Rookies Report for Duty as Jacksonville Jaguars’ Camp Kicks Off

The dawn of NFL training camp brings a unique energy—one of anticipation, nerves, and opportunity—and for the Jacksonville Jaguars, that energy is amplified as their 2025 rookie class reports for duty. Days before veteran players arrive, the team’s newest additions—drafted prospects, undrafted free agents, and rookie minicamp standouts—stepped onto the practice fields at the Jaguars’ Episcopal School of Jacksonville facility, ready to prove they belong in the NFL. For these rookies, camp isn’t just about learning plays; it’s about adapting to the league’s faster pace, impressing coaches with work ethic, and building relationships with teammates who could become lifelong allies. This year’s rookie class carries extra weight for the Jaguars, who missed the playoffs by one game in 2024 and see young talent as a key to closing the gap in the AFC South. From first-round defensive tackle Byron Murphy II to seventh-round running back Elijah Dotson, each rookie has a chance to shape the team’s future—making Rookies Report for Duty as Jacksonville Jaguars’ Camp Kicks Off a pivotal moment in the Jaguars’ 2025 campaign.

Rookies Report for Duty as Jacksonville Jaguars’ Camp Kicks Off marks the start of a grueling but exciting journey for the team’s draft picks, none more watched than first-round selection Byron Murphy II. The 21-year-old defensive tackle from the University of Texas arrives in Jacksonville with high expectations: the Jaguars drafted him with the 12th overall pick to bolster a pass rush that ranked 22nd in sacks last season. Murphy, who recorded 11 sacks and 18 tackles for loss in his final college season, brings a rare combination of strength (he bench-pressed 225 pounds 30 times at the NFL Combine) and quickness (4.82-second 40-yard dash for a 300-pound lineman) that could make him an immediate contributor. But camp will test more than his physical skills—he’ll need to learn the Jaguars’ defensive schemes, adjust to blocking NFL offensive linemen, and prove he can handle the mental grind of daily practices. Murphy isn’t the only high-profile rookie, though: second-round cornerback Kelee Ringo, a national champion with Georgia, and fourth-round defensive end Andre Carter II also arrived with buzz, each tasked with filling a void in the Jaguars’ defense. For all these rookies, camp is their first chance to turn draft hype into on-field results.

A closer look at the Jaguars’ rookie class reveals a mix of immediate contributors and long-term projects, each with a clear role in the team’s plans. Beyond the drafted picks, the Jaguars signed 10 undrafted free agents, including wide receiver Malik Washington from Virginia and offensive lineman Jake Slaughter from Notre Dame. These players face longer odds—undrafted rookies make NFL rosters at a rate of just 15%—but camp gives them a platform to stand out. Washington, who led the ACC with 110 receptions last season, has already turned heads in early drills with his route precision and hands, while Slaughter is competing for a backup spot on an offensive line that needs depth. The Jaguars also invited five rookie minicamp tryouts to camp, including linebacker Cam Jones from Purdue, who impressed coaches with his tackling during minicamp. For these underdogs, camp is a battle for survival—every practice rep, every special teams drill, and every interaction with coaches could be the difference between a roster spot and a trip home. This mix of drafted talent and underdogs makes the Jaguars’ rookie class one of the most dynamic in the AFC South.

A key part of Rookies Report for Duty as Jacksonville Jaguars’ Camp Kicks Off is the team’s structured approach to rookie development, designed to ease the transition from college to the NFL. The Jacksonville Jaguars have long prioritized rookie mentorship, pairing each new player with a veteran teammate who shares their position. For example, Byron Murphy II is paired with defensive end Yannick Ngakoue, a 10-year veteran who returned to Jacksonville in free agency; Ngakoue has already been seen working with Murphy on pass-rush moves and film study. Similarly, Kelee Ringo is mentored by cornerback Patrick Peterson, a three-time Pro Bowler who can teach him the nuances of NFL coverage. The Jaguars also hold daily “rookie-only” meetings, where coaches break down plays at a slower pace and address off-field topics like NFL rules, media interactions, and financial literacy. This support system is critical: rookies who feel prepared off the field are more likely to perform well on it. For the Jacksonville Jaguars, investing in rookie development isn’t just a nice gesture—it’s a strategic move to ensure young talent matures quickly, especially with the team aiming for a playoff spot in 2025.

Another critical aspect of Rookies Report for Duty as Jacksonville Jaguars’ Camp Kicks Off is the role of preseason games in evaluating rookies, as coaches look for consistency beyond practice drills. The Jacksonville Jaguars’ four preseason games—against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Atlanta Falcons, Cleveland Browns, and Miami Dolphins—will give rookies their first taste of live NFL action, and coaches will be watching closely for how they handle pressure. For example, Elijah Dotson, the seventh-round running back, will get carries in the fourth quarter of preseason games to show he can handle NFL-level contact and make decisions in real time. Rookie quarterback Jake Luton Jr., competing for the backup spot, will likely start the third preseason game, giving coaches a chance to evaluate his poise and decision-making against opposing defenses. Preseason performance can make or break a rookie’s chances: in 2024, undrafted wide receiver Tim Jones made the Jaguars’ roster after catching 12 passes for 150 yards in preseason games. For the Jacksonville Jaguars, preseason games are the final exam for rookies—a chance to prove they’re ready to contribute when the regular season matters.

As the Jaguars’ rookie camp wraps up and veterans prepare to arrive, Rookies Report for Duty as Jacksonville Jaguars’ Camp Kicks Off serves as a reminder of the NFL’s cycle of renewal—where every team gets a fresh start with new talent. For the Jacksonville Jaguars, this rookie class represents hope: hope that Byron Murphy II can become a franchise defensive lineman, hope that Kelee Ringo can fix the secondary, and hope that underdogs like Malik Washington can become fan favorites. But camp also brings reality: not every rookie will make the roster, and those who do will face long days, tough competition, and the constant pressure to improve. For head coach Doug Pederson, the rookie camp is just the start: “We bring these young men in to compete, and camp is where we see who’s willing to put in the work,” he said in a recent press conference. “The ones who survive will be the ones who understand what it takes to be a Jaguar.” In the end, Rookies Report for Duty as Jacksonville Jaguars’ Camp Kicks Off is more than a logistical milestone—it’s a celebration of new beginnings, a test of resilience, and a first step toward the Jaguars’ goal of bringing a playoff berth back to Jacksonville.