​Albert Regis doesn’t need to win a starting job to become one of the Jacksonville Jaguars’ most impactful rookies. The third-round defensive tackle arrives at training camp behind DaVon Hamilton, the veteran nose tackle who helped Jacksonville lead the NFL in run defense last season. That depth-chart position would typically set modest expectations for a rookie, but Sports Illustrated’s John Shipley sees a bigger opening.
Shipley placed Regis second among the Jaguars’ 10 draft picks in his pre-training camp rookie power rankings. His argument centers on the workload available behind Hamilton, where Austin Johnson played nearly 200 defensive snaps last season. If Regis inherits a similar share of time, Jacksonville could receive immediate contributions from the No. 81 overall pick without altering the core of its defensive line.
Johnson’s role was limited but necessary. Pro Football Reference credited him with 192 defensive snaps in 2025, about 17.5% of Jacksonville’s defensive plays. He provided relief for Hamilton and gave the Jaguars another interior body for early downs and heavier offensive personnel. Johnson entered free agency after the season, leaving those snaps open for Regis or others.
Shipley projected Regis as Hamilton’s primary backup and argued that the rookie could take on a larger role than many other members of Jacksonville’s draft class. The opportunity, however, comes with a demanding standard. The Jaguars allowed only 85.6 rushing yards per game last season, the league’s best mark, and coaches repeatedly credited Hamilton’s ability to absorb double teams and keep linebackers clean.
Regis’ background aligns with the task at hand. The 6-foot-1, 295-pound lineman started 28 of 49 games at Texas A&M and finished his college career with 116 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and 10 passes defensed. He posted career highs with 49 tackles and two sacks in 2025. Jacksonville also noted that Regis earned an 82.6 run-defense grade from Pro Football Focus, ranking fifth among SEC interior defensive linemen who played at least 400 snaps. Even with solid college credentials, the transition from college to the NFL tends to reveal itself quickly in the trenches. Still, that grade helps explain why Jacksonville believes Regis can enter the rotation early.
Regis’ simplest path to playing time does not require him to displace Hamilton. The Jaguars need him to preserve the defensive structure when Hamilton comes off the field, meaning Regis must hold his gap, stand up to double teams, and prevent offenses from generating easy movement through the middle. A dependable backup would also enable Jacksonville to manage Hamilton’s workload without losing the trait that defined their defense last season.
Shipley’s ranking even placed Regis ahead of several rookies who have clearer paths to notable statistics. If Regis can flash as a reliable, gap-containing defender who can contribute on early downs, Jacksonville could secure an immediate and meaningful impact from a player chosen in the middle of the draft. In a season where the top of Jacksonville’s defensive line appears set, Regis’ value could come from the steady, versatile depth he provides—quietly elevating the unit without forcing a major shakeup to the starting lineup.