The NFL Combine is about to begin, with games taking place from February 23rd to March 2nd. To preview this important pre-draft event, we’ll take a position-by-position look at which prospects are being offered and the level of need the Jacksonville Jaguars have at each position.
The NFL Combine, held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, provides the top prospects in this year’s NFL Draft an opportunity to undergo measurements and a variety of on-field drills, some specific to their position group and others that measure a player’s overall athleticism.
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For NFL teams, the event is another data point for them to build their draft profiles and boards. However, this is an important data point and players may move up or down draft boards based on their performance.
In addition to on-field workouts, teams also have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with players, which is another important part of the evaluation process as they get to know them on and off the field.
Next up are the defensive backs.
Jaguars defensive back signs 2026 contract ahead of free agency
What are the Jaguars’ needs at defensive back this offseason?
Cornerbacks still under contract are Jordan Lewis, Ja’rian Jones and Travis Hunter, who are reportedly set to become full-time cornerbacks in 2026, but with Montalik Brown and Greg Newsome set to hit free agency, the starting outside cornerback role opposite Hunter is currently open.
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Maybe there isn’t much mystery about who will end up taking on the role. According to NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe, at least one of Brown and/or Newsome is “not expected” to return. If the Jaguars have to choose between Brown and Newsome, the choice seems clear.
However, even if Brown or Newsome returns, cornerback depth could still be added — though admittedly, the Jaguars probably wouldn’t break the salary cap bank to do so in this case. This draft, Jacksonville has 11 picks and probably better options.
Then, at safety, Andrew Wingard will become a free agent this offseason. However, Eric Murray and Antonio Johnson are still on the roster. Johnson’s playing time increased as the season progressed and his ball control was impressive, with five interceptions and three ball breakups.
Therefore, the Jaguars don’t need to look outside the building to replace Wingard — Johnson can do that.
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But this was a defense led by Anthony Campanile that took full advantage of three-safety looks. So how much the Jaguars feel they need to address this issue may depend on how they feel about second-year players Rayuan Lane and Caleb Ransaw.
Defensive backs invited to 2026 NFL combine
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Keith Abney II, Arizona State University
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Marcus Allen, North Carolina
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Brandon Cisse, South Carolina
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Takario Davis, Washington
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Charles Demings, Stephen F. Austin
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Thaddeus Dixon (North Carolina)
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Ahmadi Harvey, Georgia Tech
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Davidson Igbinosun, Ohio State University
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Chris Johnson, San Diego State University
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Jaylon Kilgore (South Carolina)
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Latrell McCutchin Sr., Houston
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Emmanuel McNeil Warren (Toledo)
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Toriano Pride Jr., Missouri
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Ephesus Prisoc, Washington
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DeShawn Singleton (Nebraska)
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Robert Spears-Jennings, Oklahoma
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Lorenzo Styles Jr., Ohio State
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Zacky Whitley, Pennsylvania State University
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: 2026 NFL Combine: Which defensive backs were invited?
