Moeller: Despite Low Marks, Gladstone Worked The Draft His Way
If there is one certainty you can count on from the Jaguars’ draft, it is general manager James Gladstone did it his way.
He made his mark with his shocking trade up for Travis Hunter last year that gave the Jags a less profile draft this year.
Gladstone has come under criticism from draft experts for his overall selections. His overall performance didn’t register high marks.
The Jags and Rams’ drafts were ranked at the bottom by many draftniks. Ironically, Gladstone’s front office roots were with the Rams.
Do you doubt the Rams’ brass by envisioning Ty Simpson as Matthew Stafford’s replacement?
When you look at the Jags’ recent draft, there were some headscratchers.
Overall, it was a mixed bag.
There was a prevailing theory that they had to fill the void left by running back Travis Etienne and linebacker Devin Lloyd. The Jags may have filled Lloyd’s spot, but they didn’t draft a running back.
Top pick Nate Boerkircher is a six-year senior who was viewed as a reach in the second round. He is seen primarily as a blocking tight end, and he will be in a crowded tight end room behind starter Brenton Strange.
Late in the draft, they picked another tight end in Houston’s Tanner Koziol. In Gladstone’s defense, there are plenty of tight ends to weed out.
Duke’s Wesley Williams was likely picked as Lloyd’s successor. At 6-4, 256, Williams can run down plays, but experts believe he may be overpowered along the line. They also added Middle Tennessee linebacker Parker Hughes, who is known for his downhill tackling ability.
On paper, the Jags’ prime pick appears to be 6-4, 314-pound Oregon lineman Emmanuel Pregnon, who will slide in at guard. Pregnon’s presence will help with run blocking, but his perceived weakness is handling quick defenders. With Ezra Cleveland and Patrick Mekari in place, Pregnon’s development doesn’t have to be rushed.
Texas A&M defensive 6-1, 295-pound defensive tackle Albert Regis, seen as a run stopper, and Maryland corner/safety Jalen Huskey have already been penciled in at their spots.
In the latter rounds, the Jags chose wide receivers CJ Williams of Stanford and Josh Cameron of Baylor, both of whom weren’t ranked high, but either could find a spot to replace Tim Patrick.
Like the tight end room, the wide receiver room now looks crowded. You wonder if the Brian Thomas Jr. trade rumors may get ignited again if a rookie receiver develops.
Washington edge rusher Zach Durfee can provide another option up front or on special teams.
Gladstone also was active by signing 18 undrafted free agents, seven of whom were expected to be drafted. Defensive lineman DJ Green and Danny Striggow were among former free-agent diamonds in the rough who found a spot.
Things soon will get busier with mini-camps on the horizon, and Gladstone and head coach Liam Coen will begin to dabble.
Whatever happens, Gladstone has done it his way.
