Jacksonville Jaguars’ Depth Chart Released Ahead of Panthers Opener

In the final days before an NFL regular-season opener, a team’s depth chart is more than just a list of names—it’s a blueprint for how the coaching staff plans to compete, a reflection of off-season battles for roster spots, and a signal of which players have earned the trust to contribute when games matter most. For the Jacksonville Jaguars, the release of their 2025 depth chart ahead of Week 1’s matchup against the Carolina Panthers carries extra weight: it’s the first public look at how the team’s off-season additions—including defensive tackle Arik Armstead, rookie cornerback Travis Hunter, and free-agent cornerback Caleb Ransaw—fit alongside returning stars like quarterback Trevor Lawrence and edge rusher Josh Allen. After months of training camp drills, preseason games, and position battles, the depth chart answers key questions: Who will start at backup running back? How will the secondary rotate in nickel packages? Which rookies have earned immediate playing time? This clarity is why Jacksonville Jaguars’ Depth Chart Released Ahead of Panthers Opener has become a focal point for fans, analysts, and even the Panthers’ coaching staff as they prepare for the season’s first game.

Jacksonville Jaguars’ Depth Chart Released Ahead of Panthers Opener gains deeper context when examining the most notable decisions on offense—where the Jaguars aim to build on a unit that ranked 12th in total yards in 2024. At quarterback, the chart confirms what was expected: Trevor Lawrence is the clear starter, with veteran C.J. Beathard holding down the backup role. But the running back room reveals a slight surprise: undrafted rookie Lequint Allen Jr., who impressed coaches in camp with his power and pass-catching ability, has been named the No. 2 running back behind Travis Etienne, edging out third-year player JaMycal Hasty. This move signals the Jaguars’ confidence in Allen’s ability to contribute immediately, especially in short-yardage situations where Etienne has occasionally struggled. At wide receiver, the depth chart solidifies the pecking order: Calvin Ridley and Brian Thomas Jr. will start on the outside, with rookie Marcus Johnson serving as the primary slot receiver. Tight end Evan Engram retains his starting role, with second-year player Brenton Strange as the backup—a nod to Strange’s improved blocking, which coaches highlighted as a key off-season development. These offensive depth chart decisions aren’t just about talent; they’re about balancing experience and youth to maximize production against the Panthers’ defense.

A critical part of Jacksonville Jaguars’ Depth Chart Released Ahead of Panthers Opener is the defensive depth chart, which reflects the Jaguars’ off-season focus on upgrading pass rush and secondary depth. On the defensive line, the starters are as expected: Arik Armstead and DaVon Hamilton at defensive tackle, with Josh Allen and Roy Robertson-Harris at defensive end. But the backup spots reveal a competitive battle won by third-round draft pick Marcus Harris, who will serve as the primary backup to Allen—a sign that the Jaguars want to keep Allen fresh by limiting his snaps in blowout situations. At linebacker, Foyesade Oluokun retains his starting middle linebacker role, with free-agent signee Yasir Abdullah as the No. 2 and the backup to weakside linebacker Devin Lloyd. The secondary, however, is where the depth chart offers the most insight: Travis Hunter, the team’s top draft pick, is listed as the starting nickel cornerback, with Caleb Ransaw as the backup to starting outside cornerback Tyson Campbell. This alignment suggests the Jaguars will use Hunter in nickel packages (five defensive backs) to cover the Panthers’ slot receivers—a role that plays to his versatility and allows him to ease into NFL action without being tasked with shadowing Carolina’s top wideout, DJ Moore, full-time. Jaguars defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell noted, “The depth chart is about putting players in positions to succeed. Travis’s skill set is perfect for the nickel, and Caleb’s experience gives us reliability on the outside.”

Jacksonville Jaguars’ Depth Chart Released Ahead of Panthers Opener is particularly significant for the Jacksonville Jaguars as they prepare to face a Panthers team that has rebuilt its offense around new quarterback Justin Fields. The Panthers’ attack relies on Fields’ dual-threat ability—his speed to scramble and his arm to hit deep passes to Moore—and the Jaguars’ depth chart reveals how they plan to counter that. On defense, the decision to start Hunter at nickel means the Jaguars can keep six defensive backs on the field in passing situations, limiting Fields’ ability to find open receivers downfield. The backup defensive end spot going to Marcus Harris also hints at the Jaguars’ plan to use fresh legs to pressure Fields, who is known for escaping the pocket when under duress. On offense, listing Lequint Allen Jr. as the No. 2 running back suggests the Jaguars will lean on a physical rushing attack to control the clock, keeping Fields and the Panthers’ offense off the field. The Jacksonville Jaguars’ coaching staff has emphasized that the depth chart is flexible—adjustments will be made based on how the game unfolds—but it provides a clear starting point for a matchup that could set the tone for the Jaguars’ 2025 season. For the Jacksonville Jaguars, this depth chart isn’t just a pre-game formality; it’s a strategic tool to gain an early edge over the Panthers.

Another vital angle of Jacksonville Jaguars’ Depth Chart Released Ahead of Panthers Opener is how it reflects the Jaguars’ commitment to developing young talent—even in key roles. Rookie Travis Hunter’s placement as the starting nickel cornerback is a bold move, as most top draft picks at cornerback ease into backup roles before taking on significant snaps. But the Jaguars’ coaching staff has repeatedly praised Hunter’s ability to learn quickly, and the depth chart confirms they believe he’s ready to contribute immediately. Similarly, undrafted rookie Lequint Allen Jr.’s rise to No. 2 running back shows the Jaguars’ willingness to reward hard work and on-field production, regardless of draft status. Even on special teams, the depth chart includes a rookie: fourth-round draft pick Marcus Johnson is listed as the primary kick returner, a role that often goes to veterans due to its importance in field position. The Jacksonville Jaguars’ front office has long emphasized building through youth, and the depth chart is a tangible result of that philosophy. “We draft and sign players to play, not just sit on the bench,” Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke said in a press conference accompanying the depth chart release. “If a young player earns a spot, we’ll give them the opportunity to make an impact.” This trust in young talent sets the Jaguars apart from teams that rely heavily on veterans, and it could pay dividends as the season progresses.

Finally, Jacksonville Jaguars’ Depth Chart Released Ahead of Panthers Opener highlights the Jacksonville Jaguars’ overall readiness for the 2025 season—and the high expectations surrounding the team. After a transformative off-season, the depth chart shows a roster with no obvious holes: the offense has a balanced mix of veteran leaders and young playmakers, the defense has upgraded its pass rush and secondary, and even special teams features talented contributors. For fans, the depth chart is a source of excitement—they can now visualize how stars like Lawrence and Allen will work alongside new additions like Armstead and Hunter. For the players, it’s a validation of their off-season efforts: every name on the chart represents hours of practice, film study, and dedication to improving. As the Jaguars prepare to take the field against the Panthers, the depth chart serves as a reminder of how far the team has come in recent years—from a rebuilding franchise to a legitimate AFC South contender. Jacksonville Jaguars’ Depth Chart Released Ahead of Panthers Opener isn’t just a list of positions; it’s a statement of intent. The Jaguars aren’t just looking to win Week 1—they’re looking to compete for a championship, and this depth chart is the first step in that journey.