Jaguars' Draft Strategy: Mid-Round Gems

0:00On April 21st, the 2026 NFL draft hits April 23rd through 25th, and the Jacksonville Jaguars are gearing up without a first round pick, but packing 11 total selections, tie for second most in the league. GM James Glassstone holds four picks in the top 100, giving him real flexibility to plug holes or trade around. They've got a solid core of linebackers locked in for next year, including Yasser Abdullah, Dennis Gardek, Branson Combs, Vintrel Miller, Foye, Oluokung, Jayla McLeod, and Jack Heiser. That depth looks decent on paper. Offseason shook up the room though, free agent Devon Lloyd bolted to the Carolina Panthers, but they brought back Dennis Gardek to steady things. Still, with some contracts winding down, they need fresh legs to rotate in and build for the long haul. Their first shot comes at 56 overall, and the boards loaded with talent just outside the top 30, standouts like CJ Allen from Georgia at 36th, Jacob Rodriguez from Texas Tech

1:04at 45th, Anthony Hill Jr. from Texas at 48th, and Jig Golday from Cincinnati right around 58th could slide right into Duval. Expect Gladstone to hunt these playmakers early, turning those mid-round gyms into the next wave of Jaguar defense that keeps fans roaring season. Afterseason, NFL News Today, powered by AI bringing you when matters on game day.