Jaguars rookies secure roster spots in preseason victory over Saints
Running back J'Mari Taylor leads all rushers with 78 yards and a touchdown as Jacksonville’s defensive line disrupts New Orleans’ backfield in the preseason opener.
The Jacksonville Jaguars concluded their preseason opener with a victory against the New Orleans Saints, a fixture that served as a critical evaluation ground for the 2026 draft class and undrafted free agents. The match highlighted the competitive intensity of roster spot battles, with several rookies delivering performances that underscored their potential contributions to the squad ahead of the regular season.
Running back J'Mari Taylor emerged as the standout performer for Jacksonville, leading both teams in rushing with 78 yards on 22 carries. Taylor also crossed the goal line for a touchdown, playing a pivotal role in the Jaguars' second-half turnaround. His effectiveness in both the run game and pass protection provided a stable foundation for the offence during the contest.
On the defensive side, the Jaguars' line generated significant disruption. Defensive end Bryan Thomas Jr. recorded a sack, two quarterback hits, and a tackle for loss, while defensive lineman Albert Regis forced a 14-yard loss by sacking quarterback Zach Wilson. Defensive end Wesley Williams also contributed to the pressure, helping to secure a strip sack of Spencer Rattler and impacting the run game throughout the match.
Special teams and secondary play proved decisive in key moments. Safety Jalen Huskey recorded five total tackles and made a crucial stop on the 10-yard line, preventing Ty Chandler’s 86-yard kickoff return from becoming a touchdown. Conversely, linebacker Parker Hughes struggled in his debut, misjudging a tackle angle that contributed to the Saints’ long return, although the play was attributed to the broader coverage unit.
Other rookies saw varied levels of success. Wide receivers Josh Cameron and CJ Williams combined for three receptions on eight targets, with Cameron also contributing a 25-yard kick return. Quarterback Joey Aguilar connected on a 43-yard pass to Trebor Pena, who finished with 58 receiving yards. Offensive lineman Emmanuel Pregnon managed a heavy workload in pass protection and run blocking despite recent injury-related absences, while tight ends Nate Boerkircher and Tanner Koziol focused on blocking and limited reception opportunities respectively.
The results from this fixture provide early insights into the depth and capability of the Jaguars' incoming talent pool. With the regular season approaching, the performances of Taylor, Thomas Jr., and Regis suggest a strong foundation for the team’s future, while the mixed results from other rookies indicate areas requiring further development.
