JACKSONVILLE – Jaguars experts – Frank Frangie, Brent Martineau, John Oehser, Brian Sexton, John Shipley, J.P. Shadrick, Mark Duffner, Austen Lane and Kainani Stevens – are breaking down the Jaguars as the 2026 NFL season approaches; today: The position group the analysts trust the most.
John Oehser, jaguars.com senior writer
- Most trusted position group: Wide receiver. The Jaguars revamped this position in 2025, with the group by season's end emerging as a major reason the offense finished the season among the NFL's best. This group's strength is its balance and versatility – and rather than having a "True WR1," the combination of Parker Washington, Brian Thomas Jr. and Jakobi Meyers gave the group flexibility and made it hard for defenses to double cover and take away any particular receiver. That helped quarterback Trevor Lawrence emerge as one of the NFL's best players by season's end. That trio is trustworthy, with the addition of second-year veteran Travis Hunter giving the group added explosiveness. This group already was good and reliable. Hunter this season could give it a dynamic that makes it one of the NFL's best.
Mark Duffner, former longtime NFL/Jaguars assistant coach and Jaguars Media Analyst
- Most trusted position group: I believe the wide receivers are the Jaguars' most-trusted position group – perhaps one of the best in the league. And that's without Hunter. I was very impressed with what Thomas did all spring, and Meyers and Washington present matchup issues to the opponents' defense. I also really liked what I saw from rookie wide receivers Josh Cameron and CJ Williams. This is an excellent position group.
Frank Frangie, Radio Voice of the Jaguars
- Most trusted position group: Wide receiver. Which is why I think Hunter may play more defense. I think Meyers, Washington and Thomas will be one of the best groupings in the league.
Austen Lane, former Jaguars defensive end and Jaguars Media Analyst
- Most trusted position group: While it's fair to say wide receiver might be the Jaguars' most talented group based on depth, I'm going with the most proven group as the most trusted: Edge Rusher. Spearheaded by Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker, I expect big things from both players if they can stay healthy. The pass rush and secondary must work hand in hand. Adding Hunter in the fold at cornerback, one would think coverage is only going to get better.
Brent Martineau, Action Sports Jax Sports Director
- Most trusted position group: Assuming special teams doesn't count, the most trusted position group for the Jaguars in 2026 is the defensive front. We know the floor of that unit is pretty good. We would like to see the ceiling with big years from Walker, Hines-Allen and tackle Arik Armstead. Regardless, this group should be good against the run and will impact quarterbacks every Sunday.
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John Shipley, Jaguars Media correspondent
- Most trusted position group: Wide receiver. The Jaguars might have one of the best wide receiver trios in the NFL with Thomas, Meyers and Washington. This does not even include the impact Hunter could have on the offense. Each of the Jaguars' sixth-round rookies made impressive plays during the offseason program as well, giving some optimism that Cameron and Williams can provide strong depth behind the veterans.
Brian Sexton, jaguars.com senior correspondent
- Most trusted position group: The Jaguars' run defense was incredibly consistent in 2025, allowing fewer than four rushing yards per attempt and fewer than 86 rushing yards per game. Defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton played at an All-Pro level for most of the season, clogging the line with Matt Dickerson and Armstead. That clogged the middle, which made it easier for Foyesade Oluokun and the linebackers to flow to the ball – and the results were astounding. No running back rushed for 90 yards against the Jaguars. When you consider they faced Christian McCaffrey, Jonathan Taylor twice, Kenneth Walker, Chuba Hubbard and Breece Walker, that's a big deal. The tackles are excellent against the run and could be better with the addition of veteran Ruke Orhorhoro and rookie Albert Regis.
J.P. Shadrick, jaguars.com reporter/editor
- Most trusted position group: Offensive line. This is a talented group, with Cole Van Lanen (coming off a knee injury) and Anton Harrison anchoring the tackle positions. The interior three of Ezra Cleveland at left guard, Robert Hainsey at center and Patrick Mekari at right guard are strong. There are three guys waiting in the wings and competing for those spots in Wyatt Milum, Jonah Monheim and Emmanuel Pregnon. Most of these players are versatile and can play different positions. Anything less than "tough" is not acceptable with this group.
Kainani Stevens, team reporter/producer
- Most trusted position group: Defensive backs. The depth on the back end of the defense will create a ton of competition during training camp as there are six-to-eight starting-caliber players vying for three-to-four spots. I'm excited to see how it plays out.
