Rams reporter shares impact new Jaguars GM James Gladstone had in LA's drafts

USA Today

22-02-2025

James Gladstone is the new general manager of the Jacksonville Jaguars, and his impact on the LA Rams' draft process and results was 'astounding,' as Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic put it on an appearance on 1010XL's 'Helmets and Heels.'
After a Super Bowl season in 2021, the Rams mustered just five wins in 2022. However, over the last two years since then, they've won 10 games in back-to-back seasons with two playoff appearances, and are again back to being among the contenders in the NFC.
Playing an important role in that drastic turnaround was the Rams' success in the NFL draft during the previous two offseasons. And along with GM Les Snead, helping to lead that charge was Gladstone, the Rams' Director of Scouting Strategy.
'James Gladstone, who really is the reason the Rams overhauled their draft efforts after the 2022 season and really nailed the last two draft classes. Ten starters between the two of those draft classes and finalists each year for Rookie of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Offensive Rookie of the Year.'
'He is the reason the Rams nailed the last two draft classes.' 👀
The Athletic's @JourdanRodrigue joins Helmets and Heels to go in-depth on the Jaguars new General manager!
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In 2023, wide receiver Puka Nacua was an Offensive Rookie of the Year award finalist. In 2024, defensive end Jared Verse won the Defensive Rookie of the Year award.
In addition to those selections, the Rams also drafted numerous other starters and key contributors including Steven Avila, Kobie Turner, Byron Young, and Kamren Kinchens, among others.
'It's just been astounding to watch James traffic control and strategize them through all of these new processes with Les Snead at the helm, of course, but James Gladstone has quietly been Les Snead's right hand man for many years.' Rodrigue added.
With 10 draft picks of their own this offseason, including six within the first four rounds, the Jaguars are positioned well to add some immediate high impact help, and the odds of doing that have grown with Gladstone at the helm.