The Jacksonville Jaguars may have had a draft class that left some analysts scratching their heads, but one selection is already earning major praise. ESPN's Matt Miller recently unveiled his list of the 100 best picks from the 2026 NFL Draft, and the Jaguars' third-round choice, offensive lineman Emmanuel Pregnon, made the cut.
While the overall class was met with mixed reviews, Miller and other draft experts see Pregnon as a true steal. Selected with the 88th overall pick, Pregnon was widely considered a top-41 prospect on the consensus big board, making his availability in the third round a significant value grab for Jacksonville.
"He had some late Round 1 buzz in the predraft process and fills an immediate need at right guard," Miller wrote. "Pregnon's beauty is his versatility, given his 12 starts at right guard at Wyoming and 39 starts at left guard at USC and Oregon. Pregnon is one of the most likely third-rounders to start as a rookie."
That versatility is exactly what the Jaguars need. With 51 career starts across three Power Five programs, Pregnon brings both experience and adaptability to a line that is embracing competition. After a summer of positional battles in 2025, Jacksonville is expected to continue that approach, and Pregnon's arrival only adds to the intensity.
For head coach Liam Coen, improving the run game is a top priority. The Jaguars' ground attack showed flashes but lacked consistency in the second half of last season. Pregnon's size and power could be the missing piece, providing the push needed to keep the offense balanced and explosive.
Whether he earns a starting role in training camp or develops into a sure-fire starter by 2027, one thing is clear: the Jaguars may have found a foundational piece in the trenches. For fans looking to gear up for the season, this is the kind of pick that makes you want to rep the black and teal with pride.
