James Gladstone explains reasoning behind Jaguars' 6 Day 3 draft picks

Following Day 3 of the 2026 NFL draft, Jacksonville Jaguars GM James Gladstone addressed each of the six selections made.

Here is why the Jaguars made the picks that they did and what stood out about each prospect.

LB Parker Hughes

What Gladstone had to say: "Oh man, there's a ton to point to. The fact that he's somebody who can run very fast, find the football, track it down, and get ball carriers on the ground is going to be really helpful to our cause."

Hughes' fit with Jaguars: Early on, his role may primarily come on special teams, but it sounds like Gladstone is bullish on Hughes' upside to help in the run game.

WR CJ Williams and WR Josh Cameron

What Gladstone had to say: "He fits the bill for a lot of the things that I've long appreciated in wide receiver play, with both the guys that we drafted at the position. They are extremely tough, extremely good blockers. They are extremely good at attacking the football. So really excited about both him and Josh (Cameron) entering the fray. He is an impressive human being."

Williams' and Cameron's fit with the Jaguars: The top of the receiver depth chart is set, but the two bolster the depth, providing competition on the back end. Both possess the big-bodied frames the Jaguars covet and are willing blockers.

TE Tanner Koziol

What Gladstone had to say: "I think very clearly he's got a superpower that he offers in a real way and that's catching the football. Obviously, his production over the course of his college tenure speaks volumes. Being one of, if not the most productive pass catcher in college history, depending on how you look at things, and I think for how we operate, for how Tanner best operates, having a big target like that isn't a bad thing, especially when it comes to red zone play."

Koziol's fit with the Jaguars: As Gladstone describes, he brings another pass-catching presence to the position. He will push Hunter Long for his role and roster spot.