Jaguars Face Key Draft Questions Ahead of 2026 NFL Draft

From offensive line depth to edge rusher strategy, the Jaguars have important decisions to make in the upcoming draft.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 11:38am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting fragmented, overlapping shapes and planes in navy blue, teal, and gold, representing the complex decisions facing the Jaguars' front office as they prepare for the upcoming NFL Draft.The Jaguars' draft strategy will require a carefully constructed, multi-faceted approach to address their key roster needs.Today in Jacksonville

As the Jacksonville Jaguars prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft, they face several key questions that will shape their offseason plans. The team's offensive line depth, edge rusher needs, and potential draft day trades are all areas of focus for head coach Liam Coen and general manager James Gladstone.

Why it matters

The Jaguars are looking to build on their progress from the 2024 season and the draft will be a crucial part of that process. How they address their roster needs and leverage their draft capital could have a significant impact on the team's trajectory going forward.

The details

The Jaguars' offensive line was improved in 2024, but the team still has questions about their tackle depth due to an injury to Cole Van Lanen. They must also decide if they need to replace Chuma Edoga on the 53-man roster. Edge defender is considered a position of strength in this year's draft class, which could lead the Jaguars to either strike early or wait for better value later on. Gladstone has shown a willingness to be active in the trade market, and the Jaguars' four Day 2 picks give them flexibility to move up, down, or address multiple needs.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is set to take place in the coming months.

The players

Liam Coen

The head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

James Gladstone

The general manager of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Cole Van Lanen

An offensive lineman for the Jacksonville Jaguars who is recovering from an injury.

Chuma Edoga

An offensive lineman for the Jacksonville Jaguars who is currently on the 53-man roster.

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What they’re saying

“The Jaguars have done their homework on this offensive line class, which should be the expectation each offseason, of course. But the fact that the Jaguars are returning each offensive lineman who was under contract on the active roster from a year ago has perhaps clouded the reality of how much of a need the offensive line really is.”

— John Shipley, Author

“Jaguars general manager James Gladstone did not hesitate this week to note that edge defender is a position of strength in this year's draft class. Gladstone noted that this could mean a lot of pass-rushers fly off the board in the first-round, which would create an interesting dynamic for the Jaguars and their four Day 2 picks.”

— John Shipley, Author

What’s next

The Jaguars will need to carefully evaluate their roster needs and draft strategy in the coming weeks leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft. Their decisions on the offensive line, edge rusher, and potential trades could have a significant impact on the team's future.

The takeaway

The 2026 NFL Draft represents a crucial offseason for the Jacksonville Jaguars as they look to build on their progress from the previous season. How the team addresses key roster needs and leverages their draft capital will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.