I've given up trying to understand what James Gladstone's plan for the defense was, so I've become way more intrigued with how the Jacksonville Jaguars' running game will function in 2026.
Once upon a time, Jim Harbaugh was running the ball harder than ever in Palo Alto, but Frank Reich's version of the Stanford Cardinal wasn't quite the same. This makes me wonder how CJ Williams, the Jaguars' 203rd-overall pick, will fit moving forward.
Jacksonville's draft strategy shows that they have a vision for its wide receivers and tight ends, and Williams' best chance to make the team will require him to focus less on expanding his toolkit as a pass catcher and learning how to get his nose dirty in the run game. If he can do that, the pick could earn a good grade.
How does the Jaguars draft pick of CJ WIlliams stack up?
Pro Football Network's scouting report shows that there's a reason for Williams falling to the bottom of the draft. He tested below average in the majority of his drills and didn't show elite physical traits either. At the NFL level, he will have to hustle to make the most of his opportunities and impress his position coach.
That will be even more difficult since Josh Cameron was drafted a few spots ahead of him. At this point of the draft, almost every player is either a project, a special-teams contributor, or a shot in the dark. I'd reckon that Williams is the second option, but that makes me wonder why James Gladstone didn't just draft a linebacker or running back for that role during the preseason and training camp.
Since I don't expect much, if anything,in out of Williams his rookie year, the pick should be an F. However, that would be holding way too much stock in the 203rd-overall selection than anyone should.
At the same time, what is any Jaguars fan or blogger supposed to do here? James Gladstone's decision doesn't address a need, make the team better, or give us a chance to see an unheralded underdog prove everybody wrong. With that in mind, I have to call it down the middle.
Grade: D+
Add us as a preferred source on Google