Daily Prowl: Trade buzz around Brian Thomas Jr. won’t go away

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 02: Brian Thomas Jr. #7 of the Jacksonville Jaguars looks on before the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on November 02, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Good afternoon!

Here is today’s roundup of the latest news, rumors, and analysis on your Jacksonville Jaguars.

Local links


Study up before your next trip to the watercooler.

Where does 2025 rank among all-time Jaguars teams? (Big Cat Country)

Before this most recent season, I suspect most folks would’ve said the 1999 team was the best in franchise history, with younger fans giving more love to the 2017 squad. Does the 2025 crew top either (or both) of them?

Jaguars’ run game still needs work heading into 2026 (Action Sports Jax)

In just about every metric, the Jaguars’ run game ranked mediocre at best. Statistically, it’s really hard to deduce exactly why that is. According to ESPN analytics, the Jaguars’ OL ranked pretty favorably in run-blocking, ranking sixth in run-block win %.

Scheme fits over star power: Jaguars draft targets Markel Bell & Bauer Sharp (Black & Teal)

The connection between Bell and Sharp is not production or national recognition, rather, it’s how their traits support offensive continuity. Bell could help maintain clean pockets and offensive rhythm for Trevor Lawrence, while Sharp allows formations to remain balanced between run and pass without sacrificing efficiency.

5 Free Agent Linebackers Jaguars Could Target to Replace Devin Lloyd (Jaguars on SI)

Dean might not be a high-ceiling option to replace Lloyd, but he has experience, is still young, and will likely be able to be had on a relatively cheap contract moving forward. Dean could compete with Ventrell Miller for a Day 1 role.

Highest-graded TEs from the 2025 NFL season (PFF)

Like several tight ends on this list, Brenton Strange felt the force of the midseason injury, trimming his season in half. From Weeks 1-5, Strange was a consistent contributor, barrelling toward a career-best campaign in his third year with the Jaguars before landing on injured reserve. That career-high year still manifested. Strange caught 48 passes for 549 yards and three touchdowns in 2025 and was instrumental in Jacksonville’s passing game. He was also one of the best run-blocking tight ends in the NFL, as his 85.6 zone PFF run-blocking grade paced the position. A strong season for an ascending tight end.

2026 NFL offseason: Players who need a change of scenery (ESPN)

The Jaguars have Travis Hunter coming back. They signed Jakobi Meyers to an extension. And Parker Washington had a breakout second half of the 2025 season. There’s room here to trade Thomas, and his talent could fetch a high draft pick to help make up for the picks the Jags lost when they traded up for Hunter in 2025. It’s certainly something worth considering.

NFL trade candidates: 12 big-name players who could be dealt in 2026 (USA Today)

Gladstone acknowledged that the notion of a true No. 1 receiver “doesn’t necessarily exist” in Coen’s system. Perhaps another team looking for that true go-to option might try to swing a deal to put Thomas in that role. The Jaguars could stand to recoup some draft capital after parting with this year’s first-rounder to acquire Hunter. Sticking things out for another year is the most reasonable route for Jacksonville, but maybe an aggressive offer at least makes things interesting.

Editor’s pick


Drumroll, please!

The coverage that turned the Seahawks into Super Bowl winners — and is taking the NFL by storm (NFL.com)

Cover 6, the favorite of Macdonald and the Seahawks, is a hybrid of Cover 2 and Cover 4. It’s often called quarter-quarter-half, with one safety covering the boundary side of the field, the other safety splitting the field side with a cornerback and four players underneath. While Cover 6 is the least common of the split-safety schemes (with a 9.2% usage rate in 2025), it has been a hallmark of the defenses run by the last four Super Bowl champions.

Must-see media


Auto-retweet.

Trevor Lawrence leading the Jaguars down 27-0 in the playoffs against the Chargers.

3rd largest playoff comeback in NFL HISTORY. 🫡🔥 #DUUUVAL https://t.co/ZosCJ25jJd pic.twitter.com/iPWbFVbkH4

— Stag (@StagBeChillin) February 18, 2026

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below — and be sure to check our social media and The Feed for more Jaguars conversation!

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/jacks...ly-prowl-trade-buzz-brian-thomas-wont-go-away
 
Jaguars Mock Draft Roundup 02/17: NFL Draft Starts in the 2nd Round

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CHECK THIS DUPLICATE Miami Hurricanes defensive back Keionte Scott (0) runs onto the field at the start of the CFP Fiesta Bowl against Ole Miss at the State Farm Stadium, in Glendale, Ariz., on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026. | Lauren Witte/Clarion Ledger / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Everyone always says that the NFL Draft starts in the late second round anyway. Who needs a first round pick?!

Jokes aside, the Jacksonville Jaguars are preparing for one of the team’s most interesting looking drafts in the organization’s history. Instead of having a top-10 first round pick, or first round pick in general, the Jags won’t pick until No. 56 in the second round. If the Jags don’t acquire a first rounder prior to April 23, it will be the first time in team history the team doesn’t draft in the first round.

With the newness of this year’s draft setup for Jacksonville, we will take a look at what draft pundits think the Jags should be towards the end of the second round. Cleveland owns the rights to the Jags first rounder this year as part of the Travis Hunter trade, so Liam Coen and James Gladstone will have to sit tight for a while before beginning their second draft as a tandem.

ESPN’s Matt Miller

In a mock written at the start of the month, ESPN’s Matt Miller links Miami cornerback Keionte Scott to the Jags.

For anyone who watched the Hurricanes this season, they will recognize Scott based in part on his sack production. The former Auburn Tiger had two sacks against Texas A&M in the opening round of the College Football Playoff, part of his five total sacks this year. And that is to say nothing of his talent as a pass defender, logging five passes defended and two picks this season.

Miller thinks he would fit nicely paired with the upside that Travis Hunter provides as a corner. Scott would likely be the replacement for Jourdan Lewis, who is entering the second year of a three-year deal for the 30-year-old.

Scott is an electric slot corner with elite blitzing skills and the speed to close on the ball. He’s smart and instinctual in coverage, and pairing him with Travis Hunter next season would be fun.

In Miller’s mock, Scott would be the eighth corner taken off the board. The six-foot, almost 200-pound corner played three years at Auburn before his best college season last year at Miami. If Jacksonville wants to play with an aggressive defense in mind – a defense that saw at the end of last year it needs help getting to the quarterback – drafting the best possible blitzing defensive back cannot hurt.

Keionte Scott is a fun nickel to study.

Extremely disruptive at the LOS due to his speed, balance and competitive toughness. Has been playing at this level all season for Miami. pic.twitter.com/W2ac3OBYSi

— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) December 22, 2025

NFL.com’s Chad Reuter

In another early February mock, NFL.com’s Chad Reuter linked Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez to the Jags. This pick may be made with the departure of Devin Lloyd in mind, having the Jags take the best available linebacker in the second round.

Outside of having a great Minshew-esque mustache, Rodriguez tied the NCAA record for most forced fumbles in a season with seven this past season.

Rodriguez was named the Chuck Bednarik award winner for being the nation’s best defensive player, along with winning the Butkus Award for being the nation’s best linebacker specifically. He also won the Lombardi Trophy and finished fifth overall in Heisman Trophy voting. The Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year led Tech to a Big 12 Championship and a spot in the CFP.

Why Rodriguez is available at pick 56 might be based on the fact that he will be 24 in September and played five years in college. Rodriguez participated in the Senior Bowl and was invited to the Scouting Combine starting on Feb. 26. If there were NFL comps for the 6-1, 235-pounder, it would probably be someone like Myles Jack or Alex Anzelone.

Jacob Rodriguez has become extremely underrated, and is an absolute DAWG.

– Unreal Run Game instincts
– Reads QBs at an elite level
– Elite Coverage Skills
– Turnover Magnet

I think the size/speed concerns are offset by his football IQ and instincts.

Top 45 Pick at least. pic.twitter.com/x3Y85o64sS

— Cam (@42Cyc) February 4, 2026

Reuter also has a mock for the third round, where he sees the Jags picking up Arizona corner Treydan Stukes, along with fellow Wildcat safety Genesis Smith. Rounding out the third of three third-rounders, Reuter has the Jags taking Ohio State tight end Max Klare.

Treydan Stukes is the next uber-athletic and ultra-versatile nickel DB who can immediately contribute in the NFL pic.twitter.com/Y8Bh2xa8Pi

— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) February 2, 2026

Pro Football Focus’ Gordon McGuinness

Strengthening the offensive line is where Pro Football Focus thinks the Jags go in the second round.

With a recent ESPN mock seeing Walker Little traded to the Cleveland Browns for a fifth-rounder, the Jags get a cheaper and younger depth piece by drafting Northwestern offensive lineman Caleb Tiernan.

Tiernan finished his graduate season with Northwestern, starting all 13 games in Evanston at left tackle. He earned All-Big Ten Second-Team honors. Tiernan graded out with an 84.3 pass blocking grade according to PFF, which ranked top-10 nationally and third in the Big Ten. If Little is gone, the Jags need a new left tackle to sit behind Cole Van Lanen. Tiernan would be a dream option, especially given his enormous frame (6-7, 325 pounds).

Caleb Tiernan (6’7 329) Northwestern

+ Technician in pass protection
+ Experienced four-year starter
+ Blocking at the second level
+ 84.3 pass blocking grade in 2025
+ Has played both left and right tackle
+ Effective strike timing
+ Anchor strength

– Arm length concerns (32”)… pic.twitter.com/RKR4G8Hpyh

— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) January 26, 2026

McGuinness’ mock goes into the third round as well. He thinks the Jags make a trade up to the 81st pick to select FSU defensive lineman Darrell Jackson Jr. The Jags round out the third round with a selection of safety Zakee Wheatley of Penn State and Texas tight end Zack Endries.

Pro Football Network’s Alec Elijah

For our last initial look into the second round, we see the Jags pick another lineman in Pro Football Network’s Alec Elijah’s mock.

With the 56th pick, Elijah thinks the Jags go with Oregon offensive lineman Isaiah World. World is massive like Tiernan at 6-8, 318 pounds. Before he ended up at Oregon as a transfer from Nevada, World was the #2-ranked transfer prospect in the country. Despite helping lead the Ducks to one of the most potent offenses in the regular season, earning quarterback Dante Moore a Heisman Trophy finalist title, World and his team struggled in the CFP. Those struggles may scare teams away from him or may be the reason he is available at 56 anyway.

Isaiah World looks like either a top 15 pick or pick 32 to the Eagles pic.twitter.com/fJzhUuY110

— James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) August 2, 2025

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/gener...up-02-17-the-draft-starts-in-the-second-round
 
Daily Prowl: Jaguars linked to CB Davison Igbinosun in multiple mocks

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 06: Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Davison Igbinosun (1) celebrates on the field during the Big 10 Championship game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Indiana Hoosiers on December 6, 2025, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Good evening!

Here is today’s roundup of the latest news, rumors, and analysis on your Jacksonville Jaguars.

Local links


Study up before your next trip to the watercooler.

Brian Thomas Jr. struggled in 2025. Why Jaguars should still keep him (Florida Times-Union)

Jaguars receivers admitted late last year that Coen’s offense is difficult to learn because of the amount of pre-snap and post-snap checks and decisions. This team is built to compete for a Super Bowl right now and having Thomas instead of a learning-on-the-job rookie benefits the championship chase.

What 4-Round Pre-Combine Mock Draft Means for Jaguars (Jaguars on SI)

The Jaguars could reasonably not sign a cornerback in March and then use their top pick in April on one, giving them a young cornerback to grow with Hunter and Jarrian Jones and fill out the unit. Once Lewis returns to the fold, the Jaguars would have some versatility and depth, while Ohio State’s Davison Igbinosun is a key fit ina zone-heavy scheme while offering more speed than Brown and Newsome.

NFL beat writer 2026 mock draft 1.0: Teams load up on edge rushers, WRs (The Athletic)

The Jags must address the secondary this offseason, and Igbinosun’s 6-2, 195-pound frame is ideal for an outside cornerback. He plays with a level of physicality that has exposed him to penalties, but that can be harnessed by coach Liam Coen and defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile, who should love the playing style. Coen also has a relationship with Ohio State coach Ryan Day, so he should be plenty familiar with the program’s draft prospects. Igbinosun should start immediately.

Projected Landing Spots and Trade Packages for Dolphins S Minkah Fitzpatrick (Bleacher Report)

He will get more in guarantees in 2026, if only so his new team can spread his salary out more. For a deal to work in Duval, it would take those sorts of machinations—Jacksonville currently sports the third-worst cap situation in the NFL.

Editor’s pick


Drumroll, please!

Who are the top defensive prospects entering the 2026 NFL combine? (CBS Sports)

Jake Golday is the one linebacker I think could go earlier than most expect for one big reason: he embodies where the position is going in the NFL. Everyone wants a linebacker who can rush the passer like a defensive end yet still hold his own in coverage. Golday actually started his career as a defensive end and will give whatever defense drafts him the flexibility to move him around.

Must-see media


Auto-retweet.

Indiana Bears?

The #Bears released a statement reaffirming their intent to continue pursuing a new stadium project in Hammond, Indiana. pic.twitter.com/GVYoglScRC

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) February 19, 2026

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below — and be sure to check our social media and The Feed for more Jaguars conversation!

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/jacks...ly-prowl-jaguars-mock-draft-davison-igbinosun
 
Tweets of the week: ‘Love you Jax’

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Happy Friday, Big Cat Country! Let’s look at some of this week’s Jacksonville Jaguars highlights, hype, and more from X/Twitter.

The Jaguars highlighted Raines Football Head Coach Donovan Masline for Black History Month:

Honoring our own 🗣️ This Black History Month, we're recognizing @rainesfootball Head Coach Donovan Masline for his outstanding leadership on and off the field, with the Vikings finishing as FHSAA football’s only undefeated state champion in 2025! pic.twitter.com/2U31MSrbFr

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) February 19, 2026

Ashley Coen spoke at the Jaguars’ Girls Flag Preseason Classic:

Shoutout to Ashley Coen for taking time to inspire the future of football at our Girls Flag Preseason Classic! 👏 https://t.co/e4f4TiQ1Ju pic.twitter.com/fKP40MB5Kx

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) February 19, 2026

Trevor Lawrence made NFL history:

Trevor Lawrence became the 2nd QB in NFL history to close the season with:

1600+ passing yards
15+ passing TDs
1 or fewer INTs

and 6 wins in their team's final 6 games of the year

only other QB was in 2016 (Aaron Rodgers) pic.twitter.com/XjU2LquUkS

— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) February 13, 2026

Along with being nominated for MVP but ranked 72 on PFF’s 101:

No. 72 on the PFF 101: QB Trevor Lawrence

🐆 84.7 PFF grade
🐆 4,604 total yards
🐆 41 total TDs
🐆 14 INTs pic.twitter.com/mJlzfAP26V

— PFF (@PFF) February 17, 2026

Josh Hines-Allen was ranked 49:

No. 49 on the PFF 101: EDGE Josh Hines-Allen

🐆 2nd in pressures (95)
🐆 6th in PFF grade (87.3) pic.twitter.com/12ZSBHwdZg

— PFF (@PFF) February 18, 2026

Nate Tice’s favorite throw from Lawrence during the last season:

probably this one. with the bonus of when it happened in the game and season pic.twitter.com/4ia83GNTxz https://t.co/w1nkHa5CpL

— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) February 15, 2026

Jourdan Lewis loves Jacksonville:

Love you Jax 🩵💛 pic.twitter.com/JsA1jblCF8

— Jourdan Lewis (@JourdanJD) February 13, 2026

The Jaguars shared themed Valentine’s Day cards:

Will you be our valentine? 🥹👉👈#DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/2lYarPnWuV

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) February 14, 2026

The team made the NFL’s top-100 plays from the season:

The Top Plays of the 2025 Season: 40-31 pic.twitter.com/cBne31T3UQ

— NFL (@NFL) February 18, 2026

Tuten celebrated a birthday:

Tute Tute! 🎉@FISGlobal | #DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/q8087BrpCi

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) February 14, 2026

Josh Hines-Allen shared an offseason update and gave a shoutout to stay at home moms:

I feel like I’m working harder being a offseason dad than winning a championship. Shoutout to my wife and the stay at home moms with kids! 😮‍💨🧡

— Joshua Hines-Allen (@JoshHinesAllen) February 13, 2026

Brenton Strange posted the highest PFF Zone Run Blocking Grade amongst tight ends in 2025:

BRENTON STRANGE, @Jaguars TE
In 2025, Strange, posted a @PFF Zone Run Blocking Grade of 85.6 – the HIGHEST of any TE in the @NFL in '25 (Per PFF) #duuuval #Jags #Jaguars #jacksonville #NFL #NFLNews #nflx #NFLDraft #SuperBowlLXI #nflextra #NFLUK #NFLPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/hWs8jbPiJZ

— Pro Football Hall of Fame Ambassador (@PFHOFAmbassador) February 19, 2026

Antonio Johnson highlights:

Watch out for 26 👀@Antonio_johns0n | #DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/GKRLtJMjb3

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) February 19, 2026

Happy Lunar New Year:

The Year of the Fire Horse is here! pic.twitter.com/LFkudiUO0V

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) February 17, 2026

What’s your favorite movie?

Kait got me watching the pirates of the Caribbean movies? I’m interested to know what y’all favorite movie.

— Joshua Hines-Allen (@JoshHinesAllen) February 19, 2026

I hope you have a wonderful and safe weekend! Not following Big Cat Country on social media? You can find us on Twitter, Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, and Threads.

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/jacksonville-jaguars-news/82498/tweets-of-the-week-love-you-jax
 
Jacksonville Jaguars News: Two Depth Cornerbacks Re-Signed

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DENVER, COLORADO - DECEMBER 21: Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Jacksonville Jaguars interacts with Christian Braswell #21 prior to an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field At Mile High on December 21, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Good afternoon!

The Jacksonville Jaguars have officially re-signed cornerback Keith Taylor, and they also re-signed cornerback Christian Braswell, per his agency. Braswell recorded a career-high 3 pass breakups in 2025 as a backup and primary special teams player. Are you glad to hear the news? Tell us in the comments!

Now, for today’s full roundup.

Jacksonville Jaguars News


Study up before your next trip to the watercooler.

Draft prospects who could blow up at the NFL Combine (Big Cat Country)

Life in Starkville has been tough the past few seasons. But wide receiver Brenen Thompson made a wise decision leaving Oklahoma for Mississippi State last year, enjoying a breakout campaign that saw him break 1,000 yards receiving. Key to that production was his unparalleled speed, with many expecting him to challenge Matthew Golden’s 4.29 second forty from last season. Thompson’s average depth of target (aDOT) last season was an outrageous 18.4 yards – for context, the NFL average is around 11.0.

Tweets of the week: ‘Love you Jax’ (Big Cat Country)

Happy Friday, Big Cat Country! Let’s look at some of this week’s Jacksonville Jaguars highlights, hype, and more from X/Twitter.

Roster Moves: Jaguars Re-Sign CB Keith Taylor (Jaguars.com)

The Jacksonville Jaguars have re-signed CB Keith Taylor, the team announced today. Taylor joined Jacksonville in December. He was originally selected by the Carolina Panthers in the fifth round (166th overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft and has played in 47 games (five starts) for the Panthers (2021-22), Chiefs (2023-24) and Falcons (2025).

Separation a concern amidst Jaguars’ growth at wide receiver (Action Sports Jax)

According to GPS tracking data provided by the NFL’s Next Gen Stats, the Jaguars ranked 29th with an average targeted separation of just 3.2 yards. Truthfully, even that is a bit overscored as none of the Jaguars starting receivers averaged more than 2.7 yards.

Under-the-radar NFL free agents (CBS Sports)

Yes, Gardeck is very much a part-time player, but when that time comes, he is a relentless pass rusher with a fun mix of speed and spin moves. He had three sacks in just seven games in 2024 and six sacks in 2023 (when he had an 18.3% pressure rate). He’s 31, but there’s not a ton of tread on the tires, and in his role, he brings a ton of value. Some team is going to be very happy it added this high-effort player.

1 Trade We’d Like to See for Every NFL Team (Bleacher Report)

The Jaguars were 18th in pressure percentage last season and 27th in sacks. That sack ranking would have been even worse without Arik Armstead posting 5.5 sacks … Trading for Gervon Dexter Sr. could give them a long-term replacement for Armstead and upgrade the unit as a whole.

Making 32 Bold Predictions for the 2026 NFL Offseason (Sports Illustrated)

The Jaguars will trade Brian Thomas Jr. — While it would not seem likely given that Travis Hunter is, indeed, not changing football forever and will be relegated mostly to defense in 2026, Liam Coen needs wide receivers suited specifically for his system. Trevor Lawrence preferred Parker Washington in gotta-have-it situations a year ago and his specificity may lead him to exploring options that make up for the draft capital Jacksonville lost on the Hunter deal.

Big Cat Country Editor’s Pick


Drumroll, please!

Ranking deepest, thinnest positions in NFL free agency, draft (ESPN)

It is a total rock star year at the linebacker position. Three huge names are entering the fray. Two are rookies from Ohio State: Sonny Styles and the previously mentioned Arvell Reese. One is a free agent out of Jacksonville: Devin Lloyd.

I’ll start with just a dash of cold water. Lloyd is probably not a top-five linebacker in football; I’d say he’s more LB10 or LB12. But he’s almost certainly about to get paid like it. Last year was an enormous offseason for linebacker contracts, as four of the six biggest deals currently in the market were signed by Fred Warner, Zack Baun, Jamien Sherwood and Nick Bolton — and Lloyd comfortably outperformed the latter two last season. I’d argue he outplayed Baun, as well. Lloyd is going to clear $15 million per year, and at that price tag, I’d likely pass if I was a general manager. With that said, Lloyd is still an impactful player. He’s great on blitzes and made a huge step forward in coverage last season.

Today’s NFL Media


Auto-retweet.

Top 5 NBA PG of all time Rajon Rondo playing flag football and making it look easy…

Could you imagine if he had played football?.. we talking a heisman trophy winner and multiple Super Bowl mvp..

He is the #1 ranked Flag Football QB in the country RN!!! pic.twitter.com/KLKTeDIgEb

— Frankie Vision (@Frankie_Vision) August 25, 2025

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below — and be sure to check our social media and The Feed for more Jaguars conversation!

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/jacks...cks-christian-braswell-keith-taylor-re-signed
 
Reacts Survey Results: Jaguars fans debate greatest all-time team

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JACKSONVILLE, : Fred Taylor (R) of the Jacksonville Jaguars runs past a diving Calvin Jackson of the Miami Dolphins during the first half 15 January 2000, in their AFC Divisional playoff game at Alltell Stadium in Jacksonville, FL. (ELECTRONIC IMAGE) AFP PHOTO/Robert SULLIVAN (Photo credit should read ROBERT SULLIVAN/AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images

This week, we asked Jacksonville Jaguars fans if the 2025 team was the best in franchise history.

Recency bias stood no chance. The 1999 Jags are goated.

Jacksonville_1_021826.png

There are many factors to consider here, but if we could only use one to determine the “best team,” it’d probably be roster starpower, right?

The 1999 squad was indeed the greatest if we’re looking at it through an awards lens.

Jaguars Pro Bowl players by year:

  • 1996 (3): Tony Boselli, Mark Brunell, Keenan McCardell
  • 1999 (7): Tony Boselli, Mark Brunell, Jimmy Smith, Tony Brackens, Kevin Hardy, Carnell Lake, Leon Searcy
  • 2017 (6): Calais Campbell, Yannick Ngakoue, Malik Jackson, Jalen Ramsey, A.J. Bouye, Telvin Smith
  • 2025 (2): Devin Lloyd, Ross Matiscik

By that entirely inexact method, the ‘99 and ‘17 teams were pretty dang special.

Top comments from Wednesday’s post:

Spider2Y_Bother
Given what we know today, I don’t know how you don’t give the edge to the ’99 team just looking at the offense alone. Boselli is a HOF, and Fred and Jimmy are at worst HOF worthy players.

That said, I think 2025 could be the most well-rounded. 2017 was stacked on defense, but left a lot to be desired on the other side of the ball. The 2025 team to me epitomizes whole being better than the sum of its parts.
JaxCommenterGuy
2017 was the absolute closest we have ever come to the Super Bowl, and we probably would have matched up well against the Eagles. It took a combined effort of the refs and Nathaniel Hackett to keep us out, and we were still less than two minutes away.

1999 did awesome, but I don’t know if they were going to beat the offense of the Rams in the Super Bowl.

2025 was a flawed team, who overperformed, who potentially could beat any team (except maybe the Seahawks) and could also be beaten by any team. A few (unfortunately critical and expensive) gaps on the roster though, and they could be amazing.

1996 was cool, but probably closer to 2022 than to the others.
DillonAppleman
It feels kind of dirty to use this at the rational but I would lean more towards ’99 and ’17 being better teams due to the star power on both. Each had bigger names and those players provided mismatches that you could count on week in and week out. This 2025 team was really good but you never really knew who would make a big impact in any given game. I think that hurts their argument as the best ever when making this comparison.
Travis D Holmes
1999 and 2017 are both insanely hard to beat. A Myles Jack wasn’t down robbery from the SuperBowl and the Tennessee Titans giving Jacksonville tbeir only three loses in 99, with the later rumor of them having a copy of the Jaguars’ playbook during the season. The dominance on defense for 2017 and the overall dominance over all teams, sans the Titans in 1999 must give those teams the edge, IMO. And then, to add what they did to Dan Mario 😭

For me it’s (in order):
  • 1999
  • 2017
  • 2025
  • 1996
mnkman322
I think the only reason you can put 2025 over 2017 is because you were marginally better at QB, and if that is your reasoning then I think 2022 should be in consideration as Trevor had a better year AND we got further into the playoffs with Pederson than we did with Coen.

1999
2017
2007
2022
2025
1996

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/jacks...ts-jaguars-fans-debate-greatest-all-time-team
 
Draft prospects who could blow up at the NFL Combine

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COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 22: Brandon Cisse #15 of the South Carolina Gamecocks looks on during the first half of his game against the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers at Williams-Brice Stadium on November 22, 2025 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Matt Kelley/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The NFL Combine is less than a week away. With the NFL world descending on Lucas Oil Stadium for the annual meat market, who are the prospects that could make a big impression in the biggest job interview of their lives? And could any be on the radar of the Jacksonville Jaguars? Let’s take a look:

Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington​

Jonah Coleman is RB2 in the class and it's not close based on film + statistics:

– Creative when play shuts down
– Vision, feet, movement in sync
– Best RB after contact in class

He's very good at pressing the LOS.

Creative runner that turns a lot of these type of plays into… pic.twitter.com/wsR0QKU60W

— Snoog's Fantasy HQ (@FFSnoog) February 13, 2026

With the combine focusing on raw measurables, Jonah Coleman has every opportunity to push himself into the same tier as Jeremiyah Love next week. Coleman isn’t expected to be the quickest running back in the room; he’s a short, dense ‘bowling ball’ style back whose physical style of running has made him a consistent contributor for the Huskies over three seasons. What Coleman needs to show is that he’s fast enough, and a 4.5-second forty time at his size and play strength will certainly turn heads.

With Travis Etienne’s future in Jacksonville still unsure, running back may be a target position for the Jaguars in the draft. Coleman’s 4.29 yards after contact average (in the 97th percentile at his position) will appeal to James Gladstone, whose selection of Bhayshul Tuten last year shows his penchant for pinball wizards in the backfield.

Brenen Thompson, WR, Mississippi State​

Mississippi State WR Brenen Thompson beating both of the TCU corners on double moves.

He's definitely gonna fly next week in Indy. pic.twitter.com/fOePdNM99c

— Derrick (@Steelers_DB) February 20, 2026

Life in Starkville has been tough the past few seasons. But wide receiver Brenen Thompson made a wise decision leaving Oklahoma for Mississippi State last year, enjoying a breakout campaign that saw him break 1,000 yards receiving. Key to that production was his unparalleled speed, with many expecting him to challenge Matthew Golden’s 4.29-second forty from last season. Thompson’s average depth of target (aDOT) last season was an outrageous 18.4 yards – for context, the NFL average is around 11.0.

At 5’9” and 170 lbs, there’ll be concerns about Thompson’s longevity in the NFL. But athleticism grabs the headlines at the combine. I’m not sure if it’s a profile the Jaguars front office will be interested in, but with rumors persisting about Brian Thomas being traded, adding to the position group is a distinct possibility.

Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State​

The right NFL OL coach is going to turn Arizona State's Max Iheanachor into a Pro Bowler. pic.twitter.com/ITAvB6DWci

— Tyler Brooke (@TylerDBrooke) February 5, 2026

If you’re looking for a physical freak with unreasonable athleticism, Iheanachor might be your guy. Starring at the Senior Bowl, the former Sun Devil has already elevated his stock through the early part of draft season. And if scouts want to go and check the tape, they’ll see a prospect who allowed zero sacks on almost 500 pass-blocking snaps in 2025.

Standing at 6’6”, weighing 330 lbs, and having ludicrous 34.5” arms, Iheanachor is a mountain of a man. But it’s a mountain that can move, with him expected to run somewhere in the region of a 5.15-second forty and show off his lateral agility in the other tests. Iheanachor might have pushed himself into day one contention, but if he’s still there on Friday, could the Jags be interested in bolstering their offensive line?

Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina​

#SouthCarolina CB Brandon Cisse is one of the best athletes in the 2026 drafts CB class.

Twitched up defender with elite speed and fluidity, very sticky in man coverage and has a ton of versatility. Top-50 player on my Big Board. pic.twitter.com/Vq1bmHJ97X

— Andy (@AndyyNFL) December 12, 2025

The secondary is a big need for the Jaguars this offseason, and I would be surprised if they didn’t at least partially address it in free agency. But should they be looking for someone who can start on the outside as a rookie, then perhaps Brandon Cisse is on their radar…

Cisse has elite athleticism across the board; expectations of a 40-inch vertical jump and a sub-4.0-second 20-yard shuttle time demonstrate his explosiveness. At approximately 6’0” and 195 lbs, he’s got the measurables, and he showed a big improvement on his career numbers during his one year as a Gamecock. 19 solo tackles tells you he can be left on an island, and his proficiency in press-man coverage could appeal to Gladstone. With his stock about to explode, it would likely take a trade back into the first round to make him a Jaguar.

Red Murdock, LB, Buffalo​

One thing about Red Murdock (#2) is that he'll light a mf up pic.twitter.com/Lfyi2jv3aI

— JP Acosta (@acosta32_jp) February 13, 2026

One of the coolest names in the draft also belongs to one of the most productive players in this year’s class. Red Murdock has dominated for the Bulls the last two seasons, racking up 298 tackles, 30 TFL’s and seven sacks during that time. Murdock is expected to perform extremely well in the shuttle and mirror drills at the combine, whose monstrous stats have often been attributed to his sideline-to-sideline speed and read-and-chase ability.

If Devin Lloyd leaves town during free agency, a huge chunk of the Jaguars’ turnovers from last season leaves with him. In that regard Murdock could be the perfect replacement; the former Buffalo linebacker set an FBS record with 17 career forced fumbles, all in the past three seasons. Murdock is likely to still be on the board on Day 3, even with a strong performance in Indy. Value like that might be too hard for this front office to ignore.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/jacks...rospects-who-could-blow-up-at-the-nfl-combine
 
Jaguars fan discussion: Where in the world are our Big Cat Country readers?

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LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 27: Jacksonville Jaguars fans show their support during the NFL International Series game between San Francisco 49ers and Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium on October 27, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images) | Getty Images

We’re in that slow period between the Super Bowl and the new league year, when it sometimes feels like the NFL world has ground to a halt. And that makes it a perfect time to ask: Where in the world are our Big Cat Country readers?

We don’t want or need your address or any personal details — sharing just your state is fine. Feel free to include your city or county if you’d like to be more specific. Same thing if you live abroad – if you’d like to just share the country, that’s cool, and if you want to share more details like the city or region, that’s totally up to you.

Join the conversation!​


Sign up for a user account and get:

  • Fewer ads
  • Create community posts
  • Comment on articles, community posts
  • Rec comments, community posts
  • New, improved notifications system!

We’re kicking off our list with the locations of our writers here at Big Cat Country (bolded). And now it’s your turn to scroll down to the comments and let us know where you are! We’ll update this list as locations are shared.

United States​


Florida

International​


United Kingdom

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/jacks...n/82573/survey-census-where-do-jags-fans-live
 
Jaguars 2026 NFL Draft Targets: Defensive Tackles

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ATHENS, GA - OCTOBER 04: Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman Christen Miller (52) in the first quarter of the college football game between the Charlotte 49ers and the University of Georgia Bulldogs on November 22, 2025 at Sanford Stadium in Athens, GA. (Photo by John Adams/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The 2026 NFL Draft is just around the corner, which means it’s time for Jacksonville Jaguars fans to start familiarizing themselves with some potential targets. The lack of a first round pick will make things a little tougher to predict compared to last year, as—barring another aggressive Gladstone trade up—the Jags won’t have a shot at any of the clear cut top players in the 2026 NFL draft. That said, Jacksonville’s positional needs do happen to coincide with some of the deepest position groups in this class, so there is still a lot of talent to choose from when the team is finally on the clock at 56 overall.

This new series will highlight those position groups by breaking down what players could realistically be had in that late-second round range, as well as identify which player is best in each specific area of the position. Today’s highlighted group is defensive tackle, which has been the most frequently mocked position for the Jags at this spot for months—for good reason.

#Jaguars Pressures by Position:

171- #Jaguars EDs (7th)
76- #Jaguars DTs (27th)
62- #Jaguars LBs (2nd)
30- #Jaguars DBs (5th)#Jaguars Pressure % by Position:

12.2%- #Jaguars EDs (16th)
6.7%- #Jaguars DTs (23rd)
16.7%- #Jaguars LBs (22nd)
22.6%- #Jaguars DBs (18th)

— Daniel Griffis (@DanDGriffis) February 4, 2026

Jacksonville’s defense in 2026 was mostly very good, with really only one glaring weakness the entire season, which was push from the interior of the defensive line. While the unit was excellent against the run, nobody on the inside could generate pressure, which just made the Jags’ star edge rush duo’s jobs much harder considering opposing QB’s were able to consistently step up into the pocket.

Jacksonville desperately needs some juice at defensive tackle via the 2026 NFL Draft and there are a number of realistic targets that could be had.

Best Overall: Lee Hunter

Keep in mind, these designations are of the prospects that could realistically be available come the 56th pick, so names like Peter Woods and Kayden McDonald were not considered as they’re expected to be first round picks. That said, Texas Tech’s Lee Hunter has an argument to be DT1 in this class despite not having the name recognition of the aforementioned two.

Hunter was dominant in his lone season (transfer from UCF) with the Red Raiders as he was a huge key to the success of one of the best defenses in the entire country. His size and athleticism allow him to switch between power and finesse on any given snap as he can hurt offensive linemen with both routinely. Hunter has some legitimate first round traits to his game and his performance at the Senior Bowl may have just bumped him up into that projection.

Texas Tech’s Lee Hunter is already making his presence felt at the Senior Bowl.

Hunter’s power and first-step quickness at 320 lbs have earned him first-round buzz in the 2026 NFL Draft.

pic.twitter.com/41Nmf6SZ5g

— Football Scout 365 (@DraftAnalyst365) January 27, 2026

The board would have to fall perfectly for Hunter to be in play for Jacksonville but if he’s still on the board at 56 it would be a no-brainer for James Gladstone and company.

Highest Floor: Christen Miller

Before the scouting process began, Georgia’s Christen Miller was looking like a lock to be a first rounder but it now feels like there is a world where Miller could still be on the board when the Jaguars pick at 56. Not because tape has revealed flaws in his game or anything but simply because this defensive line class has proven to be arguably the deepest and most talented unit in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Miller will be competing with Peter Woods, Kaydon McDonald, Caleb Banks, and the aforementioned Lee Hunter as interior players that could be taken in the first round so one, maybe even two, could slide and it’s starting to feel like Miller is the one getting pushed to the background.

Miller’s game is certainly not as splashy as Hunter’s and his size doesn’t jump off the page like McDonald and Banks but Christen Miller may just have the highest floor of any of them. He’s a versatile player that can play both the run and the pass at a high level and he can be lined up anywhere from nose to 3-technique and win. Miller’s does everything well but doesn’t have that one stand out trait like the rest of the class but that doesn’t mean he’s not a first round talent.

Georgia DT Christen Miller 6’4 310

In his last two seasons at Georgia he recorded 38 pressures, 1 sack and 31 stops

Plus athlete with high level understanding of pad leverage, leverage displacement and angle creation. Solid bull rush. pic.twitter.com/A25f1vbJx6

— Yuri (@Yuri_Ravens) February 14, 2026

Best Pass Rusher: Gracen Halton

Oklahoma’s Gracen Halton has been one of the biggest risers during the early pre-draft process in large part due to his performance in Mobile for the 2026 Senior Bowl. His explosiveness and relentless pursuit of the ball career really stood out as he was easily one of the most impressive players on the defensive line for either team.

Gracen Halton spin move sack pic.twitter.com/6wRacCDUl0

— Billy M (@BillyM_91) January 29, 2026

His tape with the Sooners was littered with much of the same as Halton had himself a terrific senior season on his way to being named second-team All-SEC. In his last two seasons in Norman, Halton had 8.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss as he proved to be one of the most consistent interior disruptors in the country. He relies mostly on his quickness both with his feet and his hands but he’s got a decent anchor considering he’s on the lighter side (293 at SB). Halton lacks length but it’s not something that shows up often on tape. Reminds me a lot of Braden Fiske which is exactly the type of player Jacksonville is in need of.

Best Run Stuffer: Domonique Orange

The Jaguars should prioritize defensive tackles with more pass rushing upside, but if they wanted to really lean into their current identity as a run stuffing unit then Iowa State’s Dominique Orange could be in play for Jacksonville at 56.

Domonique Orange set the tone for that goal line stand #Cyclones pic.twitter.com/MTHt7bHl3C

— Derek Duke (@DerekDuke25) September 7, 2024

The man affectionately nicknamed “Big Citrus” has prototypical size for a nice tackle at 6-foot-4 and 325 pounds and that size shows up on tape. Orange is a very physical player that looks to have a strength advantage most of the time at the point of attack, which makes it no surprise that he was a two-time member of Bruce Feldman’s Freaks List. His motor really stands out as he is your classic “see ball, get ball” type of player. His physicality would be welcomed on this Jacksonville interior where that attribute appears few and far between.

Biggest Gamble: Caleb Banks

If you looked at a cut up of the best plays of Caleb Banks during his time at Florida he may look like a can’t-miss top 10 prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft. He has a truly rare blend of size and athleticism that you don’t see in every draft class and there are definitely some tools in his bag.

Taken literally, this list is exclusively Jordan Davis. If Banks would hit all these benchmarks, you've got a party of two.

If we zoom out just a little bit, and look at 90th percentile in both ht and wt, we get anyone over 6'4 1/2" and 323 lbs.

A slightly longer list, but a… https://t.co/2LITavorrx

— RAS.football (@MathBomb) February 23, 2026

Unfortunately, Banks is probably the least polished player at the top of this defensive tackle class. He missed nearly the entire 2025 season with a foot injury and was in a rotation-heavy defense during his first two years with the Gators. His lack of extensive reps shows up as he can play high and a bit out of control at times. That said, when he’s good it’s very impressive as his length and quickness with his frame is hard to game plan for.

Caleb Banks is by far the biggest gamble of all the top prospects at the position which is why it’s pretty tough to project how high he goes in the 2026 NFL Draft. His potential could get him taken as high as top-2o but medicals and a deep class could push him further into this mid Day-2 territory.

Which player would you like to see in teal in 2026?

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/jacks...uars-2026-nfl-draft-targets-defensive-tackles
 
Jacksonville Jaguars News: Pros and Cons of Skipping 2026 NFL Combine

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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 25: General manager James Gladstone of the Jacksonville Jaguars speaks to the media during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on February 25, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Good morning!

Jacksonville Jaguars general manager James Gladstone and head coach Liam Coen will not be attending this week’s 2026 NFL Combine. The team will still send several scouts, coaches, and other representatives to the annual Indianapolis-based event… but they have zero interest in conducting any prospect interviews (including “Top 30” visits). This strategy is meant to remove bias and is sourced from the Rams. Let us know how you feel in the comments!

Now, for the full roundup.

Jacksonville Jaguars News


Study up before your next trip to the watercooler.

Jaguars fans debate greatest all-time team (Big Cat Country)

There are many factors to consider here, but if we could only use one to determine the “best team,” it’d probably be roster starpower, right? The 1999 squad was indeed the greatest if we’re looking at it through an awards lens.

Where around the world are our readers? (Big Cat Country)

We’re in that slow period between the Super Bowl and the new league year, when it sometimes feels like the NFL world has ground to a halt. And that makes it a perfect time to ask: Where in the world are our Big Cat Country readers?

Jaguars take another page out of Rams’ playbook (Turf Show Times)

The Rams maintain that the most valuable element of the combine is the medical testing. … But it appears neither team plans to put much weight behind the actual testing of the prospects. We know the Rams use this as a reference point but prioritize GPS data from games and practices as a true measure of athleticism. Years of game tape outweigh the importance of one great time in the 40-yard dash, at least from the Rams’ perspective.

Liam Coen, James Gladstone will skip the Scouting Combine (Pro Football Talk)

The various events of the Underwear Olympics are taped and can be reviewed whenever, wherever. The biggest sacrifice is the direct access to players, primarily through the 15-minute speed-round sessions at night.

Why the Jaguars’ Combine Decision Makes Sense (Jaguars on SI)

The Jaguars attended last year’s combine, which Gladstone noted was his first trip to the combine since 2019. And while the Jaguars went through the standard combine practice last season, there is little to suggest that significant value can be found from a handful of minutes with tired athletes who have been poked, prodded, and coached to answer interview questions.

Moving Travon Walker to defensive tackle more makes sense for Jaguars (Florida Times-Union)

In 18 games last season, the Jacksonville Jaguars received only eight sacks from the defensive tackle position, fueling justified chatter that improving the interior pass rush will be a priority. Two problems: The pickings are slim in free agency and the draft.

Javonte Williams deal underscores realities of running back market (Pro Football Talk)

The Williams contract gives other teams a data point that will become relevant to their negotiations with running backs. The other players who’ll be trying to get paid (Kenneth Walker III, Breece Hall, Travis Etienne, Rico Dowdle, Rachaad White, Isiah Pacheco, JK Dobbins) will have to deal with the argument that a guy who rushed for 1,200 yards in 2025 got only $8 million per year.

Jaguars’ defensive assistant joining Raiders coaching staff (Jaguars Wire)

According to the NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Las Vegas Raiders are hiring Mario Jeberaeel as their offensive run game coordinator under new head coach Klint Kubiak.

Big Cat Country Editor’s Pick


Drumroll, please!

Olympics medal count: Team USA tracker for every gold, silver, and bronze (SB Nation)

After finishing third in the short program, Alysa Liu completed her comeback with a gold in women’s figure skating. Liu’s free program was enough to finish ahead of the Japanese pair of Kaori Sakamoto and Ami Nakai.

Today’s NFL Media


Auto-retweet.

Ahead of Combine week, I’m hearing there’s legitimate interest from Travis Etienne to come to KC. Etienne’s due to become a UFA on 3/11, and the Chiefs need a running back. We’ll see.

— Pete Sweeney (@pgsween) February 21, 2026

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below — and be sure to check our social media and The Feed for more Jaguars conversation!

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/jacks...81/james-gladstone-liam-coen-nfl-combine-2026
 
The Jacksonville Jaguars are at the crossroads of Devin and Lloyd

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Dec 7, 2025; Jacksonville, Florida, USA;Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd (0) stands on the field during pregame warmups against the Indianapolis Colts at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Travis Register-Imagn Images | Travis Register-Imagn Images

It’s free agent season once more, and as the 2026 NFL Draft nears, teams are going to start making moves that prep them for the Draft and for the upcoming season.

One team that is facing a huge free agency period specifically is the Jacksonville Jaguars.

At the front of the line for the Jaguars in free agency will be the question of whether or not to pay standout linebacker Devin Lloyd. Lloyd had a tremendous 2025-26 campaign, helping the Jaguars to the AFC South title and the playoffs while earning a Pro Bowl nod and second-team All-Pro recognition.

His few seasons prior to last year are where the questions arise. Is Lloyd more likely to recreate and build off his recent production? Or is Lloyd going to slip back towards the mean and be an average to slightly above average linebacker?

The Jaguars and their front office are seemingly more equipped than ever to handle such a Lloyd-sized problem with James Gladstone running the show. And the reasoning for keeping Lloyd or letting him walk makes sense both ways, making the choice increasingly difficult.

Option One: Jacksonville Re-signs Lloyd

The “easiest” option, so to speak, is to keep Lloyd in-house and immediately re-sign him. The Jaguars don’t have a first-round pick — like the first-rounder they once used on the former Utah Ute — and can say that since they cannot replace Lloyd immediately in the draft, they should just keep him.

Unfortunately for Jacksonville, this will be a big gamble. Lloyd will likely stand to earn somewhere in the range of $15 to $20 million annually on a deal worth three to four years, according to Spotrac. It’s possible Lloyd likes playing in Jacksonville enough that he takes slightly less to stay, but the odds of that after his anomalous year are slim to none.

With an annual value upwards of $20 million, Lloyd would be getting paid like a top-five linebacker. Is he worth that? Previous years would say no way, but after ripping down a career-high 5 picks and posting 1.5 sacks, maybe the chance of not getting that production again is too much to pass up for the Jags.

If Jacksonville signs Lloyd to a contract of that weight, it will almost certainly be the end of the road for Travis Etienne. Do the Jags value defense and takeaways more than offense and a safety net for quarterback Trevor Lawrence? Lloyd and Etienne are the two heavy hitters on the free agency block but it might be that only one can stay. After drafting two running backs last year, does it make sense to re-sign Etienne at all?

Lloyd was a force multiplier throughout the 2025 season and a key reason Jacksonville won a handful of games (see: Monday Night Football victory). He is someone the team rallies around and has a high upside. The gamble would be large, but it also sets a good tone for this new front office to re-sign a cornerstone player like Lloyd.

Option Two: Lloyd Wants To Stay, But Can’t Turn Down Big Money

Chances are, Lloyd wants to stay in Jacksonville. With the new coaching staff and on the heels of maybe the team’s best season ever, what reason would there be to leave? Well, money, of course.

PFF believes the best fit for Lloyd is in Cincinnati. The Bengals obviously need all the help they can get and will probably be grappling with the departure of Trey Hendrickson. PFF thinks they throw four years and $59 million at Lloyd, which comes to $14.75 million a year.

With over $100 million in cap space, the Las Vegas Raiders could also come calling.

Vegas simply has nothing to lose by paying Lloyd big money this offseason and using the first overall pick on quarterback Fernando Mendoza. They need faces of the franchise and can immediately have two by April to go along with Ashton Jeanty and Brock Bowers. The Raiders could almost certainly outbid any other team and make Lloyd say no.

Option Three: The Jags Let Lloyd Walk

The last option in the Lloyd saga is to simply let him walk. The money doesn’t make sense; there are other players to pay, and it ends right there.

Letting Lloyd walk in literally any other year of this franchise would seem like a huge mistake. Remember how we all felt about losing Calvin Ridley? But this year it might be different.

I think it would be safe to say Lloyd was on the outside looking in before Anthony Campanile’s defense revived his career. A regression to the mean seems the most likely outcome, and paying Lloyd for his previous body of work outside of last year seems crazy. See what happened to our old pal Ridley when he took the money.

The front office could also say they value Etienne and his upside more and just opt for offense over defense. Spotrac says Etienne might be re-signed on a two-year deal worth roughly $14 million.

Jacksonville will have to contend with teams like the Chiefs (ESPN) or even the Broncos (Albright), but a $14 million deal for Etienne is much more palatable than a $60 million deal for Lloyd.

Lloyd’s leaving would leave a decent-sized hole in the middle of the defense. It won’t be easy to replace him with anyone currently on the roster, but there are plenty of options out there that could come cheaper than Lloyd’s price tag…

Replacing Lloyd

Getting a one-to-one replacement for Lloyd in the draft will be tricky. The Jags currently don’t have a first-round pick and scooping up an immediate starter in the late second round seems like a bit of a reach. Instead, a veteran fill-in seems like a likely option.

Quay Walker is a name that comes to mind as a pending free agent who posted solid production under Campanile in Green Bay. Walker has been a bit of a headache during his NFL career, with fines immediately coming to mind when you think of him, but the former Georgia Bulldog did set personal bests in tackles and QB hits last season. The Packers don’t have the money to pay him, and he could see himself as Lloyd 2.0 in Jacksonville. In 2024, with coach Camp, Walker tied his career high in sacks (2.5).

A very Jaguars-y signing would be someone like Alex Anzalone. He already has the long blonde hair that Jags GMs seem to love (Lawrence, Wingard, Gardeck, etc.), and can be a cheap rental while the team brings along a young prospect. Ventrell Miller is someone the Jags will likely extend, and if Jacksonville doesn’t see him as a starter yet in Campanile’s system, Anzalone could be the stopgap until Miller is ready. Anzalone may be 31, but he is coming off a career-best season in sacks (2.5) and passes defensed (nine) in Detroit. He is a high motor guy who could be the replacement Jacksonville needs.

If Jacksonville values getting super veteran help, Lavonte David and Bobby Wagner are both available. Kaden Elliss in Atlanta has had some solid years and could be acquired for under $10 million annually. A reunion with Quincy Williams would also be fun!

None of the top-five linebackers on anyone’s big board will be available where the Jags are currently sitting, so the franchise would have to move up considerably to get one if they covet the likes of someone like CJ Allen enough to get into the top-15 or so.

Dennis Gardeck is someone the Jags will most likely re-sign to help shore up the defense in the absence of Lloyd. Foye Oluokun seems safe from being released if Lloyd indeed leaves. Jack Kiser will be entering his second year and could take a jump if asked to play full-time middle linebacker. The Jags do have options and plenty of roads to choose from.

All the while, the Jacksonville Jaguars are at the Devin Lloyd crossroads, but not all is doom and gloom. It’s a great sign that the Jags coaching staff was able to develop a player like Lloyd so quickly. His production will be the reason someone pays him, whether it is Jacksonville or otherwise. There are viable replacements out there although none might be as flashy as Lloyd coming off his All-Pro season. Olukoun himself wasn’t supposed to be the player he is today, so anything is possible.

Gladstone took a big swing on Travis Hunter, later making an excellent deadline trade for Jakobi Meyers. He’s now up to bat for the third big time as a general manager. Will Gladstone swing or will he miss? Either way, this offseason for Jacksonville starts as soon as the decision is made on the potentially $60 million linebacker who wears number zero.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/jacks...8/should-jags-sign-nfl-linebacker-devin-lloyd
 
An Overdue Roster Question: Do the Jaguars Need a Developmental QB?

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Since selecting Trevor Lawrence with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars have made one thing crystal clear: the quarterback position belongs to Trevor. In the five drafts since, Jacksonville has not used a single pick on a quarterback:

  • 2025: 0
  • 2024: 0
  • 2023: 0
  • 2022: 0
  • 2021: 0

That level of commitment is pretty rare in today’s NFL, where even teams with established starters often take late-round swings on developmental passers. The last quarterbacks drafted by Jacksonville, not named Trevor Lawrence, were Jake Luton (6th round, 2020) and Gardner Minshew (6th round, 2019). Since then, the Jaguars have relied entirely on veteran signings and undrafted free agents to fill out the depth chart, whether under the GM leadership of Dave Caldwell, Trent Baalke, or one year of James Gladstone.

Why This Year Could Be Different​


After multiple seasons disrupted by injuries at the quarterback position, including Lawrence’s 2024 offseason labrum surgery on his non-throwing arm, 2025 finally brought something Jaguars fans had been waiting for: a fully healthy Trevor Lawrence from start to finish. Stability returned. The offense found rhythm. And for the first time in a while, the conversation isn’t about surviving at quarterback, it’s about sustaining success.

Which makes this the perfect time to ask: Is 2026 the year Jacksonville finally drafts and develops a true backup quarterback? Not because Lawrence is in question. Quite the opposite. When your franchise quarterback is healthy and locked in, that’s when you can afford to think long-term. That’s when you invest in infrastructure.

Current Depth Chart Reality​


Jacksonville currently has Nick Mullens and UDFA Carter Bradley under contract for 2026. Mullens is entering the final season of his two-year, $6.5 million deal, a reliable veteran presence, but not necessarily a long-term, high-ceiling option. Bradley remains more of a projection than a proven commodity. So while the room is stable, it’s not necessarily future-proof. If Mullens departs after 2026, the Jaguars could once again find themselves scrambling for a veteran backup on the open market, unless they get ahead of it now.

The Rams Blueprint: A Possible Clue?​


To understand how Jacksonville might approach this, it helps to look at the background of general manager James Gladstone and head coach Liam Coen, both of whom come from the Los Angeles Rams system.

After drafting Jared Goff in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft, Los Angeles didn’t invest draft capital in quarterbacks. Even after trading Goff to Detroit for Matthew Stafford, the Rams largely avoided drafting the position. In fact, since 2016, the Rams have used a draft pick on a quarterback just once: selecting Stetson Bennett in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. But the context matters here.

At the time of Bennett’s selection, Los Angeles did not have a clearly established heir-apparent backup. Brett Rypien was signed five days after the draft to compete for the role. That 2023 draft was Gladstone’s third as the Rams’ Director of Scouting. In his first two years in that role (2021 and 2022), future Jaguars practice squad quarterback John Wolford held down the backup job, with the Rams making no efforts to draft an upgrade.

The pattern seems telling:

  • If the backup situation is reasonably stable and trusted, they won’t normally force a pick.
  • If there’s uncertainty or a long-term need, they may be willing to invest mid-round capital for a developmental prospect they fall in love with.

So What Does That Mean for Jacksonville?​


If the Jaguars follow a similar philosophy, they likely won’t force a quarterback pick in the middle rounds. With Lawrence entrenched and Mullens capable, the urgency isn’t high enough to justify premium capital. However, a mid-Day 3 selection, particularly in the fifth or sixth round, would align almost perfectly with the Rams’ previous approach. A developmental quarterback with traits, arm talent, and upside who can sit for two seasons makes sense. The depth chart could use someone who can grow within Coen’s system without the pressure of immediate expectations.

For Jacksonville fans, this isn’t about replacing Trevor. It’s about protecting the investment. For years, the Jaguars were searching for “the guy.” Now that they have him, roster construction shifts from desperation to sustainability. Smart franchises draft quarterbacks not because they’re unsure, but because they’re prepared. And if 2026 is the year they quietly add one, it won’t be reactionary. It won’t be panic. It will be planned, a controlled build.

Notable Mid-round NFL Draft Options​


Cole Payton (North Dakota State) – A dual-threat FCS QB who is projected to be drafted in the fifth to seventh round.

  • Per PFF: “The top player on the list is North Dakota State‘s Cole Payton, with a 95.8 PFF overall grade. When sorting by PFF passing grade, we see that Payton’s 94.5 mark is also No. 1 among FCS quarterbacks. He completed 161 of 226 passes for 16 touchdowns and four interceptions in 2025, and he posted an impressive 78.3% adjusted completion rate. While those numbers are impressive enough, his rushing output equally stood out, headlined by a 90.0 PFF rushing grade — the top figure among FCS quarterbacks. Payton’s rushing numbers — 894 yards, 13 touchdowns and 39 forced missed tackles — make it clear that he is a true dual-threat quarterback. He was a one-year starter, but his production makes him an intriguing late-round quarterback prospect.”
  • A true dual-threat playmaker who graded extremely high in overall and passing production among FCS QBs this season, completing over 78% of his passes with strong rushing upside. This combination of traits makes him intriguing as a late-round developmental option with athletic upside.
Cole Payton might be moving me pic.twitter.com/bqkCBmvRHo

— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) November 1, 2025

Behren Morton (Texas Tech) – Morton is projected to be drafted in the fifth to sixth rounds and primarily wins using his short-area accuracy and quick game.

  • Courtesy of The Draft Network: “Morton won’t be a fit for every NFL offense, but he has enough to his game to develop into a solid backup in a spread offense. He’s good at taking what the defense gives him underneath and has the short accuracy and velocity to zip throws into his receiver’s hands at or underneath the sticks.”
  • Not the “flashiest” prospect, but Morton has shown enough accuracy and velocity on underneath throws to intrigue scouts as a system-fit developmental backup, particularly in offense where rhythm and timing matter.
Behren Morton #TexasTech

Accurate back-shoulder placement 40 yards from release vs A-Gap pressure.#NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/bBXLcbRFWe

— Matt Waldman (@MattWaldman) February 18, 2026

Joe Fagnano (Connecticut) – Often labeled as a “safe and steady” pick for Day 3 QB options, Fagnano is projected to be drafted in the fifth round, possibly even falling into the undrafted range.

  • Via Fox Sports: “After working with former NFL head coach Jim Mora Jr. (who recently took over at Colorado State), however, Fagnano has emerged as one of the most intriguing hidden gems in this year’s class (regardless of position), tossing 48 touchdowns against just five interceptions over the past two seasons. While it is true that Fagnano was aided by a shotgun-heavy offense that minimized his pre-snap reads, Fagnano has both size and legitimate arm talent. He also has a snappy release and can drive the ball to the sideline, as well as loft the ball with impressive touch. Fagnano hasn’t created much buzz nationally, but a strong showing at the East-West Shrine Bowl could change that quickly.”
  • A fundamentally sound quarterback with a clean game tape and low mistake rate. He’s older and doesn’t have elite traits, but could be a practical, late pick for a team looking for a reliable backup.
Joe Fagnano #UCONN #NFLDraft

Tight zone window 30+ yds from release:

– Placement here shows he was well aware of where the high-low leverage was.
– Right over the trailing DB's inside shoulder
– Gave WR room to adjust and earn the ball.

Can he do this 6/10 x's? $64 Q… pic.twitter.com/i5mO9tuQCt

— Matt Waldman (@MattWaldman) February 21, 2026

Joey Aguilar (Tennessee) – A quarterback with major system upside, Aguilar is projected to be a sixth-round to undrafted quarterback prospect. In his only season at Tennessee, Aguilar threw for 3,656 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, completing 67.3% of his passes.

  • Per CBS Sports: “Aguilar screams Josh Heupel QB: tempo, vertical shots, and stat sheets that pop. The App State transfer has 13 TDs on 65% passing, pushing nine yards per attempt. At 6-3, 225, he’s got the frame, though he’s not much of a runner. The big question: is it him, or is it the system? Scouts have been burned on the veer-and-shoot archetype before, most recently in Hendon Hooker. Right now, Aguilar looks like a backup who’s worth a late pick. Maybe you stash and see if he can function outside the scheme on the practice squad.”
  • Aguilar has tape that pops in a tempo-heavy system. He’s a late Day 3 or UDFA gamble with potential, if he lands in the right place.
BREAKING: Tennessee QB Joey Aguilar's request for a preliminary injunction, giving him another season of eligibility, was denied in court Friday, @clowfb reports❌ https://t.co/L7zbr8RyWJ pic.twitter.com/IUC4OqatKF

— On3 (@On3) February 20, 2026

Sawyer Robertson (Baylor) – The fifth-year senior with big arm upside. Scouts also like his ability to extend plays and his mobility. Robertson is projected to be a sixth-round to undrafted quarterback prospect.

  • Via Steelers Depot: “Robertson has starting caliber traits, but much of his game has been limited by the Baylor offense’s simplification. With the right coaching, he has the potential to become a starter after a couple of years of sitting and learning.”
Back in September, I tweeted out asking if Baylor QB Sawyer Robertson was the most slept on QB in this draft class and with a thinned out crop, he's probably going to be a Top 5 QB in this draft class for me when my big board drops.

6’4, 225 lbs., an arm that oozes talent… pic.twitter.com/GbK9EwJzlw

— Reason (@the_real_reason) January 27, 2026

As most Jaguars fans know from experience, in a league built on contingency plans, standing still at quarterback could quietly become Jacksonville’s biggest risk. This isn’t about replacing Trevor; it’s about making sure the Jaguars never have to panic again. The Rams waited until the timing and value made sense. Jacksonville could soon be approaching that same moment.

I, for one, will be keeping an eye out for these five rookie passers during NFL Combine Week, as each will be in attendance for workouts.

So what do you think, Big Cat Country? Should the Jaguars finally invest in a developmental quarterback behind Trevor, or are there more pressing holes that deserve that capital (and that roster spot)? Let us know below in the comments!

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/gener...estion-do-the-jaguars-need-a-developmental-qb
 
Jaguars Reacts Survey: Should Jacksonville re-sign its top two free agents?

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JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - JANUARY 11: Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Jacksonville Jaguars hands off to Travis Etienne Jr. #1 during the first quarter in the AFC Wild Card Playoff game against the Buffalo Bills at EverBank Stadium on January 11, 2026 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Jaguars fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

Jaguars fans — should Jacksonville bring back Devin Lloyd and/or Travis Etienne?

The former first-round picks lived up to the hype, no debate. We all have eyes. These are fantastic players who deserve the paydays they’re about to land.

The question is whether the already-overbudgeted Jaguars can afford to keep them in town.

According to Spotrac, Lloyd has a market value of $20.1 million per year. That’d put him right between Fred Warner ($21 mil) and Roquan Smith ($20 mil) for the league’s highest-paid off-ball linebackers in terms of annual earnings. Ouch!

Etienne’s projected market value of $6.8 million per year would be much easier to swallow. That’d be less than Tony Pollard ($7.25 mil), D’Andre Swift ($8 mil), and notably, the recently re-signed Javonte Williams ($8 mil). Dallas brought back Williams on a three-year, $24 million contract, which is probably the ballpark of what Etienne will land. That deal did no favors for Etienne’s camp, but on the other hand, New York’s imprisonment of Breece Hall could lead to a pretty hot market for Etienne and Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III next month.

As Henry recently covered in depth here, Jacksonville’s first question this offseason is where to bring back Lloyd. More analysis on the Jaguars’ free agency is coming very soon.

Until then, let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/jacks...698/devin-lloyd-travis-etienne-nfl-free-agent
 
Jaguars to Make NFL History with Back-to-Back Home Games in London

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For the third time in franchise history, the Jacksonville Jaguars will play back-to-back games in the United Kingdom. The National Football League announced Wednesday that the Jaguars and the Washington Commanders will participate in games at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with Jacksonville also scheduled to play at Wembley Stadium.

With the Jaguars’ stadium in the early stages of renovation, including exterior construction and partial in-bowl demolition, EverBank Stadium will have a reduced capacity of 42,507 for the 2026 season. Given the ongoing construction, the team chose to play its league-mandated additional international game this year. That decision to trade out a reduced-capacity 2026 EverBank game allows Jacksonville to essentially swap for a future home game in a full, renovated stadium from 2027 through 2030.

The team expounded on that context in a statement:

The NFL requires all 32 clubs to play certain games at an international site once every four seasons. This is separate from the traditional game the Jaguars host annually in London. The Jaguars’ NFL-required games are currently slated to occur in 2027 and 2030 or soon after. However, the NFL has agreed to move that second NFL-required game to 2026 when EverBank Stadium is at reduced seating capacity. Moving that game to 2026, combined with the Jaguars’ annual London game, will result in the Jaguars playing back-to-back games in London during the 2026 NFL season – one at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and the other at Wembley Stadium. As a result of the NFL’s support, the Jaguars will no longer be required to play an NFL International Game in that second window, allowing for an additional home game in the Stadium of the Future at full capacity.

This additional 2026 game in London was always a possibility per the stadium agreement struck between the Jaguars and the City of Jacksonville in 2024. With the two games in London in 2026, this gives the Jaguars, at minimum, a critical and opportune two-week, in-season construction window.

With the Jaguars holding international marketing rights in the United Kingdom as part of the league’s Global Markets Program, along with the prior stadium negotiations, this was always a realistic possibility, especially after the team played multiple games in the U.K. during the 2023 and 2024 seasons. The Jaguars have played 14 games in London since 2013, including 11 at Wembley and three at Tottenham. However, with both 2026 matchups designated as home games, Jacksonville will become the first NFL team to play two regular-season home games internationally in the same season. Hosting consecutive home games away from Jacksonville also likely provides the organization with a multi-week, potentially month-long, window for uninterrupted stadium construction.

Head coach Liam Coen spoke on his experience playing in Duval’s second home:

“Last season was my first experience in London as head coach of the Jaguars, and my immediate takeaway was London is undoubtedly our home away from home. We have a passionate and knowledgeable fan base in London, built over time and still growing, and we’re making a positive impact with fans throughout the United Kingdom as well. That’s something our entire organization, starting with our ownership, has worked very hard to achieve and takes great pride in further developing each season. With two games in London in 2026, it’s going to be great fun for our fans in London as well as for everyone in Jacksonville who will be making the trip. I’m definitely looking forward to it, and I know our players are happy to return as well.”

2026 Season and Ticketing


In lieu of playing 2026 and 2027 away from Jacksonville, they will play at home with a 2026 capacity of 42,507, which includes 1,260 standing room only tickets. Of the 27,637 seats that will be offline in 2026, 22,005 are located in the upper bowl (400 Level). Additional impacted seats are located in the 200 Level corners and select rows in the North End Zone; lower-level South End Zone; and lower-level Club. The North End Zone spa deck and Sky Patio will also be offline in 2026.

Via the team, season ticket renewal information will be shared in the coming days. In addition, those Season Ticket Members affected by the removal of seats will be individually contacted by their ticketing representative to provide them with the first opportunity to relocate to available seats in the lower bowl. Those relocating from the 400 level will be offered preferred pricing options. In addition, the team is currently accepting new season ticket deposits.

Additional Background on Scheduling


The Jaguars will play eight home games at EverBank Stadium in 2026, including the two preseason home games, as well as two games in London. The Jaguars’ home opponents in 2026 are division rivals Houston, Indianapolis and Tennessee, as well as Pittsburgh, Cleveland, New England, Philadelphia and Washington.

The schedule is determined and approved by the NFL and typically released in mid-May. Per normal protocol and consistent with all other Clubs, the Jaguars have submitted their scheduling requests to the NFL Office for consideration.

“We heard loud and clear from our fans who said two seasons away from Jacksonville was too many, so we are delighted to be able to provide another season in EverBank Stadium to our fans,” said Jaguars President Mark Lamping. “Coming off an incredible 13-win season of Jaguars football and with the reduced capacity, we expect demand for tickets to outstrip supply in 2026. We appreciate our fans’ patience during the construction period and look forward to providing the state-of-the-art Stadium of the Future they deserve in 2028.”

Offseason Construction Updates​


Immediately upon the conclusion of the Jaguars’ 2025 football season, Stadium of the Future construction ramped up, including expanded work on the exterior of the stadium and partial in-bowl demolition. Work continues on constructing the expanded main concourse, which will provide a more convenient and safer navigation of the stadium by patrons in 2028. Steel trusses are also being installed around the outside of the stadium which will ultimately support the canopy structure that will cover and cool the facility. Construction on Grand Staircase Two, located in the Northwest quadrant, is in progress and will be completed early in the upcoming football season. In-bowl demolition has started, clearing the way for the corner scenic lookout decks, upper-bowl renovations, and future field-level seating.

What are your thoughts on the Jaguars playing two home games in London in 2026? Let us know in the comments below!

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/jacks...ars-to-play-back-to-back-home-games-in-london
 
Jaguars discussion: Have you ever met a Jags player or coach in real life?

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SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 28: Travis Hunter #12 of the Jacksonville Jaguars meets fans prior to a game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on September 28, 2025 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) | Getty Images

We’re beyond the Super Bowl, but not quite to the start of the new league year, so it’s a somewhat quiet time in the NFL. Let’s pass the time by talking about the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Where’s the most random place you’ve run into a Jaguars player or coach, and who was it?

Join the conversation!​


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You could always tell us about any experience you’ve had meeting a Jags player (or multiple players if it’s happened more than once) in real life.

I hold a bit of an unfair advantage here as a credentialed media member, but I will say: Leon Searcy was perfectly pleasant when I worked with him for two years at 1010XL/92.5 FM. Searcy, a former three-time national champion at Miami and Pro Bowl right tackle in Jacksonville, continues to co-host the 12-2 pm XL Primetime weekday show for the Jags’ flagship radio station. In my experience, he is an authentic, cooperative, and empathetic individual. I was certainly never bored listening to him talk ball from the next room over. And, to this day, Searcy is the only podcast guest I’ve ever had to casually recline during the show. A true dude’s dude.

Excited to hear your stories in the comments below!

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/jacks.../fan-jags-players-coaches-meeting-experiences
 
Culture Shift Confirmed: Jaguars Earn Major Bump in 2026 NFLPA Grades

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Kalyn Kahler of ESPN dropped the NFL Players Association’s 2026 report card results this week, the annual survey in which players anonymously grade their organizations from A-plus to F-minus on the prior NFL season (2025). While the NFL recently succeeded in blocking the union from officially publishing the full findings and detailed improvement areas, the results still, unsurprisingly, made their way into the public.

Finally, without access to the full survey details, we can’t know each team’s exact placement among all 32 franchises in each subcategory beyond what has been publicly reported. We can only sort by individual grades, meaning it’s impossible to determine precise rankings from 1/32 to 32/32 when multiple teams share the same letter grade in a given section. We do, however, know that Jacksonville is currently rated as the fifth-highest graded team, a major jump from 18th in 2025.

Dramatic One-Year Improvement​


The results reveal that Jaguars significantly improved year-over-year in at least 10 of the 11 core 2025 categories (categories previously surveyed in 2024). The most dramatic shifts came in family treatment, coaching, travel, and organizational support in year one of the Tony Boselli, James Gladstone, and Liam Coen leadership swap from Trent Baalke and Doug Pederson. These improvements suggest players viewed the Jaguars’ culture and facilities much more positively in 2026 compared with the prior report.

Jacksonville Jaguars2025 Grades2026 Grades
Treatment of FamiliesF (31st)B+
Food/Dining AreaC+ (23rd)B+
Nutritionist/DieticianB (24th)A-
Locker RoomB+ (10th)A-
Training RoomB+ (7th)A
Training StaffB- (24th)A-
Weight RoomA (9th)A
Strength Coaches (Eric Ciano)B (25th)A
Team Travel B+ (14th)B+
Head Coach (Liam Coen)C (31st)A-
Team Ownership (Shad Khan)B+ (15th)A

Biggest Areas of Improvement (2024 to 2025)​

  • Treatment of Families: F to B+ (3 letter grades)
  • Head Coach: C to A− (2 letter grades)
  • Food/Dining Area: C+ to B+ (1 letter grade)
  • Training Staff: B− to A− (1 letter grade)
  • Strength Coaches: B to A (1 letter grade)

Treatment of Families

In 2025, the Jaguars’ biggest opportunity for improvement was in family treatment, with the NFLPA offering the following detailed feedback for the team, which ranked 31st in this category at the time:

Players rate the post-game family area 5.41 out of 10, ranking them 30 out of 32 teams.

The players feel that the team organizes family events a couple of times per year which ranks them 26 out of 32 teams.

Treatment of families was the team’s lowest graded category. Players believe that many changes need to be made. They would like more access to sideline passes so they can see their families pregame. During the game, players want a family room so their families can escape the heat and allow mothers to change/nurse babies. Finally, players want their post-game family area upgraded.

It appears Jacksonville’s leadership listened to player feedback, posting a dramatic one-year leap from an F to a B+ in this category. Notably, only the Raiders and Vikings earned an A in this year’s survey for Treatment of Families, placing Jacksonville in the group just beyond the top two.

Strength Coaches

Eric Ciano, Jacksonville’s Director of Strength and Conditioning, joined the team ahead of the 2025 season after 15 years with the Buffalo Bills. Interestingly, the 2024 NFLPA Report Card had already awarded Ciano an A with Buffalo, a pattern that continued in Jacksonville, with the Jaguars earning the same top mark in 2025. Ciano, the 2020 strength and conditioning coach of the year showed consistency in action, quickly validating Boselli’s decision to not allow him to get on another plane before accepting Jacksonville’s offseason offer. Jacksonville ended 2025 as one of the league’s healthiest teams, entering the playoffs with just seven players on IR.

Head Coach

Finally, the transition from 2024’s Doug Pederson to 2025’s Liam Coen appears to have reinvigorated the team, both schematically on the field and culturally in the locker room. In the prior Pederson survey, Jacksonville earned a C (31st out of 32), with the following NFLPA survey details standing out:

57% of Jaguars players feel their former head coach Doug Pederson is efficient with their time, a rank of 31 out of 32.

The players felt that Pederson was somewhat receptive to locker room feedback on the team’s needs, ranking him 32 of 32 head coaches in the league.

Interestingly, 12 head coaches graded out higher than Coen’s A- in this year’s report, with a few shocking names on the list:

  • Los Angeles Rams: Sean McVay (A+)
  • Washington Commanders: Dan Quinn (A+)
  • Minnesota Vikings: Kevin O’Connell (A)
  • Pittsburg Steelers: Mike Tomlin (A)
  • Seattle Seahawks: Mike Macdonald (A)
  • Chicago Bears: Ben Johnson (A)
  • New England Patriots: Mike Vrabrel (A)
  • Detroit Lions: Dan Campbell (A)
  • Kansas City Chiefs: Andy Reid (A)
  • New York Jets: Aaron Glenn (A)
  • Philadelphia Eagles: Nick Sirianni (A)

New Categories Surveyed​


Each season, the NFLPA adds new survey categories to provide extra insight for free agents evaluating potential landing spots, and for teams identifying possible blind spots. This year’s report card introduced six additional areas, including separate grades for coordinators, position coaches, the general manager, and home field conditions. Jacksonville performed reasonably well across these new categories, continuing their 2026 trend of strong organizational marks.

Jacksonville Jaguars2026
Home Game FieldB+
Position CoachesC
Offensive Coordinator (Grant Udinski)B+
Defensive Coordinator (Anthony Campanile)A
Special Teams Coordinator (Heath Farwell)A+
General Manager (James Gladstone)A-

Home Game Field

The EverBank Stadium home field earned a B+, a grade that feels like both a nod to Jacksonville’s grounds crew and a compliment to the current natural grass surface.

"Kudos to those guys, seriously, they put a lot of time into it, and really appreciative of those guys."

Coach Coen on the work our grounds crew puts in to get the field in playing condition each game. pic.twitter.com/jvYOYt7XmQ

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) December 9, 2025

It will be interesting to see if that rating changes in future years as the team moves closer to the Stadium of the Future, which is expected to feature synthetic turf.

Defensive Coordinator

With no prior-year grade to benchmark against, it’s easy to see why the defensive coordinator category likely ranks among the “most improved” areas for the 2025 Jacksonville Jaguars (2026 Report). After moving on from Ryan Nielsen, first-year defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile oversaw jumps across nearly every metric. Most notably, the Jaguars finished second in the league in turnovers with 31, a dramatic rise from 32nd in 2024, when the team recorded just nine total takeaways (eight on defense).

Since the NFLPA report focuses primarily on the day-to-day work environment, an A grade also speaks volumes about Campanile’s ability to connect with his defensive roster in the locker room. Impressively, only a handful of NFL defensive coordinators earned higher grades than his A, highlighting both his leadership and relational impact.

  • Los Angeles Chargers: Jesse Minter (A+)
  • Philadelphia Eagles: Vic Fangio (A+)
  • Seattle Seahawks: Aden Durde (A+)

Special Teams Coordinator

The team’s only A-plus went to Special Teams Coordinator Heath Farwell. Farwell is entering his fourth season leading Jacksonville’s special teams and his 10th year coaching in the NFL, having been retained on from Doug Pederson’s staff rollover by Coen. The decision paid immediate dividends in 2025, both on and off the field. Under Farwell, the unit produced a top kicker in Cam Little, a top punter in Logan Cooke, a top‑10 punt returner in Parker Washington, and an emerging kick returner in Bhayshul Tuten. Players clearly respond to Farwell’s communication style and ability to connect, a sentiment reflected in his league‑leading rating, the highest on the Jaguars and likely one of the best across the NFL.

General Manager

This is another category that likely would have shown a dramatic improvement had it been surveyed in 2025, when both local and national sentiment toward former general manager Trent Baalke skewed heavily negative prior to his offseason departure. Enter first-year GM James Gladstone. Gladstone’s public availability, clarity with the media, and overall transparency appear to extend beyond press conferences and into the locker room, earning him an A- in his first season at the helm. For a franchise long criticized for communication gaps and front-office friction, that kind of early return matters.


Additional Room to Improve?​


Position Coaches

Across this year’s report card, the only category where the Jaguars didn’t grade out with at least a B+ was for Position Coaches, where Jacksonville was rated with at a C. Many would likely attribute this grade to Jacksonville’s decision to part ways with Secondary Coach Ron Milus after the end of the season. Though one would have to wonder if this was more than just that one role sinking the grade for the entire group or something more.

Jaguars Position Coaches

  • QB Coach Spencer Whipple
  • OL Coach Shaun Sarett
  • WR Coach Edgar Bennett
  • TE Coach Richard Angulo
  • RB Coach Chad Morton
  • DL Coach Matt Edwards
  • LB Coach Tem Lukabu
  • DB Coach Anthony Perkins
  • Secondary Coach Ron Milus

With each roster holding 53 players, even if we assume that each of the 7–9 players in the secondary rated their position coach unfavorably, we cannot conclude that all other coaches earned A’s with a single coach dragging the grade down. It’s equally possible that multiple coaches received B’s or lower, while Milus and the team parted ways for reasons unrelated to, or not documented in, the NFLPA survey results. In short, the report card provides insight, but it doesn’t tell the full story behind the coaching grades.


Additional Survey Context​


This year’s NFLPA report cards are based on responses from 1,759 players and were conducted from November 2 to December 11. On November 2, Jacksonville was 4-3, coming off their bye week after losing Travis Hunter to injury late in the week, and following an 8-point home loss to the Seahawks and a 28-point blowout in London to the Rams. By December 11, the team had improved to 9-4, fresh off a 36-19 win over the Colts at home.


A People-First Turnaround​


My biggest takeaway? Jacksonville excelled in nearly every category that centered on people. That may very well be the Jaguars’ competitive advantage in 2026. Of the 10 surveyed areas unrelated to facilities or resources, the Jaguars earned an A in eight of them. Grant Udinski (B+) narrowly missed pushing that number to nine out of ten, leaving position coaches (C) as the lone “service-side” area with clear room for improvement. For an organization that has spent years trying to stabilize its culture, leadership structure, and internal alignment, that kind of across-the-board affirmation speaks volumes.

The right hires were made downstream, and the players seem to be taking notice, if this survey is any indication. For such a young staff, one that fans and media questioned endlessly entering 2025, this report card provides tangible evidence supporting the on-field turnaround we’ve seen. Jacksonville isn’t just winning; they’re doing so with the players clearly in lockstep. That alignment speaks to culture and suggests that 2025 may have been more than a flash-in-the-pan, one-season improvement like 2017 or 2022. Only 2026 will tell if that momentum holds, however.


NFLPA Grades vs Team Success​


2026 NFLPA Top 5

  1. 7-10 Miami Dolphins
  2. 9-8 Minnesota Vikings
  3. 5-12 Washington Commanders
  4. 14-3 Seattle Seahawks
  5. 13-4 Jacksonville Jaguars

2026 NFLPA Bottom 5

  • 6-11 Cincinnati Bengals (28th)
  • 8-9 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (29th)
  • 5-12 Cleveland Browns (30th)
  • 3-14 Arizona Cardinals (31st)
  • 10-7 Pittsburgh Steelers (32nd)

While some may discount the significance of the report card grades, it’s worth noting that the Miami Dolphins have ranked first overall in the annual survey for three straight seasons, despite finishing sub-.500 in each of the past two years. Player satisfaction and on-field success don’t always move in lockstep. The NFLPA report card measures workplace experience, while wins measure competitive execution. They’re often related, but not identical year-to-year. However, in the 2026 Report Card, teams in the top five averaged a 10-7 record (.588). Teams in the bottom five averaged a 6-11 record (.353).

You can check out the grades for all 32 NFL teams over at ESPN.

What are your takeaways from the Jaguars’ 2025 improvements in the NFL Players Association’s 2026 report card results, BigCatCountry? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/jacks...-jaguars-earn-major-bump-in-2026-nflpa-grades
 
Reacts Survey Results: Jaguars Fans Want to Run it Back

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JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 14: Travis Etienne Jr. #1 of the Jacksonville Jaguars celebrates with teammates after a touchdown against the New York Jets during the second quarter at EverBank Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images) | Getty Images

This week, we asked Jacksonville Jaguars fans whether the team should re-sign Devin Lloyd and/or Travis Etienne.

37% of fans want both players to return. The remainder of fans are fairly evenly split into three camps: those who want to bring back just Lloyd, just Etienne, or neither one.

Jacksonville_1_022426.png

Getting the band back together after one hit song (i.e., one good season) isn’t necessarily a bad thing. If the Jags want to keep the good vibes rolling by re-signing Lloyd and/or Etienne, sure, go for it. They’re incredible players and seem to be respected voices in the locker room. The only potential drawback would be cost. This isn’t about whether either player is worth paying (they are); it’s about whether the Jaguars should break open their piggy bank now or later. Other homegrown players like Travon Walker, Parker Washington, and Brenton Strange will be looking for new deals soon enough.

Head coach Liam Coen made an interesting comment during the regular season when asked about Etienne’s ballcarrier vision in Week 14.

“I thought he saw it pretty well … He’s just playing pretty confidently and having a good understanding as to what we’re trying to get accomplished on some of those schemes. But ultimately, backs get paid to make people miss at the second and third level and get more than what the play is expected to get. If the play is blocked to ultimately get four yards, their job is to get eight. And that’s ultimately what we judge backs by.”

Based on this comment, plus Jacksonville’s interest in 2024 second-round pick R.J. Harvey and their eventual selection of fourth-rounder Bhayshul Tuten (both speedsters), the team is clearly interested in big-play ability at the running back position. The Jags could let Etienne walk if they believe in Tuten. However, Etienne finished 18th among 65 qualifying backs in explosive run rate last season (including playoffs). Tuten finished 61st.

Would Coen and his staff be comfortable with Etienne’s potential departure?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Top comments from Wednesday’s post:

MalabarJag
The Jags can’t afford Lloyd, and he’s only had one very good season. Sorry.

Etienne has been a solid contributor, and fits well into Coen’s offense. But he’s a RB, so easier to replace than most positions, and has a history of significant injuries. If the price is actually $6.8M, then I’d say keep him if possible. I expect he’ll be offered much more.
Weasel83
A financial reminder of how awful Baalke was. His free agent group from 2024 was horrific and his out the door extensions added to the mess. I hope Etienne is kept. I feel like he adds a lot to the team and is a constant throughout Lawrence’s career. I would try and keep that intact for at least another year or two. Llyod had a monster year similar to Hines-Allen before his huge contract.
Will from Jax Beach
I have a hard time answering this one because I’m not a contract/financial guy when it comes to following the NFL so I would need to understand in a specific way what the cost would be, not in terms of dollars but impact on the rest of the roster. in theory, I’d absolutely love to keep both
JaxCommenterGuy
Plus side…compensatory picks.

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/jacks...uars-fans-decision-devin-lloyd-travis-etienne
 
Jacksonville Jaguars News: Jags rank fifth in NFLPA 2026 report cards

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JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - AUGUST 9: Owner Shad Khan of the Jacksonville Jaguars talks with head coach Liam Coen prior to a NFL Preseason 2025 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Everbank Stadium on August 9, 2025 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Logan Bowles/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Good morning!

The Jacksonville Jaguars rank fifth-best in the 2026 edition of the NFL Players Association annual report cards, with a grade of B+ or better in 16 of 17 categories, per ESPN’s Kalyn Kahler. The Jags also ranked fifth in 2024 but just 18th in 2025. This year’s reports weren’t made public after NFL owners won their grievance against the NFLPA, forbidding the publication of the anonymous player survey. Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

Now, for the full roundup.

Jacksonville Jaguars News


Study up before your next trip to the watercooler.

NFLPA 2026 report cards: See the results for all 32 teams (ESPN)

Per the survey results obtained by ESPN, this year’s report cards are based on responses from 1,759 players. All players who were on a 2025 roster at the time of the survey were eligible to participate, and it was conducted from Nov. 2 to Dec. 11.

Culture Shift Confirmed: Jaguars Earn Major Bump in 2026 NFLPA Grades (Big Cat Country)

The results reveal that Jaguars significantly improved year-over-year in at least 10 of the 11 core 2025 categories (categories previously surveyed in 2024). The most dramatic shifts came in family treatment, coaching, travel, and organizational support in year one of the Tony Boselli, James Gladstone, and Liam Coen leadership swap from Trent Baalke and Doug Pederson. These improvements suggest players viewed the Jaguars’ culture and facilities much more positively in 2026 compared with the prior report.

Have you ever met a Jags player or coach in real life? (Big Cat Country)

Where’s the most random place you’ve run into a Jaguars player or coach, and who was it?

Jaguars mid-Combine mock draft: Targeting needs on Day 2 (Big Cat Country)

One name that offers starter potential in the third round could be FSU’s Darrell Jackson, a two-year starter for the Seminoles who thrived against the run but also flashed the ability to get into the backfield. His size and play strength translate well to the NFL, and whilst he’s not the most explosive tackle in this draft his motor and tenacity, coupled with his measurables, suggest he could be a ten-year pro.

2026 Jaguars NFL Combine Meeting Tracker: Every Player Jaguars Spoke With (Jaguars on SI)

While the Jacksonville Jaguars’ duo of head coach Liam Coen and general manager James Gladstone have opted to skip out on the event this year, the Jaguars still have staff boots on the ground at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Jaguars 2nd-Round Draft Prospects Who Could Be Day 1 Starters in Jacksonville (Jaguars on SI)

Sun Devils cornerback Keith Abney has already said that he has met with the Jaguars, and it makes a lot of sense why he would be on their radar. Abney seems to have the talent to play both inside and outside, and he has enough production at Arizona State to find himself as a legit top-50 prospect entering the draft process.

Jaguars’ NFL Draft: 4 defensive line targets for second round (Florida Times-Union)

A Florida kid (Port St. Lucie), Jacas won two state titles in wrestling, which always gets my attention because that sport prioritizes leverage and balance, critical for a linemen. A three-star recruit, he finished his Illini career with 183 tackles, 27 sacks and seven forced fumbles in 50 games. Massive production.

Jaguars 2026 NFL free agency primer: Cap space, key players, and needs (Florida Times-Union)

Players who are entering the final season of their contracts with high cap numbers include: DL Arik Armstead ($17,100,000 cap hit in 2026) and Travon Walker ($15,196,000), for example.

What could Travon Walker’s extension with the Jaguars look like? (Action Sports Jax)

From an analytics stand point, the Kansas City Chiefs’ George Karlaftis is our closest player comparison and actually was in Walker’s 2022 Draft class. Both have played nearly the identical amount of games and their stats are pretty similar.

The Perfect 2026 Free-Agent Signing for Every NFL Team (Bleacher Report)

The Jags need help on the interior defensive line and they could use depth on the edge. Targeting John Franklin-Myers would be an efficient way of addressing both needs.

Big Cat Country Editor’s Pick


Drumroll, please!

The Early Offseason QB Notebook: What Is Malik Willis’s Real Value? (The Ringer)

The idea of a Stroud trade seems to be a media creation. You’d think we would have learned our lesson about writing off a young quarterback so soon after watching Darnold lift a Lombardi Trophy a few weeks ago, but apparently not. Fortunately, the Texans aren’t entertaining the conversation, saving those of us who cover the league a lot of wasted time this offseason.

Today’s NFL Media


Auto-retweet.

NFL Network camera caught Aaron Glenn sleeping at the Combine 🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/03wkUDQggv

— Follow: @ThrowbackPATS (@ThrowbackPATS) February 26, 2026

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below — and be sure to check our social media and The Feed for more Jaguars conversation!

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/jacks...82827/jags-rank-fifth-nflpa-2026-report-cards
 
Mid-Combine Jaguars Mock Draft: Targeting Needs on Day 2

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SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 22: Chris Johnson #1 of the San Diego State Aztecs looks on during the first half against the San Jose State Spartans at Snapdragon Stadium on November 22, 2025 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Happy draft season everyone!

The NFL Combine is underway and draft fever is rising, so I thought I’d drop a far-too-early Jaguars mock for you all to pull apart.

With plenty of collateral on Day 2 I would expect some kind of trade movement from James Gladstone on draft weekend. But with two months to go and free agency primed to have a huge impact, there are too many unknowns to entertain trades. So we stick to the ten picks; here’s how I did:

2 (56): Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State​

Some big performances from the Group of Five conferences in Week 5 of #CollegeFootball:

SDSU Corner Chris Johnson helped the Aztecs hold NIU to just 57 passing yards with 7 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 PBU and this interception:@Chris1Johnson_ 🤜🤛 @AztecFB pic.twitter.com/1ogyIZ3sAA

— Simon Carroll (@NFLDraftSi) September 28, 2025

Probably the biggest need for the Jaguars as things stand, the secondary will be a prime area of focus as this offseason progresses. Finding a bonafide starter in the second round isn’t always guaranteed, but Gladstone and co should be delighted if Johnson is still available at 56…

At 6’0” and 190 lbs, Johnson is a little smaller than ideal for an outside corner. But that doesn’t show up in his play; Johnson can play press or off-man with proficiency and is extremely dangerous in zone, where his click-and-close speed can be used to full effect. Possibly the most athletic corner in this class, Johnson’s ball-hawking skills were on show in 2025, where he took two of his four interceptions back for touchdowns.

3 (81): Darrell Jackson Jr, DT, Florida State​

Florida State DT Darrell Jackson Jr. on his biggest selling point as a player @AtoZSportsNFL pic.twitter.com/GMxgkmEv5b

— Ryan Roberts (@RiseNDraft) February 25, 2026

The Jags enjoyed strong performances from Arik Armstead and DaVon Hamilton in 2025. But the defensive interior room is thin, and Armstead is 33, entering his final year and the subject of trade rumors.

One name that offers starter potential in the third round could be FSU’s Darrell Jackson, a two-year starter for the Seminoles who thrived against the run but also flashed the ability to get into the backfield. His size and play strength translate well to the NFL, and whilst he’s not the most explosive tackle in this draft, his motor and tenacity, coupled with his measurables, suggest he could be a ten-year pro.

3 (88): Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech​

#TexasTech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez with a 4.61 40-yard dash and 38.5 inch vertical jump.

Turnover machine and athletic 👀pic.twitter.com/FATdrOs0hI

— Ben Golan (@BenjaminGolan) February 27, 2026

With Devin Lloyd hitting free agency, the Jaguars’ defense will see a big chunk of their 2025 turnover production leave should he head elsewhere. His departure would certainly mean the front office adding LB to the list of needs this offseason.

A different type of defender to Lloyd, Rodriguez is just as productive. 255 tackles over the past two years is impressive alone, but the former Red Raider earned All-American status and won the Nagurski and Bednarik awards with four interceptions and seven forced fumbles as a senior. Rodriguez doesn’t have elite measurables, but wins with superior instincts, athleticism, technique and tenacity.

3 (100): Kaytron Allen, RB, Penn State​

Kaytron Allen is a dawg NFL teams will LOVE.

Productive, physical, and underrated heading into the 2026 draft.

Why is Penn State’s all-time leading rusher flying under the radar? 🧵🔥 pic.twitter.com/1STGP4Zl8s

— Jonny Tooma (@FantasyPicasso) February 16, 2026

It wouldn’t be a Jaguars draft without the selection of a running back. But with Travis Etienne out of contract, Jacksonville will likely need to add to the backfield. We know that Gladstone has a penchant for ball carriers that enjoy seeking contact, and Allen fits the bill.

Sharing the backfield with Nick Singleton at Penn State, many expected Allen to be the fresh legs for the Nittany Lions. Instead, he delivered a 1,300-yard, 15-touchdown season. A north-south, physical runner who prefers to work between the tackles, Allen has an old-school NFL feel to him that suggests he can be a lead back in a run-heavy offense. And whilst he may not be the most elusive running back in the draft, his athleticism at 220 lbs is impressive.

4 (117): Jalon Kilgore, S, South Carolina​

South Carolina DB Jalon Kilgore is jacked & explosive downhill.

🐓Lines up everywhere in the secondary, great for a multiple need team
🐓7 INT the last two years
🐓Good hips; triggers & closes in underneath zone
✅ < 10% career missed tackle rate in 30+ starts

🎥 @3TechDraftNet https://t.co/LD6a4YA13S pic.twitter.com/4A974hiYbV

— Clint Goss (@NFLDraftDome) December 13, 2025

Despite the woes in the secondary for the Jaguars this season, one thing they did benefit from was the versatility of guys like Antonio Johnson and Jarrian Jones. Adding another multi-faceted defensive back would definitely make sense considering the potential departure of Dewey Wingard.

Kilgore has a lot of NFL-friendly traits; tall and long but still explosive, the Gamecocks were able to use him as an outside corner, nickel, box safety and single high. Play diagnosis and closing on the football are his strengths, with seven interceptions and 15 pass breakups in his final two years at South Carolina.

5 (162): Jordan Hudson, WR, SMU​

SMU's Jordan Hudson (not entangled w/ Bill Belichick) impressed me a ton. Dominated Miami (11 catches for 136 yards, including OT setup catch).

Quick & fluid WR w/ lat. explosion, sink, natural spatial awareness. Flashes elite body control & catch composure in clutch situations. pic.twitter.com/6M8QhUVmoq

— Ian Cummings (@IC_Draft) January 15, 2026

The mid-season addition of Jakobi Meyers was an inspired trade by James Galdstone, giving the Jaguars pass game a real shot in the arm at the defining moment of the campaign. With Meyers tied down long-term and Parker Washington emerging as a starter in the slot, receiver won’t be a major need this offseason. There are still whispers of Brian Thomas being traded, but depth at the position will be welcomed regardless.

I like Jordan Hudson as an under-the-radar Day 3 steal who can grow into a rotational role in an offense. The speed won’t blow you away; he’s more sneaky quick and gets separation with guile rather than athleticism. But he’s a jump ball specialist who routinely wins at the catch point, and could become a chain mover from the slot for Trevor Lawrence.

5 (164): JC Davis, OT, Illinois​

95 days until the 2026 NFL Draft

Pancake of the Day: Illinois LT JC Davis (#74) pic.twitter.com/50jssgcG8P

— Steve Letizia (@CFCBears) January 19, 2026

Cole Van Lanen might just be the best parting gift Trent Baalke gave the Jaguars. With Van Lanen and Anton Harrison on the outside, Jacksonville boasts a pair of starters as good as any in the NFL. But Walker Little’s inconsistency and inability to stay healthy make identifying a potential backup swing tackle prudent.

JC Davis would be higher up in mock drafts if it weren’t for an untimely foot issue that kept him out of the Senior Bowl. A four-year starter on the blindside for New Mexico and then Illinois, the 335lb behemoth made 49 consecutive starts at college, and was ranked by PFF as the No. 3 tackle in the nation last year. There’s some technique to clean up, and limited lateral mobility comes with Day 3 selections. But in terms of value and reliability, this pick makes a lot of sense.

6 (195): Andre Fuller, CB, Toledo​

Toledo CB Andre Fuller (Rd 5-6):

+ 6’2”, 202 lbs
+ 56.5 passer rating allowed in 2025
+ Length and ball-tracking skills
+ Fluid mover with size
+ Aggressive downhill tackler
– Older prospect as a sixth-year
– Small sample size vs. P4 talent
– Crispness pic.twitter.com/TkvSD5U36U

— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) January 2, 2026

Time to take a flier on an ultra-athletic dude who, if he didn’t play in the MAC, would be gone way before the sixth round.

Andre Fuller turned heads at the East-West Shrine Bowl when he was recorded at 20.50 miles per hour, making him one of the fastest DBs in the 20256 draft. Add that to a 6’2” frame with elite length, and you can see why the cornerback enjoyed 49 tackles and 11 pass breakups in 2025. There’s some work to be done on his play strength, and he’s not going to give you immediate value in run support. But as a project with the tools to erase speedy outside receivers, there’s a lot to like.

7 (234): Wesley Williams, EDGE, Duke​

Duke DE Wesley Williams (6'3" 251 & 32" Arms) was in the backfield constantly during the Shrine Bowl game

He rushed over the G at times. Last week, I asked him about moving inside on pass downs. He said he feels "really comfortable" inside, & once spent spring ball as a 3-tech pic.twitter.com/bcTMsM9hPN

— Ron Kopp Jr (@RonOnChiefs) January 28, 2026

The final round seems like an ideal time to give the Jaguars some depth to their pass rushing group. A limited athletic and physical profile means Wesley Williams hasn’t enjoyed the shine his production at Duke probably deserves, giving a team some potential Day 3 value.

Williams is technically refined, a constant menace from the edge as the Blue Devils won the ACC in 2025. Hand placement, footwork, and play diagnosis are all elite, often allowing him to win reps early. A high-floor prospect with perhaps a limited ceiling, Williams could contribute early as a backup who won’t let you down when thrust into the action.

7 (246): Anez Cooper, OG, Miami​

Miami RG Anez Cooper has, in scouting terms, HEAVY HANDS. pic.twitter.com/r0F88ZfdLf

— Lance Zierlein (@LanceZierlein) February 20, 2026

Anez Cooper is so big, this selection feels like you get two offensive linemen for the price of one. 6’6” and 350lbs, Cooper was a four-year starter for Miami, which itself is a testament to his ability as the Hurricanes marched to the National Championship game behind one of the best o-lines in the nation last year.

Cooper’s ability to wall off interior pressure was a big reason Mark Fletcher exploded for Miami in the playoffs. His size does bring some issues, most notably in pad level and lateral movement. But put him in a phone booth and let his nasty streak thrive, and the Jags might have found some interior depth as the draft creeps to an end.

PFN_Draft_result_1772194892715.png

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/jacks...id-combine-mock-draft-targeting-need-on-day-2
 
Tweets of the week: Jimmy Smith, 2025 highlights, and more

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Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Jimmy Smith enters the field before play against the Indianapolis Colts December 11, 2005 in Jacksonville. The Colts defeated the Jaguars 26 - 18 to remain undefeated. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Happy Friday, Big Cat Country! Let’s look at some of this week’s Jacksonville Jaguars highlights, hype, and more from X/Twitter.

The Jaguars highlighted USA Flag Football athlete London Jenkins, along with staff members Ryan Stamper and Edgar Bennett, for Black History Month:

Paving the way 🙌

Our second feature for Black History Month is London Jenkins, a USA Flag Football athlete and a dominant leader for young women in the sport! pic.twitter.com/3km17jx3rv

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) February 23, 2026
Full circle journey 💫

Continuing our Black History Month features, today we recognize Ryan Stamper and Coach Edgar Bennett, two members of our football staff. Born and raised in Jacksonville, they are proof that you can leave home and return to build up your community! pic.twitter.com/saZiNzSsDF

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) February 25, 2026

Trevor Lawrence congratulated Jacob Bridgeman for his first PGA Tour win:

Congrats from a pair of @ClemsonFB legends 🐅@TrevorLawrence and Coach Swinney send a special message to first-time PGA TOUR winner @JacobBridgeman1. pic.twitter.com/ZSlyUddDiR

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) February 23, 2026

Jimmy Smith shared pictures of himself with Shaq Harris and Doug Williams from the HBCU Legacy Bowl:

The great Shaq Harris! #HBCU #JSUtigers #GRAMBLING #Swac pic.twitter.com/dWaLbdnZF6

— Jimmy Smith (@JimmySmithJags) February 20, 2026
The Legendary Doug Williams!#HBCU #GRAMBLING #Jsutigers #Swac pic.twitter.com/YGzz9m3mZC

— Jimmy Smith (@JimmySmithJags) February 20, 2026

Fred Taylor’s response to the picture of Smith and Williams:

Smoove, I Love this pic brother

— Fred Taylor (@FredTaylorMade) February 20, 2026

Speaking of Jimmy Smith:

With Mike Evans returning for his 13th season, a look at the players with the most 1000+ receiving yard seasons in NFL history 👏 pic.twitter.com/SfsOunhWGz

— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) February 18, 2026

He also weighed in on the Mount Rushmore of the best Jaguars’ seasons discussion:

1996 https://t.co/2uNeBMq650

— Jimmy Smith (@JimmySmithJags) February 21, 2026

The NFL chose its top ten plays from the Jaguars’ 2025 season:

The top 10 plays from the @Jaguars 2025 season 🐆 pic.twitter.com/ACXPB3UhlU

— NFL (@NFL) February 20, 2026

Parker Washington made franchise history:

Parker "Most Punt Return TDs in a Single Season in Franchise History" Washington
@Dream_Finders | #DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/xjwtIjfZ0F

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) February 27, 2026

Kilian Zierer celebrated a birthday:

Happy birthday, @Kili24_ 🥳@FISGlobal | #DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/M6XK23dpBb

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) February 24, 2026

Insight from the Gus Bradley and Dave Caldwell era:

Tyrann Mathieu’s weirdest NFL Combine interview was with the Jacksonville Jaguars 😳

"I was thinking, well, shit — you're sitting right in front of me. You must be important. Who are you, the owner?" pic.twitter.com/guTCGvYAMH

— In The Bayou With Tyrann Mathieu (@InTheBayouPod) February 25, 2026

Construction on the Stadium of the Future continues:

The soothing sounds of construction 👂#DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/SztBDQ0XfO

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) February 26, 2026

I hope you have a good weekend! Not following Big Cat Country on social media? You can find us on Twitter, Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, and Threads.

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/jacks...the-week-jimmy-smith-2025-highlights-and-more
 
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