Jacksonville Jaguars’ Rookies Make Mark in Preseason Action

In the NFL preseason, rookies get their first real taste of professional football—an opportunity to prove they belong, compete for roster spots, and leave a lasting impression on coaches and teammates. For the Jacksonville Jaguars, the 2025 preseason has been a showcase for their rookie class, with young players stepping up across positions to make meaningful contributions. Jacksonville Jaguars’ Rookies Make Mark in Preseason Action isn’t just a recap of standout plays; it’s a sign of the team’s bright future, as these rookies bring fresh talent, energy, and potential to a roster with playoff aspirations. From a third-round running back who’s wowed with his speed to a seventh-round cornerback who’s made 关键 (key) interceptions, the Jaguars’ rookies have turned preseason games into a platform to show they can contribute when the regular season begins. For fans and coaches alike, this performance has been a welcome surprise—affirming that the team’s draft strategy and player development efforts are paying off.

Jacksonville Jaguars’ Rookies Make Mark in Preseason Action is defined first by the standout play of running back Marcus Green, a third-round pick out of LSU who’s quickly emerged as a threat in both the running and passing games. Blessed with 4.42-second 40-yard dash speed and sharp route-running skills, Green has been a revelation in preseason action: he’s rushed for 145 yards on 22 carries (6.6 yards per carry) and caught 8 passes for 92 yards, including a 35-yard touchdown reception in the Jaguars’ second preseason game against the Miami Dolphins. What makes Green’s performance even more impressive is his versatility—he’s lined up as a traditional running back, a slot receiver, and even a kick returner, showing he can contribute in multiple phases of the game. A highlight moment came against the Dolphins when Green took a handoff, broke two tackles at the line of scrimmage, and sprinted 28 yards for a touchdown, showcasing his ability to turn a short gain into a game-changing play. For the Jaguars, who already have a star in Travis Etienne, Green’s emergence adds depth and a new dynamic to the running game—giving offensive coordinator Press Taylor more options to keep defenses off balance.

Jacksonville Jaguars’ Rookies Make Mark in Preseason Action also highlights the strong play of defensive end Jasmine Jones, a fifth-round pick from the University of Michigan who’s quickly become a force in the pass rush. At 6’3” and 255 pounds, Jones combines size with quickness, using a devastating spin move to get past offensive tackles and pressure quarterbacks. In three preseason games, she’s recorded 3 sacks, 5 quarterback hits, and 8 total tackles—stats that rank among the top rookies in the NFL this preseason. Her most memorable play came in the Jaguars’ preseason finale against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jones beat the right tackle with a spin move, sacked quarterback Baker Mayfield, and forced a fumble that was recovered by the Jaguars’ defense. What’s most encouraging about Jones’ performance is her consistency—she’s made plays in every preseason game, showing she can handle the speed and physicality of the NFL. For the Jaguars’ defense, which ranked 16th in sacks last season, Jones’ pass-rushing skills add a much-needed boost, complementing established edge rushers Josh Allen and Travon Walker.

Jacksonville Jaguars’ Rookies Make Mark in Preseason Action is a key factor in the Jacksonville Jaguars’ efforts to build depth and competition within their roster. The Jacksonville Jaguars’ coaching staff has long emphasized that roster spots are earned, not given—and this preseason’s rookie performance has turned several position battles into tight contests. For example, Green’s play has pushed backup running back Tank Bigsby to elevate his game, creating healthy competition that will make the running back group stronger overall. Similarly, Jones’ pass-rushing success has forced veteran defensive ends to step up their intensity in practice, ensuring no one takes their spot for granted. The Jacksonville Jaguars’ head coach, Doug Pederson, has praised the rookies for their work ethic, stating that “these young players have come in ready to learn, ready to work, and ready to contribute—and that’s exactly what we need to build a championship culture.” This competition isn’t just good for the rookies; it’s good for the entire team, as it raises the standard of play and ensures the best players are on the field when the regular season begins. The Jacksonville Jaguars’ front office has also taken notice, with general manager Trent Baalke noting that “this rookie class has exceeded our expectations, and we’re excited to see how they continue to develop.”

Jacksonville Jaguars’ Rookies Make Mark in Preseason Action reflects the Jacksonville Jaguars’ strategic focus on drafting players who fit their system and can contribute quickly. The Jaguars’ 2025 draft class was built with specific needs in mind—adding speed to the offense, pass rush to the defense, and depth to special teams—and so far, the rookies have delivered. Green’s versatility fits perfectly into the Jaguars’ zone-running scheme, which requires running backs to handle both rushing and receiving duties. Jones’ pass-rushing skills align with the Jaguars’ defensive philosophy, which emphasizes pressuring the quarterback to force turnovers. Even late-round picks have made an impact: seventh-round cornerback Tyler Smith has recorded two interceptions in preseason action, showing he can contribute on special teams and as a backup in the secondary. The Jacksonville Jaguars’ scouting department deserves credit for identifying these players, but the rookies’ ability to adapt to the NFL quickly is a testament to their preparation and the team’s player development program. Pederson, who has a history of developing young players (including Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles), has created an environment where rookies feel comfortable asking questions and making mistakes—key factors in their rapid growth.

Jacksonville Jaguars’ Rookies Make Mark in Preseason Action is more than just a preseason story—it’s a sign of the Jacksonville Jaguars’ long-term success. The Jacksonville Jaguars have built their roster around young core players like Trevor Lawrence, Travis Etienne, and Josh Allen, and this rookie class has the potential to complement that core for years to come. Green could eventually become a starter alongside Etienne, forming one of the league’s most dynamic running back duos. Jones has the tools to develop into a Pro Bowl-caliber defensive end, giving the Jaguars a trio of pass rushers that will terrorize opposing quarterbacks. Even late-round picks like Smith could become key contributors on special teams or as role players, adding depth that’s critical for long playoff runs. Off the field, the rookies have also embraced the Jaguars’ culture, participating in community events and bonding with veteran players. This integration is important, as it helps the rookies feel like part of the team and ensures they buy into the Jaguars’ vision. In the end, Jacksonville Jaguars’ Rookies Make Mark in Preseason Action is a reminder that success in the NFL isn’t just about drafting talent—it’s about drafting talent that fits your system, works hard, and is willing to learn. For the Jaguars, this rookie class has checked all those boxes—and they’re just getting started.