The Jacksonville Jaguars are gearing up for the 2026 NFL draft, and while they might not have a first-round pick, they’re set to make some strategic moves. After a stellar 13-4 season in 2025, the Jaguars are looking to fill some gaps left by key departures like running back Travis Etienne and linebacker Devin Lloyd. The front office has already been busy in free agency, retaining cornerback Montaric Brown and bringing in running backs Chris Rodriguez and DeeJay Dallas.
With 11 picks in their arsenal, including four in the top 100, the Jaguars are poised to bolster their roster. The defensive line is a primary focus, as they seek both run stuffers and pass rushers to enhance their defensive front. Let’s dive into some expert predictions on who the Jaguars might snag with their first pick.
Keyron Crawford | Edge Rusher (Auburn)
Field Yates from ESPN suggests the Jaguars might target Crawford with the No. 56 pick. Known for his explosive edge-rushing ability, Crawford’s journey is remarkable, having only played one year of high school football before making a splash at Arkansas State and then Auburn. His knack for turning the corner on offensive tackles could be just what Jacksonville needs to amp up their pass rush.
Anthony Hill | Linebacker (Texas)
John Shipley of On SI envisions a trade scenario, with the Jaguars moving up to the No. 52 pick to select Hill. Hill is a versatile linebacker with the potential to make plays across all phases of the game. Pairing him with Foyesade Oluokun could create a dynamic duo, offering depth and flexibility in the linebacker corps.
Derrick Moore | Edge Rusher (Michigan)
Jeff Howe from The Athletic sees Moore as a solid choice at No. 56.
At 6-3 and 260 pounds, Moore could provide the Jaguars with the ability to close out games defensively. With 21 sacks over his college career, including 10 last season, Moore would be a valuable rotational piece alongside Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker.
Caleb Banks | Defensive Tackle (Florida)
Ryan Roberts of A to Z Sports highlights Banks as a potential pick, especially if concerns about his foot health cause him to drop. Standing at 6-6 and weighing 330 pounds, Banks is an exceptional athlete with significant upside, offering playmaking potential from the interior.
Rayshaun Benny | Defensive Tackle (Michigan)
Chad Reuter from NFL.com also has his eye on Benny for the Jaguars at No. 56, adding another layer of depth to their defensive line.
Gracen Holden | Defensive Tackle (Oklahoma)
Alec Elijah of PFSN points to Holden as a prime candidate for the Jaguars’ first selection in the second round. After impressing at the Senior Bowl, Holden has been climbing draft boards and could be a strong addition to Jacksonville’s defensive front.
As the draft approaches, the Jaguars are in a strong position to make impactful selections that could shape their roster for the coming season. The 2026 NFL draft kicks off on Thursday, April 23, in Pittsburgh, with coverage available on ESPN and NFL Network. Fans can also stream the event through Fubo, which offers both channels.