Jaguars Focus on 'Intangible Rich' Players for NFL Draft

The Jacksonville Jaguars, under new general manager James Gladstone, are adopting an unconventional draft strategy focused on identifying 'intangible rich' prospects—players whose character and production set them apart, as exemplified by recent Los Angeles Rams draft picks. Gladstone and head coach Liam Coen have opted to skip traditional pre-draft activities like top-30 visits and college pro days, instead relying on detailed background research and analytic mechanisms to assess fit, aiming to avoid recency bias and misleading short interviews. This approach seeks to ensure a more accurate understanding of a player's qualities beyond the standard evaluation methods. As the Jaguars hold the fifth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, internal discussions suggest that trading down may be challenging due to a lack of high-demand prospects, with defensive tackle Mason Graham cited as a safe and logical selection to address a pressing team need. The Jaguars' altered draft philosophy marks a significant shift designed to build a more competitive roster through deeper, data-driven insights and a focus on both tangible and intangible player attributes.