JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- In the not-so-distant past, the Jacksonville Jaguars were drafting rookie classes with the expectations for much of the group to start right out of the gate. Things have certainly changed in Duval since then. Now, the Jaguars' rookies are expected to contribute early on but are no longer expected to be the core pieces that make the team go. The Jaguars have long relied on rookies and high draft picks to be difference-makers in years past, but that has changed as the roster has matured. With the Jaguars returning so many starters from a year ago, it is clear where the rookies will factor in. Jaguars General Manager James Gladstone talked about the upcoming NFL Draft during the Jacksonville Jaguars’ annual pre-draft luncheon press conference in the media room at the Miller Electric Center Thursday April 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla.…