When the Jacksonville Jaguars wrapped up their 2026 NFL draft class, many analysts weren't impressed. But what really matters is how league insiders view those picks—and according to a recent report from The Athletic's Mike Sando, the sentiment isn't much different behind closed doors.

Speaking with anonymous NFL executives, Sando gathered some brutally honest takes on the Jaguars' selections. One exec didn't mince words: "I did not like what Jacksonville did at all. Their picks reflect numbers — workouts, pro days, that kind of stuff — more than the film. They're trying to be smarter than everybody else. It was a traits draft for them."

The biggest knock? Many believe the Jaguars reached on several picks. In fact, when measuring draft class value—comparing where prospects were taken versus their consensus rankings—Jacksonville finished dead last in the NFL. That's a tough pill to swallow for a team that had plenty of flexibility heading into draft weekend.

One particular pick drew extra scrutiny: tight end Nate Boerkircher. "Jacksonville, they just absolutely have to have him—like, they freaking gotta have him," another exec said. "Going with more tight ends is en vogue now. But how long will that be the case? What you're seeing is a lot of teams solving yesterday's problems."

Still, the Jaguars and general manager James Gladstone have a clear vision. Analyst Bucky Brooks pointed out that with NFL defenses increasingly using split-safety looks, a strong tight end presence can be a powerful counter. Gladstone himself described the draft haul as players "who fit the bill" for what the team wants on and off the field, adding that they were able to "level up" in several key areas.

It's also worth remembering that Jacksonville didn't enter the draft with many glaring holes. That gave Gladstone the freedom to take some swings—and to prioritize prospects with high "intangibles." Whether those swings connect or miss will be one of the defining storylines of the Jaguars' 2026 season.