The media apparently hated the Jaguars’ draft, and it’s honestly hard to blame them
Jacksonville made some strange choices that were predictably panned after the draft.
The Jacksonville Jaguars entered the 2026 NFL Draft without their top draft capital, so they had their work cut out for them. One year after using their 2026 first-round pick in a trade up with the Cleveland Browns to nab CB Travis Hunter, the Jags weren’t on the clock until pick No. 56.
Despite needs at linebacker, defensive tackle, edge rusher, and running back, among others, general manager James Gladstone selected Texas A&M TE Nate Boerkircher, who had been projected by many as being in play rounds later. Projected as a blocking tight end, Boerkircher brings a grand total of 38 catches and 417 receiving yards over five seasons.
That was the first of a number of draft picks that left some scratching their heads, including many in the media. Out of a compilation of 24 media members who graded draft picks, the Jaguars came in dead last with a weighted “GPA” of 1.39.
Jaguars came in dead last among all teams among 24 media members who graded the draft
The Jaguars’ picks, beyond taking Boerkirker multiple rounds before he probably should have gone, did little to add value where they were taken.
The exception, of course, is Oregon IOL Emmanuel Pregnon. The Jags got stellar value there, nabbing the Ducks’ standout offensive lineman with the No. 88 pick. He had second-round projections by some, so Gladstone was able to pluck a potential starter down the road for the interior of his offensive line.
They also managed to get an interesting prospect in Baylor WR Josh Cameron in the sixth round. The versatile wideout led all of FBS in yards per punt return in 2024 with 20.7 and is a strong blocker and physical player. But going WR AGAIN later in the round for a player who was an undrafted free agent projection by many pundits? One step forward, one step back.
Of course, we’ll see see how this all plays out in two or three years, but for now, it’s clear that the Jags have a lot of people to convince that they indeed got it right this year.