The Jacksonville Jaguars will have to address several needs in the offseason if they want to return to the playoffs and repeat as AFC South champions in 2025. Cornerback and the pass rush are probably at the top of the list, but the team's brass must also add reinforcements at defensive tackle.
The good news is that the Jags don't have to make nearly as many upgrades on offense. Their wide receiver corps is stacked, and the tight end room is in good shape. The offensive line could also use depth but doesn't require nearly as much attention as other units. That's why their pick in a recent mock draft was a bit odd.
The Jaguars select Caleb Tiernan to replace Walker Little in a 3-round 2026 Mock Draft
Lou Scataglia of NFL SpinZone did a three-round 2026 NFL Mock Draft and had the Jaguars taking Caleb Tiernan with pick No. 56. That would be their first selection, barring any trades, as they gave up their first as part of a package to move up for Travis Hunter last year.
Scataglia doesn't truly offer a reason for the pick, and left tackle isn't truly a need for the Jags right now. That said, Tiernan is an intriguing prospect who could be plugged in at left tackle in Year 1.
A four-star recruit out of high school, Tiernan played both tackle spots at Northwestern. He doesn't have elite physical skills but has top-notch fundamentals and technique. Brandon Thorn of the Bleacher Report scouting department gives him a Round 3 projection but compares him favorably to Anton Harrison, Jacksonville's starting right tackle.
Why the Jaguars won't roll with Caleb Tiernan
On paper, drafting Caleb Tiernan makes sense. Walker Little struggled in 2025, and if the Jags chose a left tackle in the second round, they would expect him to start as soon as possible. The issue with the selection is that Jacksonville already has an in-house replacement in Cole Van Lanen.
Last year, Little struggled and was benched in favor of Van Lanen, who had lined up at nearly every other spot on the offensive line before settling at left tackle. Towards the end of the year, the Jags gave Van Lanen a three-year deal worth $51 million, casting doubt on Little's future.
Trading Little would free up over $7 million in space with $7.2 million in dead money. Aside from getting cap relief, the team's brass would pave the way for Van Lanen to start at left tackle full-time.
Circling back to Caleb Tiernan, it doesn't make much sense to invest a Round 2 pick on a left tackle when you already have a starter at the position. Moreover, Jacksonville has more pressing needs at other positions, so unless they address them in free agency (and they probably won't), taking Tarnien would be a questionable decision.
Maybe if the Jaguars needed a left tackle, Caleb Tiernan but would be a good choice in the second round. Nobody is denying he could help several teams in need of O-Line help, but the Jags aren't one of them.