Jaguars Possess Flexibility Heading Into 2026 NFL Draft

Jacksonville GM James Gladstone says the team can focus on best player available rather than addressing specific needs.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 7:07pm

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The Jacksonville Jaguars are entering the 2026 NFL Draft with a luxury that every team desires - flexibility. After making key free agent signings to solidify their roster, the Jaguars no longer feel pressed to draft for specific positions of need. Instead, they can focus on taking the best player available, which Jaguars GM James Gladstone says is the ideal approach.

Why it matters

Having flexibility in the draft allows teams to avoid reaching for prospects or overdrafting to fill needs. This gives the Jaguars a better chance of adding high-value talent that fits their long-term vision, rather than settling for players who may not be the best fit.

The details

The Jaguars have 11 total draft picks, including four in the top 100, giving them ample opportunity to add impact players. Key free agent signings like re-signing Montaric Brown at cornerback and bringing back Dennis Gardeck at linebacker have solidified the roster, eliminating glaring needs. This allows the Jaguars to truly focus on taking the best player available, rather than feeling compelled to address a specific position.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for late April.

The players

James Gladstone

The general manager of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Montaric Brown

A cornerback who the Jaguars re-signed in free agency.

Dennis Gardeck

A linebacker who the Jaguars brought back in free agency to be their starting SAM linebacker.

Quintin Morris

A tight end who will resume his role as TE2 for the Jaguars, providing a valuable blocking presence.

Chris Rodriguez

A running back signed by the Jaguars in free agency to add depth to their backfield after losing Travis Etienne.

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What they’re saying

“I think the best way to sort of think about that is right now what we've structured it to be is that we don't have to pick based off of need necessarily at any specific spot. That's a luxury.”

— James Gladstone, Jaguars General Manager

“I think walking into the door on Day 2, as it stands right now, we're not saying that we need this positions at this spot, which is a luxury, and I'm excited about that. It means that we can really take somebody that we understand, that we have a clear vision for alignment on, and it doesn't have to be dependent on it, it's got to be at this specific spot or this side of the ball.”

— James Gladstone, Jaguars General Manager

What’s next

The Jaguars will look to address remaining needs at defensive tackle, defensive end, cornerback, safety, and along the offensive line during the 2026 NFL Draft, which is scheduled for late April.

The takeaway

The Jaguars' strategic approach in free agency has given them the luxury of flexibility heading into the 2026 NFL Draft. Rather than feeling compelled to reach for players to fill specific needs, they can focus on taking the best talent available, which is an ideal position for any team to be in during the draft.