The Jacksonville Jaguars’ additions of safety Jessie Bates and defensive tackles Jordan Davis and Davon Godchaux strengthen the roster, but they may also reduce opportunities for rookie safety Jalen Huskey and defensive tackle Albert Regis. Both were selected in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, yet neither has established a regular role on defense.
Huskey was selected 100th overall and was inactive for Jacksonville’s first four games. He began contributing on special teams in Week 5 and has appeared in three games, playing 28 defensive snaps across two of them: 18 in Week 8 and 10 in Week 9.
With Bates joining the team, Huskey faces more competition at safety. Antonio Johnson is expected to start alongside Bates, while Rayuan Lane and Kaevon Merriweather have also been ahead of Huskey. Caleb Ransaw has received special-teams snaps ahead of him, too, making Huskey’s path to playing time more difficult.
Regis, the 81st overall pick, played in the first two weeks of the season, missed Week 3, and returned for Week 4. He was then inactive from Weeks 5 through 8 before seeing action in Week 9 after DaVon Hamilton was injured. Regis played 22 snaps in that game and struggled against the run. Jacksonville subsequently added Davis and Godchaux to its defensive-tackle group.
Regis had already been behind depth tackle Matt Dickerson, so the new additions could make it harder for him to get on the field. He was drafted with a potential future role in mind as Hamilton’s replacement, but Davis’s arrival gives the Jaguars another option at the position.
The moves leave both rookies with uncertain roles heading into their second seasons. Their limited contributions so far, combined with increased competition, could make it challenging for either former top-100 pick to make an impact as a rookie.
