Jaguars' Bold Move: What They’re Hiding About Skipping Round One Will Shock You!

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – As the Jacksonville Jaguars inch closer to their selection at No. 56 in this year's NFL Draft, anticipation is palpable among fans and analysts alike. Yet for head coach Liam Coen and general manager James Gladstone, this wait is nothing new. Having spent years with the Los Angeles Rams, where they often navigated the draft without early picks, they seem well-prepared for the challenge ahead.

During their tenure with the Rams, both Coen and Gladstone experienced the intricacies of drafting without top-tier picks. Gladstone noted that their draft history at the Rams reveals a pattern: “Liam has been through it before,” he said, referencing their shared experience in Los Angeles where first-round selections were a rarity. “We have waited longer...104 was our first pick. Now, we get to cut that in half a little bit.”

The Jaguars’ previous first-round selection, No. 2 overall, is an exception in this context, making the upcoming 56th pick seem almost like a luxury. A closer examination of the Rams' recent draft picks under their stewardship highlights their ability to find talent outside of the first round. Between 2016 and 2024, the Rams had several noteworthy selections, including:

Year

Rams First Pick

Player

This history speaks volumes about how both executives approach the draft. Being patient has served them well in the past, and their current mindset reflects confidence in their ability to scout talent beyond the first round. With No. 56 as their designated pick, the Jaguars find themselves in a position that is, for them, relatively early. Gladstone commented, “You’re always going to stay agile. You're never bored. You're always thinking through what we might be able to do.”

As the Jaguars prepare for what could be a pivotal moment in their franchise's history, the timing of their pick may not be as significant as the decisions they make surrounding it. The possibility of trades looms large, considering Gladstone's ability to maneuver effectively within the draft. He acknowledged, “I think that mental gymnastics certainly is an engaging element regardless of where your first pick point is.”

As Jacksonville fans eagerly await the draft, the Jaguars’ leadership remains undaunted by their No. 56 pick. Instead, they embrace the opportunity to scout talent, adapt to the unpredictable nature of the draft, and build a stronger team in the process. Whether they stay put or make a bold move, one thing is clear: the Jaguars are ready for whatever comes next.