Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen speaks during a press conference as general manager James Gladstone looks on at the Miller Electric Center, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla. Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

3 Burning Draft Questions the Jaguars Must Address

Originally posted on Jacksonville Jaguars on SI
By John Shipley | Last updated Apr 11, 2026 7:23 AM ET

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The 2026 NFL Draft is set to be the highlight of the Jacksonville Jaguars' offseason, and the Jaguars will need to be prepared for all options.

So, what questions are facing Jaguars head coach Liam Coen and general manager James Gladstone as they navigate their second draft process? We break down three pressing ones below.

How big of a need is offensive line?

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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.

Jacksonville's line was improved from 2024, but it can also get better. The Jaguars have questions about their tackle depth due to Cole Van Lanen's injury, and a rookie lineman could easily take the place of Chuma Edoga on the 53-man roster. Do not be surprised if the Jaguars take an offensive lineman much sooner than expected, perhaps even at No. 56.

Does the depth of EDGE group impact early plans?

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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.

Will the edge spot be so depleted by No. 56 that the Jaguars cut their losses and look to address it later in the draft when the value is right? Or do edges come so fast off the board that the Jaguars determine they must strike now? I think the former is more likely, but either scenario is more than possible.

What trades will James Gladstone have up his sleeve?

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Gladstone was a major player in last year's draft in terms of trades, and I do not mean just the Travis Hunter trade. Gladstone has been able to leverage the Jaguars' high volume of draft picks to move up and down the board, as well as secure picks in future drafts. We have also seen him use picks to land key veterans like Jakobi Meyers.

With the Jaguars sitting at No. 56, it feels unlikely as of today that they move into the first-round. But what about a move up in the second to land a gem? Or using some of their three round-three picks to attack several areas of the roster?

This article first appeared on Jacksonville Jaguars on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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