The Jacksonville Jaguars may have found a diamond in the rough with their final third-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Safety Jalen Huskey, a versatile defender who turned heads in college, is already making waves with his mindset as he enters the team's offseason program.

"I play with a chip on my shoulder," Huskey told Jaguars.com. "I feel like my entire life I've been a little overlooked or a little overshadowed – and I can show that I can produce too." It's a confidence that comes from experience: "At every single stop I produced, and it's not going to stop because I'm in the NFL. I plan to come here and be a great football player."

That hunger fits perfectly with the culture head coach Liam Coen has built in Jacksonville. Coen has turned the team's underdog status into fuel, using the league's constant disrespect as motivation. Alongside general manager James Gladstone, Coen has prioritized aggression and physicality—traits that made Huskey stand out during the draft process.

"Something that we prioritize not only on the defensive back end, but across the entire roster is versatility," Gladstone said. "He certainly offers that, but at the same time, his play style is one that is extremely aggressive and tough and physical. That really captured our attention and our hearts."

Huskey will likely compete with Caleb Ransaw and Rayuan Lane for the third safety spot on the depth chart. Even if he doesn't win that role immediately, his aggressive style makes him a prime candidate for core special teams duties right away. For a rookie with a chip on his shoulder and a team that thrives on proving doubters wrong, this could be the start of something special in Jacksonville.