Jacksonville Jaguars general manager James Gladstone has already made three significant moves to strengthen the team's defense ahead of the NFL trade deadline. Though Gladstone has parted with valuable draft capital to improve Jacksonville's chances of making a deep playoff run, he has made it clear that the team is not following the popular ‘F them picks' philosophy.
While explaining the Jaguars' mindset and approach to roster building ahead of the trade deadline, Gladstone addressed the perception surrounding the team's willingness to trade draft selections.
“Down the road, I think there's a layer to what you're articulating there, that's a part of it for sure,” Gladstone said. “I know that the idea of F them picks has kind of taken a hold and it's a headline, but you know it's really not the approach or the process.”
Gladstone then explained that Jacksonville's strategy involves carefully balancing draft capital, free agency and compensatory selections rather than simply sacrificing picks without considering the long-term consequences.
“It's a very symbiotic process that encompasses a lot of layers to it,” he added. “But it's certainly not F them picks. While that's been characterized as the approach, it's not necessarily that we actually value picks. We don't always use them on the three days that exist in April.”
The Jaguars acquired Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jordan Davis, Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III, and New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Davon Godchaux in three separate trades on Monday. The moves came as Jacksonville looked to address key defensive needs.
Still, the cost of those acquisitions means Jacksonville has committed significant future draft capital to its playoff push. The team will now need its new additions to deliver on the field as it enters the second half of the season.
The Jaguars entered the week with a 6-2 record after their win over the Baltimore Ravens and a three-game lead in the AFC South.