Todd McShay sounds off on Jaguars GM James Gladstone’s risky draft picks

Jacksonville Jaguars general manager James Gladstone emerged from the 2026 NFL draft as almost certainly the most criticized person in the league, having spent several picks on players that were much lower on consensus draft boards than their eventual draft position.

A year after trading up to draft two-way Heisman winner Travis Hunter, who will now solely play defense, Gladstone was mocked by many for seemingly reaching for a pair of Texas A&M players, tight end Nate Boerkircher and defensive tackle Albert Regis, in the second and third rounds, respectively, before drafting a few lowly rated players on Day 3.

NFL draft expert Todd McShay is not one of those who are lambasting Gladstone, although he did have a specific qualm about the Jaguars’ draft process.

“He’s taking a risk, and honestly, go get ’em, man. Do it your way. I’m not here cracking on it, but there is an element to it where it’s like, I get getting your guy, but maybe figure out where you can get your guy and be comfortable that you can get your guy. That’s my only slight here. But I’m fascinated. I can’t wait to see how this works out.”

Many analysts and former front-office executives have spoken about this specific point: drafting isn’t only about who you can get, but it’s also about who you can get when and for what. While getting “your guys” is always encouraged, if you can get them later, why not trade back to accrue more picks or stay where you are and pick a player that will likely be gone by the time you’re back on the clock?

Whether this strategy works out for Gladstone and Jacksonville remains to be seen, although it definitely went well last season, when the Jaguars went 13-4 and won the AFC South.

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