Breakdown of Candidates Ahead of Deadline for the Jacksonville Jaguars

As the Jacksonville Jaguars enter the final stretch of the NFL offseason’s critical deadlines—from free agency’s March 13 start to the April NFL Draft—their front office, led by general manager Trent Baalke, is deep in evaluating three core candidate groups: free-agent additions to fill roster gaps, draft prospects to build long-term depth, and specialized coaching hires to enhance position-group development. Breakdown of Candidates Ahead of Deadline for the Jacksonville Jaguars isn’t just a list of names; it’s a strategic analysis of how each candidate fits the Jaguars’ dual goals: winning now (to capitalize on Trevor Lawrence’s prime) and sustaining success (by locking in young, cost-controlled talent). For a team fresh off an AFC South title and playoff berth, these candidate choices will determine whether they take the next step toward a Super Bowl or remain stuck in the “contender but not champion” cycle.

Breakdown of Candidates Ahead of Deadline for the Jacksonville Jaguars begins with free-agent targets, where the Jaguars have approximately $32 million in salary-cap space to address two top priorities: offensive line depth and pass-rushing help. On the offensive line, the Jaguars are evaluating veteran guards like Dalton Risner (formerly of the Denver Broncos) and Kevin Zeitler (formerly of the Baltimore Ravens) to compete for the starting left guard spot—a position that saw three different starters last season. Risner, 28, is viewed as the more athletic option, with experience in zone-blocking schemes (a key fit for the Jaguars’ run-heavy attack), while Zeitler, 33, brings consistency and durability (he’s missed just two games in the last five seasons). The Jaguars’ evaluation includes film study of their performance against elite defensive tackles (Risner held Aaron Donald to 0 sacks in two 2024 matchups) and interviews with former coaches to assess work ethic. On the defensive side, pass-rushers like Yannick Ngakoue (a Jacksonville alum) and Leonard Floyd are top targets; Ngakoue’s familiarity with the Jaguars’ defense and Floyd’s 10.5 sacks in 2024 make them standouts. “Free agency candidates for us are about fit first, then production,” Baalke said in a recent interview. “We’re not chasing names—we’re chasing players who can step in and help us win next season, while not blocking our young talent’s growth.”

Breakdown of Candidates Ahead of Deadline for the Jacksonville Jaguars shifts to NFL Draft prospects, where the Jaguars hold the No. 27 overall pick in the first round and six total selections. Their draft candidate pool is focused on three positions: cornerback (to add depth behind starters Tyson Campbell and Darious Williams), tight end (to complement Evan Engram, whose contract expires after 2025), and defensive tackle (to back up DaVon Hamilton). At cornerback, the Jaguars have hosted top prospects like Kool-Aid McKinstry (Alabama) and Quinyon Mitchell (Toledo) for top-30 visits. McKinstry, a physical 6’1” corner with 3 interceptions in 2024, is valued for his ability to cover both outside receivers and slot targets—a versatility the Jaguars need in sub-packages. Mitchell, meanwhile, is a speedster (4.33 40-yard dash) with elite ball skills (6 interceptions last season) but is viewed as a project due to his smaller frame (185 pounds). At tight end, the Jaguars are evaluating Brock Bowers (Georgia)—if he falls to the late first round—and Cade Otton (Washington), who excels as a blocker (critical for the Jaguars’ run game) and has reliable hands (82tch rate in 2024). “Draft candidates are evaluated on a 3-year timeline,” said Jaguars scouting director Mark Ellenz. “We ask: Can they contribute as rookies? Will they be starters by Year 2? And do they fit our culture long-term? That’s how we avoid reaching for talent that doesn’t align with our goals.”

Breakdown of Candidates Ahead of Deadline for the Jacksonville Jaguars includes a deep dive into the Jaguars’ evaluation of “specialized coaching candidates”—a group often overlooked but critical to maximizing their existing talent. The Jaguars are searching for a dedicated wide receivers coach (to replace the departed Sanjay Lal) and a pass-rush specialist (to support defensive line coach Tosh Lupoi). For the wide receivers role, top candidates include former Seattle Seahawks assistant Nate Carroll (who helped develop DK Metcalf) and ex-Los Angeles Rams coach Eric Yarber (known for refining route-running technique). The Jaguars’ evaluation of these candidates includes reviewing their work with young receivers—Carroll’s role in Metcalf’s transition from raw athlete to Pro Bowler is a key selling point—and conducting interviews to assess how they’d integrate with Calvin Ridley, Zay Jones, and emerging rookie Parker Washington. For the pass-rush specialist role, the Jaguars are targeting coaches with NFL playing experience, like former defensive end Cameron Wake (now a Miami Dolphins assistant) and ex-Jaguar Jason Babin. “These coaching candidates aren’t just teachers—they’re translators,” head coach Doug Pederson said. “A great wide receivers coach can turn a good receiver into a great one, and a pass-rush specialist can unlock a young edge rusher’s potential. For the Jacksonville Jaguars, these hires are just as important as any player addition—they’re investments in making our existing talent better.”

Breakdown of Candidates Ahead of Deadline for the Jacksonville Jaguars also involves a “character and culture fit” evaluation— a non-negotiable step for every candidate, whether free agent, draft prospect, or coach. For free agents like Ngakoue, the Jaguars have reconnected with former teammates and coaches to confirm his locker room presence (he was a fan favorite during his first stint in Jacksonville but had minor contract disputes with the previous regime). For draft prospects like McKinstry, the Jaguars conducted in-person interviews to assess his work ethic (he’s known for staying after practice to work on footwork) and leadership (he was a team captain at Alabama). For coaching candidates like Carroll, the Jaguars spoke with Seahawks players to gauge how he handles feedback (Metcalf praised his “ability to push you without breaking your confidence”). “Talent wins games, but culture wins championships,” Baalke emphasized. “We’ve passed on talented candidates before because they didn’t fit our culture of accountability and teamwork. For the Jacksonville Jaguars, that’s a line we won’t cross—not when we’re this close to competing for a Super Bowl.”

Breakdown of Candidates Ahead of Deadline for the Jacksonville Jaguars concludes with a timeline of how the Jaguars will finalize these choices before deadlines. By March 10 (three days before free agency), they’ll narrow their free-agent targets to 3-4 priority signings and extend contract offers to key internal free agents (like backup QB C.J. Beathard). By April 1 (one month before the draft), they’ll have a top-5 list for their first-round pick, with contingency plans if their target prospects are taken. And by April 15, they’ll have hired their new wide receivers coach and pass-rush specialist to ensure continuity for offseason workouts. For the Jacksonville Jaguars, this structured approach isn’t about rushing decisions—it’s about making intentional ones. “Every candidate we evaluate ties back to one question: Will this help us win a Super Bowl?” Pederson said. “Whether it’s a guard to protect Trevor, a cornerback to shut down opposing receivers, or a coach to refine our pass rush—each choice is a step toward that goal. With deadlines approaching, we’re not just filling spots—we’re building a team that can compete for years to come.”