JACKSONVILLE — Five of nine Jacksonville Jaguars media analysts named wide receiver the franchise’s most trusted position group heading into the 2026 NFL season, a consensus built on a 2025 campaign in which the offense finished among the NFL’s best.
The trio of Brian Thomas Jr., Jakobi Meyers and Parker Washington emerged as one of the league’s most balanced receiving corps last season, helping quarterback Trevor Lawrence play at an elite level down the stretch. Senior writer John Oehser said the group’s strength is its versatility: “Rather than having a ‘True WR1,’ the combination of Parker Washington, Brian Thomas Jr. and Jakobi Meyers gave the group flexibility and made it hard for defenses to double cover and take away any particular receiver.”
Second-year addition Travis Hunter gives the unit another dimension. Former Jaguars assistant coach and media analyst Mark Duffner called the receivers “perhaps one of the best in the league” and said he was impressed with what Thomas did all spring. “I also really liked what I saw from rookie wide receivers Josh Cameron and CJ Williams. This is an excellent position group,” Duffner said. Jaguars Media correspondent John Shipley noted both sixth-round rookies made impressive plays during the offseason program, providing optimism that Cameron and Williams can deliver strong depth behind the veterans.
Frank Frangie, the Radio Voice of the Jaguars, agreed the receivers are the most trusted group — and suggested the depth there could push Hunter toward more defensive snaps. “I think Meyers, Washington and Thomas will be one of the best groupings in the league,” Frangie said.
Not every analyst landed on the same side. Former Jaguars defensive end and media analyst Austen Lane picked edge rusher as the most trusted group, citing the proven production of Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker. Action Sports Jax Sports Director Brent Martineau chose the defensive front, saying the unit’s floor “is pretty good” and pointing to potential big years from Walker, Hines-Allen and tackle Arik Armstead.
Senior correspondent Brian Sexton made the case for the run defense, which allowed fewer than four rushing yards per attempt and fewer than 86 rushing yards per game in 2025. No running back rushed for 90 yards against Jacksonville — a stretch that included matchups against Christian McCaffrey, Jonathan Taylor twice, Kenneth Walker, Chuba Hubbard and Breece Walker. Defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton played at an All-Pro level for most of the season, Sexton said, and the addition of veteran Ruke Orhorhoro and rookie Albert Regis could make the group even better.
Reporter and editor J.P. Shadrick selected the offensive line, anchored by tackles Cole Van Lanen — coming off a knee injury — and Anton Harrison, with an interior of Ezra Cleveland, Robert Hainsey and Patrick Mekari. Team reporter Kainani Stevens went with the defensive backs, citing six-to-eight starting-caliber players competing for three-to-four spots. Training camp will begin to sort out those battles as Jacksonville prepares for the 2026 season.