It’s no secret that the Jacksonville Jaguars had a highly controversial draft. All three days saw picks facing uproar about draft value, positions of need, and the quality of players themselves. What often goes unnoticed in this process is the undrafted players who are signed shortly after, and these diamond-in-the-rough players have a chance to make a real difference and wipe away criticism.
Three undrafted players who could make an impact for the Jaguars
Of course, it must be noted that these players will start at the bottom of the depth chart and have an extremely tough road ahead of them. How they contribute on special teams will be the deciding factor in whether they even make the team. These grades simply focus on players who flashed potential and could fit into a rotation by offering extra depth and playmaking.
Devon Marshall (Cornerback)
Devon Marshall is relatively inexperienced, playing just two seasons in college, but in that time, he showed potential as a rotational boundary cornerback. He is physical at the line of scrimmage and in man coverage, but his true skills are reading the quarterback’s eyes in zone coverage and making a play on the ball with impressive closing speed.
His ball-hawking skills and ability to cover ground saw him lead the nation with 16 pass breakups in 2025. On top of all this, he is a willing and strong tackler, posting just a 6% missed tackle rate in 2025. The Jaguars are a zone-heavy team that is built on stopping the run, so Marshall could fit in and make an impact in certain packages.
NC State CB Devon Marshall (5-10 3/8, 197) as a UDFA is better than half their NFL Draft class
Shrine Bowl standout was 4th in catch rate allowed of NFL Draft CBs (43.5%) & 1st in forced incompletions (16)
23 pass deflections, 4 INT, & 2 FF last two seasons https://t.co/23unmrvgfL pic.twitter.com/zh6JLWELzr
— Clint Goss (@NFLDraftDome) April 26, 2026
Devon Marshall (5’10 197) NC State
+ Ball skills with 4 interceptions over the past two seasons and led the NCAA in pass breakups with 16 of them in 2025
+ Reliable tackler with just a 6.0% missed tackle rate in 2025
+ Over 2,100 career snaps played
+ 88.3 coverage grade in… pic.twitter.com/3ZX87R3v2o— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) March 21, 2026
Bryan Thomas Jr. (Defensive end)
Bryan Thomas Jr. improved his play every year in college, and in 2025, it culminated in him recording 10 tackles for loss, seven sacks, and three forced fumbles. Thomas Jr. is a very good athlete who can win quickly at the snap, but does not have the strength to overpower tackles, relying more on his speed.
He does his best work once the play breaks down, getting to the quarterback when they look to escape the pocket. This is something the Jaguars have struggled with for years, consistently racking up pressure numbers, but never getting the quarterback to the ground. Thomas Jr. could bring value to the Jaguars pass rush in blitz-heavy sets and obvious passing situations.
J’Mari Taylor (Running back)
Taylor is a versatile back and can add to the Jaguars’ running back room in a big way. In 2025, he rushed for over 1,000 yards, 14 touchdowns, and led the ACC in total touchdowns with 15. Similar to Chris Rodriguez Jr., Taylor can break tackles and carry defenders for extra yardage, something the Jaguars’ running game lacked throughout the 2025 season. Taylor also brings value as a pass catcher, posting 43 receptions in 2025.
With Travis Etienne now gone, the Jaguars will have a more evenly spread rushing attack and could use some versatility and depth. Taylor’s skills as an open field runner, receiving threat, ability to break tackles, and scoring at the goal line are all ways he could contribute to the Jaguars running game.
