Let’s take a closer look at each of the Jaguars’ UDFAs. Up next is Indiana defensive tackle James Carpenter.
In addition to their nine draft picks, the Jacksonville Jaguars signed 22 undrafted rookies as well, following the 2025 NFL draft.
Just as we did with each of the nine selections, let’s take a closer look at each of the Jaguars‘ UDFAs. Up next is Indiana defensive tackle James Carpenter.
James Carpenter’s profileWhat to know about Jaguars‘ UDFA signing
An experienced player, Carpenter played in 40 games and made 37 starts during his first five college seasons at James Madison before transferring to Indiana this past year. During the 2023 and 2024 seasons, Carpenter was a finalist for the Burlsworth Trophy, which is given to the “most outstanding” FBS player who began their college career as a walk-on.
Even with making the jump up to Big 10 play, Carpenter put together a career-year from a quarterback pressure standpoint, tallying 39 on the season in 2024, along with six sacks–another career high. In fact, among all defensive tackles, Carpenter ranked 12th in PFF’s pass rush productivity metric.
While not talking specifically about Carpenter, GM James Gladstone did mention after the draft that it is always noteworthy when a player makes the jump in competition, but his production doesn’t take a step back.
Throughout his career, Carpenter has graded out well as a run defender by PFF’s metrics. In 2024, his average depth of tackle was just 1.4 yards beyond the line of scrimmage, which ranked 29th.
Carpenter’s NFL draft profile
NFL draft diamonds: “Carpenter is a dependable and disciplined defensive tackle who thrives in controlling the line of scrimmage. He uses his strength and leverage to consistently disrupt offensive linemen and hold his ground, excelling as a run-stopper. While his pass rush is functional, it lacks the explosiveness to win one-on-one matchups consistently. He projects best as a two-down player who can anchor against the run and provide occasional interior pressure.”
They said it
Bryant Haines, James Madison co-defensive coordinator: “When I recruited him as a walk-on, I just thought this guy could maybe be a pretty good football player at JMU. I didn’t necessarily think this is going to be my starting three technique in the Big Ten. But credit to him, he’s another one of these guys that doesn’t say a lot, but man, he never stops working. He wants to get better. He wants to get pushed. He wants to get coached. It’s one of the reasons he came from JMU. He liked the scheme. He loves coach [Pat] Kuntz, they have a great relationship. And he just wants to constantly push himself. I’m proud of him and how far along he’s come. I could have never seen this five years ago in 2019 when I recruited him out of Roanoke Catholic High School. I’m proud of his journey. Same for a lot of these guys.”
James Carpenter’s RAS cardHighlights