The Jacksonville Jaguars just added Trenton Irwin to a well-rounded group of receivers that includes Brian Thomas Jr., Dyami Brown, Travis Hunter, and Parker Washington. All things considered, they're stacked at the position, but the unit could be even better if an undrafted free agent keeps making a strong impression throughout the remainder of the offseason.
John Shipley of Sports Illustrated reports that undrafted rookie Eli Pancol has stood out on Day 10 of the Jags Organized Team Activities, pointing out that the first-year wideout has shown potential thus far.
"If there is one thing that has been clear about the Jaguars' undrafted rookie class thus far, it is that rookie wide receiver Eli Pancol is a playmaker," Shipley wrote. "He has to prove that it can carry over from padless practices, but he has made a handful of plays in each practice that have impressed, and Thursday was no different."
Shipley continued, "Pancol made one of the best plays of the day with an athletic catch on the left sideline, and he also had several big gains over the middle of the field. It is very, very early, but it feels safe to say that his stock is pointing up right now."
Pancol was one of four receivers the Jags signed as free agents after the draft. So far, he's been the best of the bunch, showcasing his talent throughout the offseason. In fact, he's been dubbed a dark horse candidate to make the 53-man roster as a rookie.
A three-star recruit out of high school, Pancol suffered a lower-body injury in 2023 that brougth his season to an abrupt end before it started. He came back last year and went on to register 60 receptions for 798 yards with nine touchdowns for the Duke Blue Devils.
How Eli Pancol could sneak onto the Jaguars 53-man roster
Back in 2023, the Jacksonville Jaguars carried seven receivers on the initial 53-man roster. One reason was that they didn't want to lose Elijah Cooks to another team. It's highly unlikely that they'll keep as many next season. Nevertheless, Eli Pancol could have a legitimate chance to stick around.
Four roster spots are earmarked for Brian Thomas Jr., Travis Hunter, Dyami Brown, and Parker Washington. Trenton Irwin is a strong candidate to be the fifth receiver in Jacksonville, and Pancol could be the sixth.
Heck, Irwin may not be a lock to make the team. During his stint with the Cincinnati Bengals, he hardly ever played special teams, and players at the bottom of the depth chart must contribute in that area if they want to make the cut.
This becomes especially important when you take into account that Jacksonville lost Tim Jones to the Minnesota Vikings in free agency. The former Mississippi State Golden Eagle, like Pancol, joined the Jags as an undrafted free agent and carved a niche on special teams the past three years.
With Jones out of the picture, Pancol will have a prime opportunity to earn a roster spot. Sure, it will be an uphill battle, but he's certainly done enough to make you think that he could end up pulling it off.
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