Feb. 23, 2026, 8:02 p.m. ET

The NFL combine begins soon, running from Feb. 23 to March 2. To preview this important pre-draft event, we will be taking a position-by-position look at which prospects were invited and the level of need that the Jacksonville Jaguars have at each spot.

The NFL combine is held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis and is an opportunity for the top NFL draft prospects in this year’s class to go through measurements and various on-field drills, some of which are specific to their position group, and others measure the player’s overall athleticism.

For NFL teams, this event is another data point for them as they build out their draft profiles and big boards. However, it’s a significant data point, with players potentially flying up and down draft boards depending on how they perform.

In addition to the on-field drills, teams also get the opportunity to meet with players one-on-one as well, which is another important part of the evaluation process as they get to know them both on and off the field.

Up next are the linebackers.

Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.Jaguars linebackers under contract in 2026 before free agencyYasir AbdullahBranson CombsVentrell MillerFoye OluokunJalen McLeodJack KiserWhat is the need at linebacker for the Jaguars this offseason?

The level of need at linebacker will likely be determined by two factors. One is whether or not Devin Lloyd returns in free agency. In that instance, addressing this position will not be a priority.

The other factor, if Lloyd does end up signing elsewhere, is how confident Gladstone is in Ventrell Miller, Jack Kiser, or Jalen McLeod stepping into a starting role next to Foye Oluokun. For what it’s worth, Miller did see time with the starters last training camp.

If Gladstone believes one of these players can take over that starting job, then, again, this isn’t a position that is likely a high priority this offseason. However, if Gladstone wants additional competition, he could target linebacker with one of the Jaguars‘ four picks in the top 100.

Linebackers invited to 2026 NFL combineCJ Allen, GeorgiaLander Barton, UtahWesley Bissainthe, MiamiBryce Boettcher, OregonKendal Daniels, OklahomaKaleb Elarms-Orr, TCUKeyshaun Elliott, Arizona StateAiden Fisher, IndianaEric Gentry, USCJake Golday, CincinnatiOwen Heinecke, OklahomaAnthony Hill Jr., TexasJustin Jefferson, AlabamaJack Kelly, BYUDeontae Lawson, AlabamaKyle Louis, PittsburghRed Murdock, BuffaloNamdi Obiazor, TCUHarold Perkins Jr., LSUArvell Reese, Ohio StateJacob Rodriguez, Texas TechJimmy Rolder, MichiganKarson Sharar, IowaXavian Sorey Jr., ArkansasSonny Styles, Ohio StateJosiah Trotter, MissouriScooby Williams, Texas A&MWade Woodaz, ClemsonTaurean York, Texas A&M