven. Washington caught 32 passes for 390 yards and three touchdowns.<\/p>\n
Due to Hunter’s persistence and the team’s willingness to utilize the second-overall pick on both sides of the ball, Washington’s playing time could take a significant rise this season. Washington can play inside as the team’s slot receiver, given his stature and playing style.<\/p>\n
Though he didn’t quite stand out during the offseason program, his skillset and status with the team should put him under a spotlight during camp.<\/p>\n
Maason Smith, Defensive tackle<\/p>\n
Jaguars second-year defensive tackle Maason Smith is expected to make a big jump this season. After an up-and-down rookie campaign, the former second-round pick looks to make a major leap.<\/p>\n
Smith has already received a good review from head coach Liam Coen.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s a big one for us. We need him to take a huge step this year. I think he\u2019s done a great job when you talk about the offseason program, and the weight room, and the conditioning,” Coen said in June.<\/p>\n
“His mentality with the work ethic, and then coming out here and making it hard. Ultimately, when you\u2019re 325 pounds and you can move, and you\u2019ve got long arms, man. He\u2019s got the want-to. I\u2019ve seen that so far.”<\/p>\n
Smith joined Jacksonville out of LSU last season as a raw, but incredibly big and athletic defensive tackle. He started five games, playing in 11 and totaled 17 tackles and three sacks, most of which came during the latter portion of the season, showcasing his growth. Smith won’t necessarily receive all the starting snaps inside, but his role ought to evolve and he could become a mainstay by season’s end.<\/p>\n
Brenton Strange, Tight end<\/p>\n
After the team cut tight end Evan Engram for salary cap purposes, the question of who could replace his production was asked with third-year TE Brenton Strange entering the forefront of everyone’s minds.<\/p>\n
Strange enjoyed a breakout campaign last season after catching just five passes on nine targets during his rookie season (14 games, four starts). Last year, Streange caught 40 passes for 411 yards and two touchdowns on 53 targets with 17 games played and 10 starts. Strange’s impact rose due to an injury that sidelined Engram for several weeks throughout the year and ultimately the season.<\/p>\n
Strange received praise from Coen in June, noting that the third-year tight end has been a good test for the team’s defense and Campanile. Coen also noted later that he believes Strange is ready to “take a step” beyond the step he took last season.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s another one that just works his tail off every day. If you were to ask Campy [Anthony Campanile], one of the guys that he really has a lot of appreciation for, specifically, obviously, as a defensive coordinator is Brenton Strange,” Coen said.<\/p>\n
“Just the way that he practices, when he does get his hands on you when he is blocking, he\u2019s physical, he\u2019s violent, he has some explosive movements. He’s got strong hands. So, I\u2019ve been really pleased with Brenton.”<\/p>\n
Strange will be a player to watch during camp as he looks to make a name for himself in Jacksonville as a mainstay.<\/p>\n
Demetrius Harvey is\u00a0the\u00a0Jacksonville Jaguars<\/a>\u00a0reporter\u00a0for the Florida Times-Union. You can follow him on X,\u00a0formerly known as Twitter,\u00a0at\u00a0@Demetrius82<\/a>\u00a0or on\u00a0Bluesky @ Demetrius<\/a>.<\/p>\nIf you’re a subscriber, thank you. If not, please consider becoming a\u00a0subscriber<\/a>\u00a0to support local journalism in Northeast Florida.<\/p>\n
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