NFL analyst just uncovered a Jaguars draft reality fans can’t ignore

The Jacksonville Jaguars exceeded expectations in 2025, making the playoffs and seizing the AFC South title just one year after finishing 13-4. Expected to get the missing pieces to take the next step, they instead raised eyebrows in the 2026 NFL Draft for going against the norm, choosing prospects before the consensus board projected them. Nevertheless, the team's decision makers are confident that they came out of the process with a solid haul.

And while the jury is still out, one NFL analyst understands like's Jacskonville's approach on paper. Even better, he believes the reigning AFC South champ is in a position to pick up where it left off last year.

With players like Trevor Lawrence, the Jaguars focused on internal development in the draft

Jeff Howe of The Athletic shared his thoughts on every NFL roster after the NFL draft and says that they focused on adding roster pieces, pointing out that their true progress will be "measured by internal development."

And despite losing running back Travis Etienne and linebacker Devin Lloyd, Howe thinks Jacksonville is in a position to take a step forward, arguing that Trevor Lawrence and Travis Hunter will reap the benefits of having wide receiver Jakobi Meyers for a full offseason.

"Quarterback Trevor Lawrence looked much more comfortable as he adjusted to Coen's offense, and receiver Jakobi Meyers' midseason acquisition helped the cause, "Howe wrote. "Now that Meyers has a full offseason in Jacksonville, Travis Hunter has a chance to increase his role, and others can continue their trajectory, it's not that difficult to forecast an even better season from the Jags, even if it'll be a challenge to match the 13-4 record from 2025."

For context, Meyers landed in Duval via trade midseason. At the time, drops were an alarming issue for the Jaguars. Trading for him helped him address it, as he quickly became a trusted target for Lawrence.

The former North Carolina Wolfpack ended up hauling in 42 catches for 483 yards with three touchdowns in nine games. It's fair to expect an uptick in production with a full offseason to prepare. Similarly, Lawrence is healthy and should keep making progress in Year 2 of the Liam Coen era.

Circling back to Travis Hunter's role, he'll continue to play receiver but is expected to line up at corner full-time in 2026. This is possible because Jacksonville is stacked at receiver. With Meyers, Brian Thomas Jr., Parker Washington, and Josh Cameron, the coaching staff can afford to keep Hunter on defense.

The Jaguars could afford to bolster the depth because they have a talented core

Say what you want about former general manager Trent Baalke, who, by the way, just got a new gig as a consultant with the Cleveland Browns. But as flawed as he was, the cupboard wasn't fully bare when he was ousted in 2025.

His predecessor, James Gladstone, deserves praise for addressing key roster needs by making a handful of trades. On the other hand, he inherited several foundational pieces, including wide receiver Parker Washington, tight end Brenton Strange, pass rushers Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker, and Trevor Lawrence.

Without a talented core of players, Gladstone might not have been able to take so many bold swings the past two years. Similarly, having playmakers at key positions has allowed him to focus on adding depth and raising the team's floor.

You could make the case that Gladstone's draft haul in 2026 lacks appeal, and that's most definitely a valid criticism. But if it pans out as expected, the Jaguars will complement an already steady foundation. This would, in turn, lead to another successful season.

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