Taking an early look ahead to the 2026 NFL season, who are the potential breakout candidates this year for the Jacksonville Jaguars?

Last year, there were a few players who fell into that category, including Devin Lloyd, Parker Washington, and Cole Van Lanen.

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So who might make a big jump in 2026? Our Jaguars Wire staff weighed in.

LB Ventrell Miller

Devin Lloyd was expected to leave Jacksonville this offseason, and his departure paved the way for Ventrell Miller to step into the spotlight. Originally drafted from the University of Florida in 2023, he spent his rookie season on injured reserve, but began making a strong impact during his sophomore year. In 2025, under the new coaching staff, he began making even more of a good impression and became a key contributor on special teams. He also provided much-needed depth on defense and saw some first-team linebacker reps during training camp.

James Gladstone specifically pointed to Miller as a potential replacement for Lloyd, clearly making him poised to have a breakout season in 2026. Foyesade Oluokun and Dennis Gardeck will continue to be starters, but Miller has a good chance of landing a starting job. Despite his limited playing time, with an average of just 20 snaps per game, he’s managed to get three forced fumbles, seven defended passes, four tackles for loss, and an interception. His career previously slowed down due to injury, but he’s still proved to be a strong player and is due to have a big season in 2026. – Casandra Chesser

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DE Danny Striggow

As of now, given the current construction of the Jaguars’ roster, Striggow is in line to play a key rotational role at the defensive end position. Behind Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker on the depth chart currently are Striggow and BJ Green. Certainly, other additions will be made here, but Striggow will likely have the opportunity to earn steady playing time.

An undrafted rookie a year ago, Striggow made the 53-man roster, and after playing most special teams early on, he began to earn more opportunities on defense over the second half of the season. He finsihed the year playing 152 snaps, while generating seven pressures and a sack on 89 pass rush snaps, per PFF.

Potentially more opportunities, plus the coveted Year 2 leap that many successful NFL players make, and Striggow could earn himself a more consistent role in the defensive end rotation with much more production potential.

This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: 2026 NFL season: Who are Jaguars breakout candidates?