By: Michael Spiers

TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services

It’s that time of year again. NFL Combine week is here!

As a long-suffering fan of the Jacksonville Jaguars, the end of February is when hope springs eternal. The annual scouting showcase kicks off in Indianapolis, bringing together top college prospects, NFL coaches, scouts, and media for a jam-packed week of workouts, interviews, and nonstop rumors.

While most fans tune in for the 40-yard dashes and bench press reps, this event is just as much about front-office chatter, draft strategy, and free agency buzz.

The combine runs from February 24 to March 3 at Lucas Oil Stadium, with on-field workouts starting Wednesday. Players will be split into different position groups throughout the week:

Wednesday, Feb. 26 – Kickers & Punters (Workouts) | Punters, Kickers, DL, LB (Media)

Thursday, Feb. 27 – Defensive Linemen & Linebackers (Workouts) | DBs & TEs (Media)

Friday, Feb. 28 – Defensive Backs & Tight Ends (Workouts) | RBs, WRs, QBs (Media)

Saturday, March 1 – Running Backs, Wide Receivers & Quarterbacks (Workouts) | O-Line (Media)

Sunday, March 2 – Offensive Linemen (Workouts) | No Media Availability

For Jaguars fans, this is a big week. Head coach Liam Coen and new GM James Gladstone, who spent the last nine years as the scouting director with the Los Angeles Rams, spoke to the media on Tuesday, giving us insight into their offseason plans and how they envision the new-look Jags to come together.

Executive VP Tony Boselli is due to speak to the media on Wednesday. This will be one of the first real updates from the new leadership since Coen’s introductory press conference.

While the combine is all about scouting draft prospects, there’s always free agency talk going on behind the scenes.

The official free agency period starts March 12 at 4 p.m., but teams can begin negotiating March 10.

The franchise tag deadline is March 4, so this week will be a key time for teams to decide whether to lock up their biggest free agents before they hit the market.

For Jacksonville, offensive line, defensive line, and secondary are top priorities. Running back isn’t a huge need since Travis Etienne and Tank Bigsby are under contract, but with Etienne set to hit free agency in 2026 and a deep RB class in this draft, the Jags could still grab one for the future.

Jacksonville holds nine picks in the 2025 draft, including the No. 5 overall selection. They’re expected to focus on the trenches, especially the defensive line. Here are a few big name D-line prospects to keep an eye on:

Mason Graham (DT, Michigan) – He’s been one of the most popular mock draft picks for the Jags. If he puts up big numbers at the combine, he could solidify himself as the best defensive tackle in the draft.

Kenneth Grant (DT, Michigan) – Another Michigan beast on the D-line. He’s huge and athletic, and if he tests as well as expected, his draft stock could explode.

Cam Jackson (DT, Florida) – The Jags love drafting Gators, and Jackson could be the next in line. He ended his college career strong and could boost his stock with a solid performance this week.

Once the combine wraps up, all eyes turn to free agency (March 12) and the NFL Draft (April 24-26).

This week will give us a better idea of what the Jaguars might do, whether it’s locking in their draft strategy or making moves in free agency.

Get ready for a week of rumors, scouting reports, and plenty of buzz around the future of the franchise. Can this long-suffering Jags fan dare to dream?!