The Jacksonville Jaguars made a big addition to the offensive line by drafting Oregon guard Emmanuel Pregnon with the 88th overall pick in the third round.
Pregnon could find himself competing with fellow linemen Ezra Cleveland or Patrick Mekari for snaps this season.
Both Cleveland and Mekari could potentially be leaving Jacksonville in 2027, so even if Pregnon isn’t a full-time starter in 2026, there is a good chance that he will be in his sophomore season. He was considered a draft steal for the Jaguars, as he had been seen as one of the best prospects among guards in this year’s draft class.
Pregnon has spent most of his time as a left guard, but he has lined up on the right. He was one of Pro Football Focus’ highest-graded run-blockers at his position, and in pass protection, allowed just one sack and five pressures over 471 pass-blocking snaps.
Here is what draft analysts had to say about Pregnon in their pre-draft scouting reports.
NFL.com
“Ultra-durable and experienced, Pregnon has the prototypical frame of a downhill blocker. He’ll get beat to first contact but usually reclaims the rep using well-placed hands, a broad base and upper-body power to displace and finish with authority. Range and foot quickness are average as a move blocker and lead to block leakage against slants. In pass pro, he leverages his length well and is quick to detect twists/blitz development. Long pass slides and forward lunges invite counters from skilled, sub-package rushers but protection isn’t a major concern. He’ll be an older rookie who projects as a good plug-and-play starter and immediate run-blocking upgrade.” – Lance Zierlein
Pro Football Network
“The 6’5″, 320-pound Pregnon has overwhelming mass and width, and long, powerful levers for arms. His success at Oregon revolved around his ability to get hands on defenders quickly and violently, and anchor or redirect with his power and strength, but he also has more than enough lateral explosion and gap-to-gap range to reach landmarks and climb to the second level. Pregnon’s most prevalent limitation is his flexibility; he’s visibly stiff in his midsection, which can impact recovery at times. Nevertheless, for a higher-hipped blocker, he leverages himself well, punishes rushers with active hands, sharp vision, and a steady anchor, and he’s a professional DT dislodger in the run game, with gap and zone versatility.” – PFN
Pro Football Focus
“Pregnon took a major leap in 2025, earning an 86.7 PFF grade across a career-high 910 snaps after never dipping below 625 snaps in any season. His 88.1 pass-blocking grade ranked seventh among FBS guards, and he allowed just one sack, two hits and two hurries on 471 pass-blocking snaps. He flashed high-end upside with 85th-percentile marks on true pass sets and elite production in zone schemes (98th percentile zone run-blocking grade).” – PFF
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: 2026 NFL draft: Scouting reports on Jaguars OL Emmanuel Pregnon