The Jacksonville Jaguars dismissed general manager Trent Baalke earlier this year and hired James Gladstone to fill the vacancy after an exhaustive search. Several intriguing candidates applied for the job but the Jags were appealed by Gladstone's vision, fresh ideas, and understanding of the game. While his lack of experience is a reason for concern, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic outlined what the former Los Angeles Rams director of scouting brings to Duval.
During an appearance on 1010 XL, Rodrigue explained that Gladstone was behind the Rams' overhauled draft process, pointing out that he was responsible for the success they had the past two years.
"James Gladstone, who really is the reason that the Rams overhauled their draft efforts after the '22 season and really nailed the last two draft classes, ten starters between two of those draft classes and finalists each year for rookie of the year, defensive player of the year, offensive rookie of the year," Rodrigue said. "It's just been astounding to watch James sort of traffic control and strategize them through all of these new processes that they've implemented with Les Snead at the helm of course. But James Gladstone has quietly been Les Snead's right-hand man for many years."
Gladstone originally joined the Rams as an assistant to the head coach in 2018 and worked his way up to director of scouting strategy in 2022. Below are his accomplishments as a member of the Los Angeles front office.
Vision, new ideas, communication, and chemistry 📈#DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/mEzPOE3QNz
— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) February 22, 2025
As Rodrigue pointed out, the Rams had several hits in the past two years, including but not limited to wide receiver Puka Nacua, defensive lineman Byron Young, edge rusher Jared Verse, defensive tackle Braden Fiske, and defensive back Kamren Kichens.
Our course, Gladstone nailed his interview and whooed the Jaguars' brass. Otherwise, he wouldn't have gotten the job. That said, there's no doubt that his success rate in Los Angeles got him the job. Below are Rodrigue's remarks.
"He is the reason the Rams nailed the last two draft classes." 👀
— 1010 XL / 92.5 FM (@1010XL) February 21, 2025
The Athletic's @JourdanRodrigue joins Helmets and Heels to go in-depth on the Jaguars new General manager!
FULL VIDEO: https://t.co/3YzAwntsx8#Jaguars | #DUUUVAL @MiaOBrienTV @1010XLLauren @TayDoll1010xl pic.twitter.com/1S6Bns5PbV
Related story: Updated cap space and draft picks for the Jaguars in 2025
What's next for James Gladstone and the Jaguars?
Just days after becoming the general manager for the Jacksonville Jaguars, James Gladstone will be traveling to the NFL Scouting Combine, where he'll be evaluating prospects ahead of the draft. He might already be familiarized with this year's class, but he'll begin putting together his big board.
Of course, before the draft, Gladstone will need to assess the roster. He'll need to decide what to do with veterans Travis Etienne, Christian Kirk, and Evan Engram. All three have been the subject of speculation in the offseason. Similarly, the front office has to choose what to do with safety Andre Cisco and right guard Brandon Scherff, the team's two most prominent free agents.
Once free agency comes, the Jaguars will have to see which players are worth bringing to contribute immediately, and what positions can wait to be addressed until the draft.
It's fair to say that James Gladstone will be busy the next couple months, and the Jaguars surely hope that work leads to a roster overhaul.