The Jacksonville Jaguars faced the Miami Dolphins in the preseason finale. The bout gave several players one last opportunity to make an impression and either secure a roster spot or move up on the depth chart. A rookie linebacker most definitely took advantage of his chances.
2025 fourth-round pick Jack Kiser was never in danger of getting cut, but that didn't stop him from coming through in Week 3 of the preseason, logging four total tackles and one sack. Couple that with a strong training camp, and it's fair to say that the former Notre Dame Irish was among the biggest Jaguars winners of the preseason.
Sure, you could make the case that fellow rookies Danny Striggow and BJ Green also deserve consideration. After all, their journey to make their roster was more challenging as undrafted free agents. That said, neither will probably get many snaps in 2025 if they make the roster. Meanwhile, Kiser did enough to get playing time even though he won't be starting.
Why the Jaguars should be hyped up about Jack Kiser
Jack Kiser lacks elite athleticism but was an outstanding blitzer and excelled at defending the run in college. With the Jaguars, he joined a crowded group that included Foyesade Oluokun, Devin Lloyd, Ventrell Miller, and Chad Muma. Dennis Gardeck later joined the mix.
Oluokun, Miller, and Lloyd have always been at the top of the depth chart, so Kiser wasn't going to start anytime soon. He didn't seem to mind. Instead, the Roya Center, Indiana native put his head down and showed up to work. It paid off, as he was arguably the most impressive non-Travis Hunter rookie in Jaguars training camp.
Then, the preseason came, and Kiser wasted no time making an impression, logging five pressures and seven total tackles in three games.
Leaving aside that Kiser shined, fourth-year veteran Chad Muma struggled and could be on his way out. That means that the rookie linebacker could be No. 4 on the depth chart, and if that's the case, he could get on the field in third-down situations to bring the heat.
For his part, Kiser told the local media after the finale that he showed up and played without thinking about his place on the depth chart.
"I think that's what we did. There's a standard that the starters set, and it doesn't matter if you're a two or a three. Like you're effectively out there and perform at that standard," Kiser said via Action News Jax. "And I think that for the most part of the game. I mean, obviously, there's some plays you want back. That's gonna happen every ball game."
Later in the exchange, Kiser said that he was pleased with the work he put in, pointing out that it all changed once it was time to put the pads on.
"I think, you know, putting pads on is a really big difference-maker. You're here in May and June, and you're doing OTAs and stuff. And you're around the guys, but when you put those pads for the first time, and really start hitting, that's when you start feeling it a little bit more. But this has been a great five weeks. I think I've really grown a lot as a player, just learning more and more every single day. It's been a lot of fun, it's been great being around the guy.
"Learned a lot from the vets here, for sure. They've been great. I think the culture, the locker room has been great. Just wainting to help anybody, espeically on the rookie, and give them confidence."
Jack Kiser sounds hyped up about the work he's put in. And based on how things have played out, can you blame him?
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