The Jacksonville Jaguars opened their second week of Organized Team Activities (OTAs) with a palpable sense of optimism, according to a report covering the team’s early practices. Head coach Doug Pederson and the front office have emphasized a stronger culture, and players have echoed that sentiment, noting improved chemistry in the locker room and coaching staff. The sting of a disappointing final game in 2025 remains, but the team is eager to build on last season’s successes.

Rookie Bhayshul Tuten’s Explosive Runs Create a Logjam in Jacksonville’s Backfield

One of the earliest storylines from OTAs is the emergence of rookie running back Bhayshul Tuten. The source notes that Tuten has drawn attention with his explosive runs during early practices, putting him in the mix for a role behind established starter Travis Etienne. The competition in the running back room is one of several key battles that will define the Jaguars’ depth chart heading into training camp. While Etienne remains the clear No. 1, Tuten’s early flashes suggest the team may have found a dynamic change-of-pace option without needing to invest in a veteran free agent.

Ventrell Miller, the ‘Offseason Riser,’ Could Reshape the Linebacker Rotation Alongside Foyesade Oluokun

At linebacker, Ventrell Miller is the leading candidate to start after a strong first practice, according to the report. He is described as the team’s “offseason riser,” and if he maintains momentum, he could secure the job by training camp. The linebacker rotation was limited last season, but Miller’s emergence could change that. Foyesade Oluokun remains the anchor, but Miller is pushing for significant snaps, potentially improving the unit’s depth and allowing defensie coordinator Ryan Nielsen to deploy more versatile sub-packages. The broader question is whether Miller’s preseason performance will translate into consistent regular-season production.

Brenton Strange’s Increased Workload and the Possible Pre-2026 Contract Extensions

Tight end Brenton Strange is expected to see an increased workload despite missing five games last season, as the report notes he finished third on the team in routes. He could be one of the most important offensive players outside of quarterback Trevor Lawrence. The team is also considering contract extensions for Parker Washington and Strange, though the source adds that those are likely to happen before the 2026 season rather than immediately. Washington’s extension may not top the market, but Strange’s could approach the top of the tight end market. This signals a long-term investment in the passing game around Lawrence.

What Remains Unknown: The Unnamed Receiver Speculation and the Depth Chart at Safety

While the report provides details on several position battles, it leaves two key questions unanswered. First, despite speculation about a splash trade for a receiver like A.J. Brown, the source states the team is not expected to make such a move, preferring to save draft capital. But it does not name any specific targets the Jaguars might pursue later, leaving fans guessing about possible additions. Second, the team is experimenting with three-safety looks under Nielsen, but the report does not detail how Rayuan Lane and others will rotate in a revamped secondary. Without clarity on roles for the safety group, it remains unclear how the defense will build on last season’s early OTA success.

An Echo of the 2023 Offseason Emphasis on Culture and Internal Development

The Jaguars’ current optimism mirrors the tone from the 2023 offseason, when Pederson and the front office similarly stressed chemistry and continuity after a playoff push. That approach yielded strong results until late-season struggles. According to the report, the team now believes it has the right pieces in place, valuing culture above short-term upgrades. The key difference this time is the emergence of younger players like Tuten and Miller, which suggests the Jaguars are betting on internal development rather than external spending—a strategy that could pay off if these position battles produce reliable starters without costly free-agent contracts.