The Jacksonville Jaguars need to make upgrades to the defense if they want to return to the playoffs in 2026 and make a deep run. On the other hand, they could also add reinforcements to the offense.
Sure, the offense doesn't need as much help, but that shouldn't stop Jacksonville from adding depth to a handful of position groups. The team's brass could go bargain hunting in free agency, but the 2026 NFL Draft will also offer plenty of intriguing options, especially on Day 3.
By that point of the draft, the Jags will have most likely addressed the needs on defense, so they could most definitely invest a pick on offense. And if they want to take a receiver, Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report just offered an interesting suggestion.
B/R report matches North Dakota State WR Bryce Lance to the Jaguars
Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report put together a list of draft gems each NFL team needs to target in 2026. For the Jaguars, he chose Bryce Lance, arguing that he would give them a developmental deep threat in case Brian Thomas Jr. isn't able to bounce back (or he's traded).
"Lance, the younger brother of former No. 3 pick Trey Lance, wowed at the combine with a 4.34 40, 41.5" vertical jump, and 11'1" broad jump," Bellentine wrote. "At 6'3", 204 pounds with legitimate blocking chops, he's easy to like."
Ballentine continued, "Jacksonville is set on horizontal chain movers with both Jakobi Meyers and Parker Washington taking on big roles in the pass game. But drafting Lance would give them a developmental serious threat to work with in case Thomas doesn't work out."
The reason Thomas's future is brought up is that he's been the subject of trade chatter after struggling with consistency and drops in 2025. He certainly has the talent to come back, and the Jaguars would surely want to hold onto him, but nobody will bat an eye if he changes teams this offseason.
Circling back to Lance, he would give the Jaguars a vertical threat and a big target, which could come in handy if Tim Patrick doesn't return (he's still available in the open market, as of this writing).
While Lance has to work on his release and needs to work on his route-running, he has the tools to develop into a productive receiver in the pros. Mock drafts have the former Bison going in Round 4, but he could go as early as the third or slide to the fifth. Either way, he would be an intriguing prospect worth taking a flyer on.
Why it would make sense for the Jaguars to draft Bryce Lance
The Jaguars no longer have to add reinforcements at running back after signing Chris Rodriguez, but they still need to address other needs. The interior defensive line, the pass rusher, the linebacker corps, and the cornerback unit could use depth.
Fortunately, the Jags have four picks on Day 2 (one in the second round, and three in the third) to take care of those position groups. That said, it wouldn't hurt to also add depth at receiver.
Sure, Jacksonville already has Parker Washington, Jakobi Meyers, Travis Hunter, and Brian Thomas Jr. in the fold, but someone like Bryce Lance would give them insurance in case Thomas fails to recapture his rookie form.
But even if Thomas puts it all together, Lance would be an intriguing depth piece that would round out the Jacksonville receiver cops. Trevor Lawrence probably wouldn't object to the team's brass drafting him.
The Jaguars have ample draft ammo to take care of their pressing needs. They can certainly spare a pick to take Bryce Lance.