JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jaguars’ offense has gotten off to a rough start each of the first two preseason games, scoring just 12 total first-half points. Amidst the offensive preseason struggles, however, the Jaguars’ rookie receivers have been making names for themselves.
Trebor Pena has been a big reason as to why the Jaguars’ second halves have been so much better than the first. He’s totaled 130 yards and a touchdown on just seven receptions, the fourth most yards among all receivers this preseason.
In many ways, he’s very similar in style to teammate Parker Washington, sharing the same school, size, role, and athletic profile. This preseason, Pena has flashed strong hands and the ability to create after the catch, shown best by his touchdown against the Carolina Panthers. Oh yeah, he’s also gotten work as a return man.
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Between his time at Syracuse and Penn State, Pena caught 76% of his total targets and 66% of his contested targets. His average of 5.9 yards after the catch in college wasn’t too shabby either.
Josh Cameron is another Jaguars’ rookie receiver who’s impressed the Jaguars’ staff this preseason, enough to get some first-team reps due to injuries at the position. He’s been extremely explosive in limited work this preseason, hauling in three balls for 58 yards. That’s good for 19.3 yards per reception.
It was much the same during his time at Baylor. A member of Bruce Feldman’s ‘Freaks List,’ Cameron bench pressed 395 pounds, squatted 528, and power cleaned 319 pounds. He also topped out at 21.6 mph on a GPS tracker. With that speed and explosiveness, it’s no wonder he averaged 14.0 yards per punt return in college, something he’s also been working at with the Jaguars.
Already getting work with the first-team offense plus his talents as a returner, Cameron looks to have probably done enough to secure himself a spot on the Jaguars’ opening day roster.
Lastly is CJ Williams, who burst onto the scene as training camp began and even had a nice week of joint practice against the Panthers. He just has yet to have the same in-game moments as the other two rookies on this list. Williams has 50 yards on six receptions thus far into preseason.
At Stanford, Williams primarily played the role of an outside receiver (88.2%) with little special teams work (31 career snaps). He did post four 100+ yard games in 2025, amassing 749 yards and six touchdowns on the season. He was even named Stanford’s offensive MVP in his lone season with the school.
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There’s a world where all three of these players could work their way onto the Jaguars’ roster, and if not, assuredly the practice squad. Pena and Cameron give the Jags special teams value, in addition to their receiving ability, while Williams provides a consistent chains mover who has flashed excellent hands across training camp.
The battle for the last couple roster spots at the receiver position will be a fun watch as we near the regular season in just over two weeks’ time.
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