After projecting what the Jacksonville Jaguars’ depth chart on defense looked like following the 2026 NFL draft, let’s take that one step further and project what the starting defensive lineup is come Week 1.
An added wrinkle to consider in all of this is that a few training camp battles were created by GM James Gladstone and his selections in the draft, with playing time at a few position groups now up for grabs.
Here is our way-too-early prediction of what the Jaguars’ starting defense will look like.
Defensive line
Josh Hines-Allen, Arik Armstead, DaVon Hamilton, Travon Walker
The real question among this position group is how the rotations at defensive end and defensive tackle shake out. At end, Wesley Williams, Zach Durfee, BJ Green, and Danny Striggow will be competing for snaps. At tackle, Ruke Orhorhoro and Albert Regis are likely three and four on the depth chart, but will Matt Dickerson factor into the equation, or could someone else on the roster emerge?
Linebacker
Ventrell Miller, Foye Oluokun, Dennis Gardeck
When in their base 4-3 alignment, these three will be on the field. When in nickel, it will often be Miller and Oluokun. The starting spot next to Oluokun in Devin Lloyd’s absence appears to be Miller’s for the taking.
Cornerback
Travis Hunter, Jourdan Lewis, Montaric Brown
This position group seems to be pretty straightforward. When in nickel, which will be quite often, these three will be on the field.
Safety
Eric Murray, Antonio Johnson
Johnson has more than earned the opportunity to start with his play last season. In a defensive system that utilizes three-safety-looks relatively often, Caleb Ransaw, Rayuan Lane, and perhaps Jalen Huskey will be competing for that role.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: Projecting Jaguars’ Week 1 starting defense after 2026 NFL draft
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Jaguars Wire / Jaguars Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
