The Jacksonville Jaguars have clear needs ahead of the NFL Draft. Specifically, they need to make upgrades at defensive tackle and the pass rush. That said, they also need to add depth at a handful of position groups. The offensive line could most definitely use some help.
The Jags announced that the O-Line starters from last year will be back in 2026. Nevertheless, they could use depth in the trenches. After all, Walker Little and Chuma Edoga could be shown the door. Moreover, left guard Ezra Cleveland is entering a contract year, so it would make sense to look for a potential heir apparent.
General manager James Gladstone will surely prioritize the defensive trenches early in the draft, but Jacksonville has enough draft picks to address other positions, especially from Round 3 onward. He could surely spare a few to beef up the offensive line, which may be why the Jags have met with Washington's Carver Willis.
The Jaguars have met with Washington OT Carver Willis
Carver Willis has seen his draft stock surge after the NFL Scouting Combine. He just spoke with Sports Illustrated's Justin Melo and said the Jaguars are one of the many teams that have met with him, either in person or virtually. Here's the skinny.
"I had formal interviews at the NFL Combine with the Miami Dolphins and San Francisco 49ers," Willis said. "I've had a good amount of virtual meetings as well. I met with the Las Vegas Raiders, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Dolphins [second meeting]. I have a [virtual] with the Denver Broncos and Carolina Panthers."
A three-star recruit out of high school, Willis transferred to Washington in 2025 after five seasons at Kentucky. He finished his collegiate career with 28 starts, 18 at right tackle, and 10 at left tackle.
In case you were wondering, Willis is becoming a hot commodity because of his ability to line up at multiple spots across the line of scrimmage. He's played both offensive tackle positions but is a candidate to switch to guard in the NFL because he lacks ideal length.
On the other hand, Brandon Thorn of the Bleacher Report scouting department describes Willis as a physical blocker who plays with a very good effort. He projects the former Husky to go in the third or fourth round, comparing him to Luke Fortner, a third-round selection with the Jags in 2022 who signed with the Carolina Panthers in free agency.
The Jaguars could use Carver Willis on the offensive line
The Jaguars value position flexibility in the trenches. Last offseason, they had their linemen play multiple spots. That came in handy throughout the year when the injury bug struck. That would make Carver Wilis an intriguing addition, especially if he's available in Round 3.
Sophomores Jonah Monheim and Wyatt Milum could compete for the primary backup roles inside or outside, but Jacksonville could use additional depth if Walker Little or Chuma Edoga leave. Similarly, Patrick Mekari is coming off an injury-marred season in which he struggled to hit his stride at right guard. If he fails to bounce back, the team's brass will want to have options. Having Willis around would most definitely help.
When discussing the Jaguars' needs after free agency, the offensive line doesn't come up often, but the team's brass will surely want to increase the group's floor in the draft. Using a selection on Carver Willis would accomplish that.