Jaguars Eyeing 3 Sleeper Prospects for 2026 NFL Draft

Jacksonville looks to build on 2025 breakthrough with under-the-radar talent

Mar. 27, 2026 at 5:42am

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The Jacksonville Jaguars are coming off a breakout 2025 season and are now focused on the 2026 NFL Draft to continue their rise. While other teams splurge in free agency, the Jaguars are taking a measured approach and eyeing three sleeper prospects who could make a big impact: linebacker Jake Golday from Cincinnati, offensive lineman Keylan Rutledge from Georgia Tech, and edge rusher Anthony Lucas from USC.

Why it matters

After years of struggles, the Jaguars finally found their footing in 2025, making the playoffs and proving they can win in multiple ways. Now the challenge is sustaining that success, which requires adding complementary pieces that fit their identity. These three under-the-radar prospects could provide the toughness, versatility and upside to elevate the Jaguars from contender to constant threat in the AFC.

The details

The Jaguars lost some key veterans in free agency, including linebacker Devin Lloyd and running back Travis Etienne. But GM James Gladstone has focused on re-signing core players and creating salary cap flexibility. Now the team is eyeing these three sleeper prospects to fill gaps and reinforce their identity. Golday is a physical linebacker who can control the interior, Rutledge is a versatile offensive lineman who can improve the run game, and the lengthy Lucas has immense potential as a pass rusher in the Jaguars' rotation.

  • The Jaguars finished the 2025 season with a 13-4 record and won the AFC South title.
  • The team lost several key free agents, including LB Devin Lloyd and RB Travis Etienne, in the 2026 offseason.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft is set to take place in the coming months.

The players

Jake Golday

A linebacker from the University of Cincinnati who offers the size, physicality and team-first mentality to help replace the void left by Devin Lloyd's departure.

Keylan Rutledge

An offensive lineman from Georgia Tech who can play multiple interior positions and bring a physical, relentless demeanor to help improve the Jaguars' run game.

Anthony Lucas

A long, athletic edge rusher from USC who has immense upside as a pass-rushing specialist in the Jaguars' defensive rotation.

Trevor Lawrence

The Jaguars' star quarterback who had a breakout 2025 season, setting a franchise record with 38 total touchdowns.

James Gladstone

The Jaguars' general manager who has taken a disciplined approach to free agency, re-signing key veterans and creating salary cap flexibility for the draft.

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What they’re saying

“Going from 'dangerous' to 'dominant' requires precision, depth, and the ability to uncover value where others hesitate.”

— Enzo Flojo, Author

“The message from the front office is that they aren't looking for a quick fix in free agency. Instead, they have set the stage for an aggressive draft strategy that focuses on long-term sustainability and high-upside talent.”

— Enzo Flojo, Author

What’s next

The Jaguars will look to add these three sleeper prospects through the 2026 NFL Draft, which is set to take place in the coming months.

The takeaway

By targeting these under-the-radar players with high upside, the Jaguars are positioning themselves to build on their 2025 breakthrough and establish themselves as a consistent contender in the AFC for years to come.