Jaguars Keeping NFL Guessing Ahead of Draft

Jacksonville's secretive draft process has other teams puzzled about their plans

Apr. 13, 2026 at 4:06pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in vibrant teal, black, and gold colors, breaking down a football game or NFL draft scene into sharp, overlapping geometric planes, conceptually representing the Jaguars' secretive and aggressive approach to the upcoming draft.The Jaguars' unconventional draft strategy has left the rest of the NFL guessing as the team prepares to make its mark in the 2026 NFL Draft.Today in Jacksonville

The Jacksonville Jaguars are keeping the rest of the NFL on their toes as they approach the 2026 NFL Draft. General Manager James Gladstone and the Jaguars have overhauled their draft process, limiting top-30 visits and skipping the NFL Combine, making it difficult for other teams to get a read on their plans. The Jaguars' aggressive approach to trades also has the league wondering if they will stay put at the No. 56 overall pick or make a move up or down the board.

Why it matters

The Jaguars' secretive draft strategy is a stark contrast to their previous more transparent approach. This new tactic is designed to give Jacksonville a competitive edge by keeping other teams guessing about their intentions. As one of the more active teams in the trade market, the Jaguars' plans for the No. 56 overall pick are especially intriguing.

The details

The Jaguars have limited their pre-draft visits with prospects and did not send representatives to the NFL Combine, mirroring the approach taken by the Los Angeles Rams in recent years. This has left other teams in the dark about Jacksonville's draft plans. 'They do the Rams thing. Pro days, visits, now the combine. They are tough to figure out,' one NFC staff member told Jaguars On SI. The Jaguars' general manager, James Gladstone, has also shown a willingness to be aggressive in the trade market, making multiple deals during last year's draft and the offseason.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is set to take place next week.
  • Gladstone will be directing his second draft alongside head coach Liam Coen and EVP Tony Boselli.

The players

James Gladstone

The Jacksonville Jaguars' general manager who has overhauled the team's draft process to be more secretive.

Liam Coen

The Jacksonville Jaguars' head coach who is working alongside Gladstone in the team's draft preparations.

Tony Boselli

The Jacksonville Jaguars' executive vice president who is part of the team's draft leadership alongside Gladstone and Coen.

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What’s next

The Jaguars will make their first pick of the 2026 NFL Draft next Thursday, April 25th.

The takeaway

The Jaguars' secretive draft approach has left the rest of the NFL guessing about their plans, especially with the No. 56 overall pick. Their willingness to be aggressive in the trade market adds an extra layer of unpredictability to how they will approach the draft. This strategy is a stark departure from the Jaguars' previous more transparent process, and it will be fascinating to see if it pays off with a successful draft haul.