JACKSONVILLE – Let's get to it …

Charles from Riverside

Hello, John. With seven wide receiver rookies trying to make the Jaguars this season, I was wondering if anybody is separating themselves from the pack so far in minicamp? Pretty crowded, think any of the undrafted guys have a chance?

Jaguars 2026 Rookie Minicamp is being held at the Miller Electric Center this weekend, with an open-to-the-media practice session on Saturday featuring all 10 selections in the 2026 NFL Draft –along with 18 undrafted rookies, seven first-year veterans and two tryout players. Because the session was "open to the media" and not "open to the public," it's understandable that fans sometimes don't quite get the nature of these practices. The nature is that they're very introductory and comparatively light, with anything remotely resembling 11-on-11 work essentially limited to getting lined up and knowing the play. The ball might be snapped and players might take a step or two, but they do so mostly to get a feel and understanding of the play. I note this to explain why there is no real way to know if any player at any position is separating themselves from the pack during these practices. There will be a time for competition. And separation. That begins in organized team activities late this month and accelerates to the point that it actually matters when pads go on in early August during training camp. This is not yet that time.

CaptBob from Peekskill, NY

KOAF, now that we have rehashed the draft for the twentieth time, could we now discuss the affordability of watching football on all the many streaming platforms? Or is that too political for you? NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell didn't quite get the complete impact of "each team's games are shown on local TV in their market area." The US population is very mobile in state and between states. So that policy does not help those who have moved from their hometowns.

I doubt we can solve the cost-of-streaming issue in one email answer – and it's absolutely a serious issue not going away anytime soon. The NFL is increasing the number of streaming services that have the rights to games regularly or periodically. These services do charge for games. The situation can be seen in two ways, I suppose. One is it is unfair to charge fans for the games. The other is that the games previously wouldn't have been available outside their local markets, so out-of-market fans aren't really missing out on anything. That is my initial, not well-thought-out thought. Maybe there is something to this thought. Perhaps not.

Crash from Glen Saint Mary, FL

OZ! Looking forward to watching running backs Bhayshul Tuten and Chris Rodriguez Jr. running behind an offensive line that has tight end Nate Boerkircher and guard Emmanuel Pregnon in there.

So are the Jaguars.

REY from Orange Park, FL

Hey, Big O. Is there still a supplemental draft? I am an old man, but I remember that there used to be a supplemental draft held sometime after the main draft that some college players could enter that would allow them a path to the NFL. I am not sure if it still exists but was wondering if it does and how it worked.

The NFL still allows for a supplemental draft each offseason, though it does not hold one every year. This is because the supplemental draft is an optional avenue for players whose eligibility changes after the "regular" April draft and therefore is not needed every offseason. To be eligible for the supplemental draft, players must be at least three years removed from high school and the league must approve players for the process. Teams may bid for a player via email, with a team losing the corresponding round selection in the following year's "regular" draft if they are awarded a player. While supplemental drafts are relatively rare, they have produced significant NFL players and stories such as wide receiver Cris Carter (1987), linebacker Brian Bosworth (1987), quarterback Bernie Kosar (1985) and quarterback Steve Walsh (1989).

Paul from St. Augustine, FL

Former Jaguars wide receiver Justin Blackmon was amazing. In the few games he played, he showed an ability to control all of his body and use his fantastic hands to set himself up so that every catch had the potential to be a highlight play. I never have seen a receiver move in relation to the ball the way he did. Finding out about his struggles was the second biggest reminder that these guys are human I've seen watching Jaguars football. The biggest reminder was former Jaguars offensive lineman Richard Collier. Every time I think of those young men, I'm reminded to be thankful for the men who play this game that is more than a game.

Absolutely fair …

Leroy from Amelia Island

I was already thinking of Justin Blackmon this offseason before being mentioned in your O-Zone. Never had any hard feelings about the man. Life is difficult for more people than we think. I just wish Justin well and hope he is doing OK.

… also fair.

Justin from NYC

I am a numbers guy. Has anyone done an analysis over time, comparing how the "consensus view" performs versus where players are actually drafted? I trust the general managers much more than the "experts," but would love evidence to shut down my friends who listen too much to the talking heads. In Gladstone we trust.

I am a lazy guy. Someone may have done such an analysis over time, comparing how the "consensus view" performs versus where players are actually drafted – but someone also would have to define "consensus" and "experts," and we might just experience too much quotation mark "fatigue" to research further. I also trust the general managers much more than the "experts" because I use quotes around "experts" and don't use quotes around general managers. I realize my answer doesn't solve your dilemma. Maybe just find better friends.

Rob from St. Augustine, FL

Noticed our first pick of this post draft has a birthday of 9/04. He was the right pick.

Cool.

John from Ocala, FL

Mr. O, Kind Sir, Possessor of all Jaguar knowledge and wisdom. The draft hubbub seems to say we flubbed this draft. Do you agree? My two cents (possibly overpriced) we had A, A+, B draft for years and would wind up picking in the Top 5 because we would win two or four games. The leadership making the choices won 13 games, the folks digging on our draft probably didn't. How do you view our picks? Thanks.

I do not agree that the Jaguars flubbed this draft because I don't know how these players will perform in the NFL. The difference between me and the "experts" is I don't mind admitting what me and the experts both know. I view the Jaguars' selections in the 2026 NFL Draft the way I view most draft selections – as players with a percentage chance of developing. How high a chance? Stay tuned.

Jadon from Raleigh, NC

Who is the best player to wear No. 15 for the Jags in Jaguars history?

So continues this thread, with possibilities here including wide receiver Allen Robinson (2014-2017), quarterback Gardner Minshew (2019-2020) and wide receiver Mike Sims-Walker (2011). Because Sims-Walker's No. 15 tenure was shorter and therefore less memorable than when he wore Nos. 81 and 11 with the organization from 2008-2010, it's essentially between Robinson and Minshew. We will go with Robinson here, with a hat tip to the giddy few weeks that was Minshew Mania.

Gabe from Washington, DC

In the draft, older players are generally looked at less favorable than younger players. It seems the Jags got a handful of older prospects this year. Is that mostly coincidence, or is there something about that that the front office looks favorably on, maybe more ready to play right away or more maturity?

The Jaguars don't necessarily intentionally seek "older" players as a general rule. But in certain specific situations, such as if they are projecting and wanting the player to contribute immediately, extensive experience – perhaps more than age – is considered a positive.

Scooby from Crestview, FL

My first credit card was JC Penney, which I used to purchase my first stereo. The stereo lasted longer than the years of payments. Great memories listening in the dorm room, but I can't remember if friends were impressed or not. The volume reached aircraft engine levels, but no one ever complained. Life is good and thanks for stirring up a cobwebbed memory.

I got my first stereo Christmas 1975. It was a Kenwood, likely also from JC Penney, and had one of those arms that could hold multiple albums at a time and drop them after one finished. Depending on your age, we may have had the same model. I also got Neil Sedaka's "Hungry Years" Christmas 1975. I possibly even asked for Hungry Years. We all have pasts. Don't judge.