JACKSONVILLE – Let's get to it …

Greg from the mean fields of EHS

Mr. O. I was trying to recall another Jags period when we entered the draft with the team more aligned/prepared for approaching the draft with a true Best Available Player (or as close as reasonably possible, because it's ALWAYS alignment/preparation in the NFL) strategy. Perhaps somewhere in the late 1990s? Might you opine on said premise?

There seems little question the Jaguars are entering the April 23-25 2026 NFL Draft in very good position to draft for value – and not for need. While linebacker and pass-rushing defensive tackle qualify as offseason needs to at least some degree, the Jaguars at minimum have more-than-passable options at the two positions with Arik Armstead at tackle and Ventrell Miller at linebacker. NFL general managers almost always spend the early offseason before the NFL Draft trying to reach a position where the team can "line up" for the regular-season opener – and that allows teams to not have to reach for positions during the draft. Reaching in this way is the easiest way to make draft mistakes, particularly in the early rounds. Most past Jaguars general managers have done a decent job getting into this pre-draft position – even in offseasons when the team was struggling. But this Jaguars team right now does have the feel of having comparatively few needs. That brings us to one of the key tasks facing Jaguars decision-makers this offseason. The NFL changes fast and a team that seems relatively set one offseason can seem very needy very quickly. Never get complacent. Things can change in a hurry.

Josh from Atlanta, GA

I haven't checked the schedule, so will Camping World Stadium hold other events throughout that season? Or are the Jaguars home games the only "things" played there throughout? I have no worry about the grounds crew handling field prep either way.

Camping World Stadium in Orlando currently is undergoing a $400 million renovation, a project that is on a tight schedule – and a project that will allow Camping World Stadium to host Jaguars home games in 2027 while renovation continues on the Stadium of the Future in Jacksonville. The current plan is for Camping World Stadium to host three bowl games in 2026 – the Pop-Tarts Bowl, the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl and the StaffDNA Cure Bowl – during the "renovation season." While the changing college football landscape makes the future of bowl games comparatively uncertain, I expect Camping World will host the three bowl games again in 2027 – with specific dates dependent on the Jaguars' schedule.

Paul from St. Augustine, FL

Regarding the video of you receiving your gift: Well-played.

I am the king of all funk.

Alan from Reno, NV

I am just really excited for this upcoming year. There are no holes in all three areas that I can think of. Possibly the best kicker/punter duo in the league. A quarterback that was in Most Valuable Player contention. A high-ranking defense and a returning coach staff from a 13-4 season! These are the good times!

There are many, many solid pieces in place around the Jaguars. The 2025 season was successful and there is every reason to be optimistic. That is absolutely true. It is just as true that the NFL – while a week-to-week league – also is a season-to-season league. And a league of close games. The margins for error from week to week and season to season are extremely thin. The Jaguars must start over and approach the 2026 season realizing that. What happened last season will get them nothing in 2026.

Kenneth from Jacksonville

I've got it! I know why this whole offseason feels like the dead zone! Fans fan. It's what we do. But fans fanning means being mad. When I look at this organization, I don't see any reason to be mad. That means we're not fanning!!!

This offseason is a little less newsy than past offseasons, which certainly means a quieter O-Zone – if not necessarily an entire offseason of "dead zone." The Jaguars also were comparatively quiet in free agency and have no first-round selection in the 2026 NFL Draft. That reduced "discussion points." It's also true that not as many fans are mad as previously was the case. Give it time, Kenneth. Give it time.

JAY from THE BURG FL.

Years ago, I was at the Orange Park Mall with my kid brother for a Jaguars autograph signing. My favorite player, Jaguars wide receiver Jimmy Smith, was there. I had a helmet and ball to sign. Jimmy was really cool. He signed them both, and my brother took a picture. We shook hands and I said I will be wearing this helmet the day you cross that stage into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He laughed and said, "We'll see." Life happens. We had a house fire Thanksgiving 2015 and lost most everything. Although black and smoky, I'm grateful the ball and helmet survived. I put on the helmet back in 2016, the day Jimmy went into the Pride of the Jaguars. And I still wear the old No. 82 on special game days. Fans fan. That's what we do.

Smith, who played for the Jaguars from 1995-2006, should be in the Hall of Fame. He's incredibly underrated and underappreciated historically. That there has been little-to-no momentum on this front is an absolute shame.

Damon from The Stine

John. First of all, it is very exciting about defensive end Travon Walker's contract being extended!! I was wondering if you have heard anything about Brenton Strange talks? I'm hoping something gets done soon. Also: I was wondering if you think they might hold off on Parker Washington based on what wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. does this season? It seems like if they eventually want to re-sign BTJ (I am predicting a huge year for him), it would be tough if they had a lot invested in Washington along with what they have already given wide receiver Jakobi Meyers.

Jaguars General Manager James Gladstone said during the NFL 2026 Annual Meetings late last month the team was negotiating and working on extensions with Walker, tight end Brenton Strange and Washington. The Jaguars signed Walker to a contract extension shortly thereafter. I don't think they want to "hold off" on either Strange of Washington. Getting extensions with both done is a priority. How soon it happens depends more on the sides being able to reach an agreement than anything else.

Charles from Riverside

Hello, John. There seems to be a consensus with a lot of football pundits that the draft is considered to have the most talent and depth first at edge, followed by linebackers and then offensive tackles. Obviously very subjective. But if so, while I realize the salary cap had a lot to do with it, I'm wondering if this had something to do with the Jags laying low in free agency? With Gladstone leaning towards best available player, having 11 picks, and the sort of general opinion in the O-Zone on the need for edge, linebacker and offensive tackle, maybe picking at 56 isn't so bad?

Teams in a vacuum always would prefer selecting early in a draft compared to selecting late in a draft. Life and the NFL aren't played in vacuums. But the 2026 NFL Draft absolutely appears deep in the positions the Jaguars may be looking to select and they believe there's a good chance of getting contributing players – certainly at Selections No. 56, 81, 88 and 100 – their second- and third-round selections.

John from Cape May Court House

You and Executive Vice President of Football Operations Tony Boselli ever been photographed in a hot tub together? That is all, as you were.

That wasn't Boselli.

Bradley from Death Valley, California

How do you think a re-draft of the 2021 NFL Draft would go knowing what we know now? Would Lawrence still go one considering his position and his strong showing in the "what have you done for me lately " category. There are also four other guys that are arguably the best in all the NFL at their positions: Detroit Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell, Green Bay Packers edge Micah Parsons, Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II Cincinnati Bengals JaMarr Chase.

I absolutely think Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence would be the No. 1 overall selection if they "redrafted" that '21 draft. The other players you mention – Sewell, Parsons, Surtain and Chase – are elite players who might be headed to the Hall of Fame. All could be rightly rated as having had had better careers to date than Lawrence. But Lawrence plays quarterback. He's also really good and ascending. That would lead any team without an elite quarterback to select him.

JK from NY & Fernandina Beach, FL

Johnny O. Admitting a Chuck E. Brown complex – interesting, you Sly Dog. The question is, who pulls the ball away - Kainani or Sexton?

Kai. Definitely. She's crafty that way. And she's scared of no one.