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AIPROPX ReportYahoo Sports · 1h ago
Jaguars’ Pregnon Named One of the AFC’s ‘Rookies to Watch
As the Jacksonville Jaguars begin training camp, we will finally get our first look at the team's rookie class in pads and how they stack up against the veterans.
Training camp brings an entirely different set of vibes and scrutiny than OTAs or minicamp. The season is right around the corner. Players, coaches, and fans can all feel it approaching. The intensity and competition of camp dwarfs that of the rest of the offseason program.
For a rookie class that has been much maligned for months, the opportunity to start silencing the critics and doubters is here. While a few of Jacksonville's rookies created some buzz earlier in the offseason, they now all get their shot to prove what they can do and carve out roles for the upcoming season.
One of the few Jaguars' rookies who was considered a draft steal, guard Emmanuel Pregnon, will have a lot of eyes on him during camp. Many will be watching to see how quickly Pregnon adjusts to the NFL and how long it will take him to win a starting job.
Rob Rang of Fox Sports chose one rookie from each AFC squad as his "rookies to watch." Unsurprisingly, he chose Pregnon for the Jaguars.
Tough Path To Starting Lineup For 2026
Even with Pregnon's talent and high expectations, Rang admits he has a tough path to the starting lineup for this season, but that it could open up sooner rather than later.
"With quality blocker Ezra Cleveland and pricey 2025 free-agent addition Patrick Mekari capably manning the guard positions in Jacksonville, Pregnon does not have an easy path to starting for the Jaguars as a rookie. However, he is talented, tough and experienced at both guard positions. Further, Cleveland is a pending free agent and Mekari struggled with both consistency and durability in his first year in town."
Could Pregnon overtake either Cleveland or Mekari as a rookie? Cleveland is a very solid starter and is entering a contract season. Whether he is playing for a new deal in Jacksonville or another team, Cleveland will have a little extra motivation this season.
Mekari, on the other hand, could be starting the season on a short leash. He did not play up to the big contract the Jaguars gave him last season. Last year, Mekari missed three games with injury, was penalized nine times, and was graded poorly by PFF both as a run and pass blocker.
That said, Mekari had performed well before coming to Jacksonville. He was thought to be a quality free agent signing, and certainly has enough talent to bounce back from last season and lock down his starting right guard position.
Not Only The Veterans
Pregnon's competition as a rookie is not only the two veterans, but also last year's third-round pick, Wyatt Milum.
Milum, like Pregnon, is talented and represents the Jaguars' future at one of the guard spots. Many believe he is ready to overtake Mekari for the right guard job this season.
If Mekari stumbles again in 2026, it may be Milum who hears his name called over Pregnon.
Final Thoughts
Pregnon may actually be the Jaguars' most-heralded rookie, but also one with the most difficult path to playing time this season. As long as he stays healthy, it is unlikely that Cleveland loses his starting job. The guard job that is up for grabs is likely a battle between Mekari and Milum.
However, Pregnon may be the most talented guard on the roster and has the highest ceiling. How he performs in camp will go a long way in determining how quickly he inserts himself into the starting lineup.
Once Pregnon earns a starting role, he is expected to hold onto it for a very long time. He and Milum look to be the Jaguars' starting guard combo for years to come; it is only a matter of time before they take over.
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Jaguars’ Pregnon Named OneAFC’sRookiesEmmanuel PregnonJaguarsJacksonville JaguarsTrainingOTAsPlayersWhileJacksonvilleOne
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