As the Jacksonville Jaguars gear up for the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, the spotlight shifts to the later rounds. With no first-round pick this year—traded away in 2025 to select star cornerback Travis Hunter—finding value on Day 3 is more crucial than ever. Fortunately, the Jaguars have a rich history of uncovering gems in the fourth round, turning mid-round selections into franchise cornerstones. Let's celebrate the top three fourth-round picks in Jaguars history, players who defined longevity, production, and impact in teal and black.
Honorable mentions go to recent contributors like linebacker Ventrell Miller, running back Bhayshul Tuten, and the dependable defensive tackle from the early years, Seth Payne.
Kicking off our list is the dynamic **Damon Barlow**, selected in 1996. Barlow wasn't just a player; he was an event on special teams. He quickly established himself as one of the league's most electrifying return specialists, a reputation cemented in 1998 when he led the entire NFL in punt return yardage with 555 yards on 43 returns. His name remains etched among the franchise's all-time leaders in punt returns and return yards. Beyond his game-changing speed in the return game, Barlow also contributed as a reliable wide receiver, embodying the versatile, high-effort player every team covets in the middle rounds.
Next up is the reliable **Ernest Wilford**, a fourth-round find in 2004. Wilford developed into a quintessential Jaguars wide receiver of that era: strong, physical, and dependable. He was more than just a pass-catcher; his fierce blocking on the edge made him a complete asset in the run game, perfectly complementing the team's physical identity. His adaptability was further proven later in his career when he successfully transitioned to tight end. Wilford's consistency and toughness made him a fan favorite and a key piece of some potent Jacksonville offenses.
Topping our list is perhaps the greatest value pick in franchise history: quarterback **David Garrard**. Drafted in 2002, Garrard patiently served as a high-quality backup before seizing the starting job in 2007. That season, he authored one of the finest chapters in Jaguars lore, leading the team on a thrilling playoff run and earning a well-deserved Pro Bowl selection. Known for his efficient play, mobility, and clutch performances, Garrard provided stability under center for years. His release in 2011 marked the end of an era, but his legacy as a leader and one of the most successful quarterbacks in team history is secure, proving that franchise-changing talent can indeed be found on draft weekend's third day.