After getting off to a puzzling start to the draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars have address a pair of key needs with picks No. 81 and N. 88 in Round 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft. First, they chose Texas A&M defensive tackle Albert Regis. Oregon offensive lineman Emmanuel Pregnon was next.
While it was better than most fans would've liked, the Jags gave the offensive line much-needed competition with Pregnon. In fact, nobody would bat an eye if he makes a couple veterans look over their shoulder in 2026.
Why did the Jaguars draft Emmanuel Pregnon in Round 3?
Even though the interior offensive line wasn't a pressing need, the Jaguars could most definitely use upgrades. Emmanuel Pregnon should be able to help with that.
Although the former Oregon Duck only has adequate agility and athleticism, his length allows him to fend off blockers. Couple that with the fact that he has a great base to pick off defenders, and he could be an asset in both pass protection and the running game.
It's also worth noting that Pregnon has made starts at both guard positions, so he could line up on either side with the Jags. That could, in turn, allow him to compete with Wyatt Milum for the primary backup job behind incumbent Ezra Cleveland at left guard, or even challenge Patrick Mekari for the staring job at right guard.
Either way, Pregnon gives the Jaguars ample flexibility short term, and if he makes an impression, he could become a mainstay of the offensive line.
How does the Emmanuel Pregnon pick affect the Jaguars depth chart?
The Jaguars just released Cooper Hodges the same day they traded for Ruke Orhorhoro, so they have a roster spot open for Emmanuel Pregnon. During the offseason program, though, he could push Chuma Edoga, if the Jaguars don't outright release him.
If you've been following the B&T, thank you, but you know that Edoga has been seen as a potential cut candidate for a while because he struggled with penalties and left much to be desired last year. On top of that, his release would free up $2.9 million in space, so it would make sense to pull the plug on him.
The truth is that Emmanuel Pregnon pick won't sent shockwaves across the league, but it will most definitely add competition to the Jaguars offensive line and turn it into a much tougher group.
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