While the Jacksonville Jaguars have routinely caught heat for not sticking to the consensus big board, they've been mostly universally praised for landing offensive guard Emmanuel Pregnon at No. 88, with some analysts going as far as calling him the steal of Day 3.
The praise is understandable when you take into account that Pregnon has plenty of experience lining up at both guard spots and could start as a rookie. In fact, that's precisely what an NFL analyst thinks the former Oregon Duck will do when discussing the Jags' best value pick.
The Jaguars got lots of value with Emmanuel Pregnon in Round 3
The Athletic compiled a list of the best value picks for each NFL team. Jeff Howe chose third-round selection Emmanuel Pregnon for the Jaguars, arguing that he gives them plenty of bang for their buck after being projected to go in Round 2.
"Guard Emmanuel Regnon was Brugle's 57th-ranked prospect, and the Jaguars got him with the 88th pick," Howe wrote. "Pregnon, whom Liam Coen lauded for his "ass and mass," might not have a direct path to a starting job with Ezra Cleveland and Patrick Mekari on the roster, but we've yet to find a team that's ever complained about having good depth up front."
For context, head coach Liam Coen referred to Pregnon using that hilarious three-word description when discussing the kind of attributes Jacksonville looks for in its hog mollies.
Later in his article, Howe states that he believes that the Denver, Colorado native will get playing time as a rookie and that will lead to bigger chances in the future.
The truth is that Pregnon is as NFL-ready as they come, and most of his weaknesses can be cleaned up with coaching, which he'll get in Jacksonville. Moreover, nobody would bat an eye if he ends up starting as a rookie. Then again, he'll have to earn it.
Left guard Ezra Cleveland is entering a contract year and could leave in 2027. Pregnon could be his heir apparent. On the other hand, Patrick Mekari is coming off an underwhelming season and could be in danger of losing his job. In his defense, he dealt with injuries and was making the switch to the right side after lining up at left guard the year prior.
That said, Mekari should be most definitely looking over his shoulder, as Pregnon will be lurking behind, and the team's brass won't hesitate to give the job to the rookie if he flashes enough during the offseason program.
Emmanuel Pregnon could become a staple of the Jaguars' offensive line
Before everyone, including yours truly, crowns Emmanuel Pregnon, he'll need to work his way up the depth chart, and the first obstacle he'll need to face is sophomore Wyatt Milum.
A third-round pick in 2025, Milum showed potential in training camp, but a knee injury forced him to miss time. By the time he returned, he had lots of catch-up to do. The former West Virginia Mountaineer is back at full strength, so he could either compete for a starting job on either side or the primary backup slot inside. Either way, he could prevent Pregnon from moving up the depth chart.
In the end, though, the Jaguars won't mind all the competition that will take place in the trenches during the offseason program. And while there's a chance Emmanuel Pregnon will have to wait for his chance, nobody will bat an eye if he ends up seizing a starting job before the season opener. That's just how talented he is.
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