Ranking the Five Best Defensive Backs on Jaguars Roster

With the bye week in full swing, it's a great time to unveil the five best defensive backs on the Jacksonville Jaguars roster.

Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jourdan Lewis (2) reacts to his interception against the Houston Texans during the fourth quarter of an NFL football matchup at EverBank Stadium, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jaguars defeated the Texans 17-10. | Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Getting the five best defensive backs on the field can be a challenge, especially if a team has adequate talent amongst the group. The depth and talent were originally there for the Jacksonville Jaguars in the offseason, but injuries to key rookies and trading the former top cornerback on the roster have thinned the room.

Today is a great time to figure out who the top-ranking defensive backs on the Jaguars roster are. This ranking could be a signal of what defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile could implement in his starting lineup after the break.

No. 1. Jourdan Lewis, nickelback

Oct 6, 2025; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jourdan Lewis (2) and Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marquise Brown (5) come together after a play during the first half at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images | Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images

This has been the case for most of the season, regardless of what Pro Football Focus may grade him. Lewis is the best defensive back on the roster, for now, through the first seven games of the season, showcasing his impressive football intelligence, coverage prowess, willingness in the run game, and inside-out versatility.

Lewis has a savviness and aggression that is appreciated in the Jaguars locker room as one of the veterans of the team. He is a key piece of Campanile's defense, and his value remains immense.

Travis Hunter has arguably been the best coverage defender on the Jaguars roster in recent weeks, and it would not come as a surprise if he is the starter at both cornerback and wide receiver in Week 9. The time has come for him to showcase his talent to his fullest.

With exemplarily athleticism, short-area twitch, discipline in his backpedal, growing zone spacing sterness, and elite ball skills, Hunter has made a fantastic case to be the team's second-best defensive back who could soon be the top guy in the secondary.

No. 3: Eric Murray, safety

Jacksonville Jaguars safety Eric Murray (29) intercepts a pass in the second quarter of the NFL Week 2 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Jacksonville Jaguars at Paycor Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025. The Jaguars led 17-10 at halftime. | Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Murray has been a great addition to the Jaguars' defense, roaming the backend of the unit and closing off most attempts at deep ball opportunities for opposing offenses. He would be higher on this list, but injuries and inconsistencies in the secondary have slowed the momentum he was having for the Jaguars' secondary.

No. 4. Antonio Johnson, safety

September 28, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars safety Antonio Johnson (26) during the first quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images | Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Johnson's opportunities could begin to increase in the coming weeks. With Andrew Wingard's struggles, the Jaguars could look for more explosive and athletic Johnson, a player who has put up quality tape in the run game and pass coverage when given the chance. The former Texas A&M standout is an excellent tackler in run support and has shown that do well in deep shell responsibilities.

No. 5. Greg Newsome II, cornerback

Oct 12, 2025; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars corner back Greg Newsome II (6) warms up before the game Seattle Seahawks at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images | Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images

Newsome is a new addition to the roster through the Tyson Campbell trade earlier this month. He is still being acclimated to the Jaguars' defense, but he possesses the skill set to be a quality starter in Duval County.

The former Cleveland Brown has shown to have great moments in man coverage assignments with discipline, mirroring ability, and short-area quickness. Pair in his versatility and flashes in zone coverages over the years, and the Jaguars could have themselves a player who could put them in a tough position for which players to re-sign in the offseason.

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