Jaguars Opt Out of In-Person NFL Combine Attendance for 2026 Draft Prep

The Jacksonville Jaguars have decided not to send their general manager James Gladstone or head coach Liam Coen to attend the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, opting instead for remote evaluations and taped workouts, as reported by Yahoo Sports. While several scouts and staff members will be on site, the team aims to reduce direct candidate interview bias by bypassing in-person interactions with prospects.

This strategy marks a shift in how the Jaguars approach their draft prep, focusing on data-driven analysis and pre-recorded scouting, similar to tactics recently employed by the Los Angeles Rams. The Jaguars are using the combine largely to assess potential defensive linemen and defensive backs, two positions with significant needs entering the 2026 draft, according to detailed positional previews from Yahoo Sports.

The team also faces complications surrounding salary cap management and key roster decisions, notably with free agents like Devin Lloyd and Travis Etienne whose contracts could impact cap flexibility. According to reports, the organization is weighing potential trade options and roster maneuvers concurrently with their draft evaluations while considering the long-term construction of their defensive front and secondary.

Jaguars leadership’s absence at the combine comes as part of a broader internal approach to reduce subjective bias and enhance strategic evaluation using combined in-person scouting and remote review. This procedure may also reflect a response to past draft outcomes and evolving scouting technologies highlighted throughout the week-long event scheduled from February 23 to March 2.

Looking ahead, the Jaguars’ unconventional combine participation will be a key factor in how their 2026 draft class is evaluated and integrated. The effectiveness of remote scouting versus live interviews in player assessment remains to be seen and will likely influence the league’s broader scouting practices moving forward.