Rayuan Lane III Makes Roster as Safety for Jacksonville Jaguars

As the Jacksonville Jaguars finalized their 53-man roster for the 2025 NFL season, one of the most heartwarming stories to emerge was the inclusion of Rayuan Lane III, an undrafted free agent safety who defied the odds to earn a spot. Rayuan Lane III Makes Roster as Safety for Jacksonville Jaguars is more than a roster announcement—it’s a testament to Lane’s work ethic, resilience, and ability to seize opportunities, even when stacked against more experienced players. For a Jaguars team that values depth in the secondary (especially after adopting a zone-heavy defensive scheme), Lane’s promotion from training camp longshot to roster member fills a critical need while adding a young, hungry player to the mix. As the Jaguars prepare for Week 1, Lane’s journey serves as a reminder of why NFL training camps are filled with hope—for players and fans alike.

Rayuan Lane III Makes Roster as Safety for Jacksonville Jaguars comes after a standout college career at the University of South Alabama, where Lane established himself as a ball-hawking safety with a knack for making game-changing plays. Over four seasons, he recorded 210 total tackles, 8 interceptions, and 15 pass deflections, earning All-Sun Belt honors twice. What set Lane apart was his versatility: he excelled in both man and zone coverage, could line up as a nickel corner in sub-packages, and was a reliable contributor on special teams—all skills that caught the Jaguars’ attention after he went undrafted in 2025. Despite joining the team as a longshot (the Jaguars already had four established safeties), Lane arrived at training camp with a chip on his shoulder, showing up early to practices, staying late to study film, and volunteering for every special teams drill. “I never thought being undrafted was a setback,” Lane said. “It was just a different path to the same goal. I knew if I worked hard enough, someone would notice.” That work ethic would soon pay off.

A defining factor in Rayuan Lane III Makes Roster as Safety for Jacksonville Jaguars was his standout preseason performance, which turned heads among the Jaguars’ coaching staff and fans. In three preseason games, Lane led the team in tackles (19) and recorded 2 interceptions, including a game-sealing pick against the Miami Dolphins in Week 3 that helped the Jaguars win 20-17. He also shined on special teams, making two key tackles on kickoff returns and forcing a fumble on a punt coverage play against the Atlanta Falcons. What impressed coaches most was Lane’s football IQ—he quickly adapted to the Jaguars’ new Green Bay-inspired zone scheme, often anticipating plays before they unfolded. In a joint practice with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Lane correctly read a screen pass and blew it up for a 5-yard loss, earning praise from defensive coordinator Joe Barry. “Rayuan has a natural feel for the game,” Barry said. “He doesn’t just play hard—he plays smart. That’s rare for an undrafted rookie. He earned this spot.”

Rayuan Lane III Makes Roster as Safety for Jacksonville Jaguars also aligns with the Jacksonville Jaguars’ need for depth in the secondary, particularly at safety. The Jaguars’ starting safeties—Andre Cisco and Rayshawn Jenkins—are talented but have a history of minor injuries (Jenkins missed three games in 2024, while Cisco sat out two). Lane’s ability to back up both positions gives the Jaguars flexibility, ensuring they won’t be caught shorthanded if injuries strike. Additionally, Lane’s experience on special teams fills a gap left by the departure of backup safety Daniel Thomas, who signed with the Detroit Lions in free agency. The Jacksonville Jaguars’ special teams coordinator Brian Schneider has already tabbed Lane as a core contributor on kickoff and punt coverage units, a role that will ensure he sees significant snaps even when he’s not playing defense. “Special teams is where undrafted players often make their mark, and Rayuan has shown he’s ready for that,” Schneider said. “He’s physical, he’s fast, and he’s not afraid to throw his body around. That’s exactly what we need.”

Another layer of Rayuan Lane III Makes Roster as Safety for Jacksonville Jaguars is the mentorship he’s received from the Jacksonville Jaguars’ veteran safeties, who have helped him navigate the transition from college to the NFL. Jenkins, a 7-year veteran, has taken Lane under his wing, sharing tips on reading NFL quarterbacks, adjusting to different offensive schemes, and managing the mental demands of professional football. Cisco, meanwhile, has worked with Lane on his coverage technique, helping him refine his footwork and ball skills. “The veterans here didn’t have to help me, but they did,” Lane said. “Rayshawn and Andre have been like big brothers to me. They’ve shown me what it takes to be an NFL safety, both on and off the field.” This mentorship has not only accelerated Lane’s development but also strengthened team chemistry—a key factor in the Jaguars’ defensive success. For the Jaguars, fostering this kind of camaraderie is intentional: “We want our veterans to lift up our young players,” head coach Doug Pederson said. “Rayuan’s success is their success, and that’s how we build a winning culture.”

Looking ahead, Rayuan Lane III Makes Roster as Safety for Jacksonville Jaguars is just the beginning of Lane’s NFL journey—but it’s a milestone that carries significant weight for both the player and the Jacksonville Jaguars. For Lane, it’s validation of years of hard work, from his days as a walk-on at South Alabama to his unlikely rise to the NFL. For the Jaguars, it’s a reminder that talent can be found anywhere—even in undrafted free agents—and that investing in young players can pay off in unexpected ways. As the 2025 season unfolds, Lane will likely start as a backup safety and special teams ace, but his preseason performance suggests he’s capable of more. If he continues to play with the same intensity and intelligence, he could soon become a regular contributor on defense, joining the ranks of undrafted success stories in Jaguars history (like former cornerback A.J. Bouye). Rayuan Lane III Makes Roster as Safety for Jacksonville Jaguars isn’t just about one player making a team—it’s about the power of perseverance, and how a single opportunity can change a career. For the Jaguars and their fans, Lane’s story is a reason to believe in the magic of the NFL season.