The Jacksonville Jaguars raised eyebrows when they hired James Gladstone as their general manager to replace Trent Baalke in 2025. After all, no other team interviewed the former Los Angeles Rams executive in last year's hiring cycle. However, the Jags knew he was the right man to lead their front office. They turned out to be right.
Although not all of Gladstone's moves have panned out, he's gotten praise for being bold and sticking to his process instead of doing what the consensus thinks. That attitude helped Jacksonville go 13-4 and win the AFC South last season.
But despite the impressive 2025 turnaround, Gladstone isn't resting on his laurels. While he didn't make a splash in free agency, he did a good job of addressing the team's roster needs in the NFL draft. And all the swing he took benefited the following three Jaguars (and hurt a couple more).
Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars quarterback
After an injury-marred 2024, Trevor Lawrence needed to prove that he was the long-term answer behind center. Despite a slow start to the season, he didn't disappoint, completing 60.9 percent of his throws for 4,007 yards with 29 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
To ensure the former Clemson Tiger builds off of his electrifying 2025, the team's brass bolstered his arsenal of weapons, drafting a pair of tight ends in Nate Boerkircher and Tanner Koziol, and using back-to-back picks on receivers Josh Cameron and CJ Williams.
Couple that with the fact that rookie Emmanuel Pregnon could start at one of the guard spots, and Lawrence will have an even better supporting cast next season.
Hunter Long, Jaguars tight end
Tight end wasn't a glaring need for Jacksonville, but that didn't deter James Gladstone from bringing in Tanner Koziol and Nate Boerkircher to strengthen the position. The latter could push for an early role as a rookie, while the former gives Trevor Lawrence a huge target in the red zone.
While neither Koziol nor Boerkircher will push Brenton Strange for the starting role, veteran Hunter Long could be on his way out.
Already, the Jags cut Johnny Mundt in free agency. With Koziol and Boerkircher in the mix, Long's future could be hanging by a thread ahead of training camp.
Anthony Campanile, Jaguars defensive coordinator
Defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile drew interest for head-coaching jobs in the offseason, but he returned to Jacksonville (and got a raise). Last year, coach Camp got the most out of linebacker Devin Lloyd, safety Antonio Johnson, and cornerback Montaric Brown. Now, he has a batch of rookies to work with.
If Campanile can turn defensive tackle Albert Regis, pass rushers Wesley Williams and Zach Duree, and safety Jalen Huskey into impact contributors, he could leave for a head-coaching job next year.
Chuma Edoga, Jaguars offensive lineman
The Jaguars didn't make many additions to the offensive line in the offseason aside from Emmanuel Pregnon, but that's because they have sophomore Jonah Monheim and Wyatt Millum waiting for the chance to compete for bigger roles next season. If all three make an impression in training camp, Chuma Edoga will be the victim of the numbers game.
Edoga signed a two-year deal worth $7 million in 2025. He turned heads in the offseason and later in training camp. But when the former USC Trojan was pressed into regular-season action, he struggled. By the end of 2025, he barely saw the field, and unless he puts it all together, he's at risk of getting the boot.
Brian Thomas Jr., Jaguars wide receiver
There's no doubt that one of the biggest offseason winners is Brian Thomas Jr. After all, he's been the subject of trade chatter dating back to the 2025 deadline. Yet, he remains in Jacksonville. Moreover, the team's brass has shown unwavering trust in him.
Sure, rumors are swirling that the Jags are interested in trading for three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver A.J. Brown. But for the time being, Thomas is still a Jaguar. Until that changes, he can focus on bouncing back from a somewhat disappointing 2025 and once again becoming the star he was as a rookie.
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