The Jacksonville Jaguars are gearing up for a pivotal 2026 NFL Draft, and with free agency not solving all their puzzles, the draft becomes even more crucial. Let's dive into what the Jaguars need, their picks, and who they might target to bolster their roster.
This year, the draft takes place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, kicking off with Round 1 on April 23. While the Jaguars don't have a first-round pick-thanks to last year's move to acquire Travis Hunter-they're set to make waves with a slew of selections, including three in the third round.
Here's the lineup of their picks:
- Round 2, Pick 56
- Round 3, Pick 81
- Round 3, Pick 88
- Round 3, Pick 100
- Round 4, Pick 124
- Round 5, Pick 164
- Round 5, Pick 166
- Round 6, Pick 203
- Round 7, Pick 233
- Round 7, Pick 240
- Round 7, Pick 245
Defensive Tackle (DT): The Jaguars excelled at stopping the run last season, leading the league. However, generating pressure on the quarterback was a challenge, largely due to a lack of interior push.
Enter Lee Hunter, a 6-foot-4, 330-pound powerhouse from Texas Tech, known as “The Fridge.” Hunter is a formidable run-stuffer, adept at clogging the A-gap and absorbing double teams.
But while he's solid against the run, the Jaguars might still need to look elsewhere to boost their pass rush.
Linebacker (LB): With Devin Lloyd's departure to the Panthers, the linebacker position is a pressing need. Alabama's Deontae Lawson is a name to watch.
Agile and quick, Lawson has the potential to be a starting Will linebacker with three-down capabilities. Yet, with a ceiling that's somewhat capped, the Jaguars might also consider Texas Tech’s Jacob Rodriguez, a savvy leader ready to step into a green-dot role.
Edge Rusher (EDGE): The Jaguars could use an injection of talent on the edge. Auburn's Keyron Crawford might be the answer.
He's an athletic rush linebacker with high energy, though he'll need refinement to maximize his potential. Other possibilities include Gabe Jacas from Illinois or Derrick Moore from Michigan.
In recent years, the Jaguars have invested heavily in offensive talent, with picks like Hunter, Thomas, and Lawrence forming the team's core. However, these selections haven't entirely panned out-Hunter struggled with injuries, Thomas didn’t build on a strong rookie season, and Lawrence hasn’t lived up to the "generational talent" label.
Given these offensive setbacks, the Jaguars are likely to focus on defense in this draft, hoping to find the missing pieces that can elevate their game on that side of the ball. With their array of picks, they have the opportunity to address these needs and set the stage for a brighter future.