Jaguars UDFA profiles: Why Jalen Hunt could make roster push

The Jacksonville Jaguars announced that they signed 18 undrafted free agents following the conclusion of the 2026 NFL draft. Let's take a closer look at these players and highlight why each could make a potential roster push.

Up next is Cincinnati defensive tackle Jalen Hunt.

What to know about Jalen Hunt

Although listed at 315 pounds, Hunt was a versatile member of the Cincinnati defensive front, playing 284 snaps at defensive end, along with 132 snaps from the interior. Hunt recorded a career-high 22 pressures and three sacks in 2025, along with being one of PFF's top run defenders.

Jalen Hunt's draft profile

"He’s a plus athlete with quickness to beat blockers to the spot and dart into gaps or around base blocks. He has the foot quickness to test the gap-to-gap range of a center when aligned inside. His age, production and injury history might hurt his draft chances, but his style of play and athletic ability give him a chance to compete as a rotational, one-gapping nose tackle." - Lance Zierlein, NFL.com

Why Jalen Hunt could make the Jaguars' roster?

On paper anyway, there would appear to be one or even two roster spots available at the moment. We know that Arik Armstead, DaVon Hamilton, Ruke Orhorhoro, and Albert Regis will make up the top of the defensive tackle depth chart, but after that, there are no guarantees. probably makes the final roster, but that's not a given either. Could the Jaguars choose Hunt's upside over Matt Dickerson's veteran presence? If Jacksonville keeps a sixth defensive tackle, then that spot on the roster is wide open.