2026 NFL mock draft roundup: Jaguars go heavy on defense

[ASFN Admin]

With the 2026 NFL draft just weeks away, let's take a look at who several analysts have the Jacksonville Jaguars selecting.

Although without a first-round pick, the Jaguars do have 11 selections in total, including four in the top 100, giving James Gladstone the ability to bolster the roster and maneuver around the draft board as needed.

Let's dive in.

Chad Reuter - NFL.com​

• Pick 56: Rayshaun Benny, DT, Michigan
• Pick 81: Max Klare, TE, Ohio State
• Pick 88: Kyle Louis, LB, Pitt
• Pick 100: Tacario Davis, CB, Washington

Takeaways: The Jaguars address two big needs in the early going -- defensive tackle and linebacker -- while bolstering the cornerback depth. Tight end remains an under-the-radar need for the Jaguars.

ESPN​

• Pick 56: Josiah Trotter, LB, Missouri
• Pick 81: Gracen Halton, IDL, Oklahoma
• Pick 88: Brenen Thompson, WR, Missouri
• Pick 100: Genesis Smith, S Arizona

Takeaways: Gladstone seems bullish on the talent already on the Jaguars' roster at linebacker, but adding competition wouldn't be a bad idea. Defensive tackle is arguably the Jaguars' biggest need, with more depth and pass-rush juice needed. The team's pursuit of Jake Bobo tells us that Gladstone is still looking to add to this unit. I don't see safety being a pressing need for Jacksonville.

Ryan Roberts - AtoZ Sports​

• Pick 56: Gracen Halton, IDL, Oklahoma
• Pick 81: Jalen Farmer, IOL, Kentucky
• Pick 88: Mike Washington Jr., RB, Arkansas
• Pick 100: Chandler Rivers, CB, Duke

Takeaways: Halton ranked 28th in PFF's pass-rush win rate metric last season. The interior offensive line and running back aren't pressing needs by any means, but with Jacksonville having quite a bit of flexibility on Day 2, they could go a variety of directions. The cornerback room is stable after re-signing Montaric Brown, but more depth is needed.

TJ Randall - Pro Football Network​

• Pick 56: Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas
• Pick 81: Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas
• Pick 88: Chris McClellan, DT, Missouri
• Pick 100: Dontay Corleone, LB, Cincinnati

Takeaways: I like this mock. Hill brings a do-it-all presence to the linebacker position, and double-dipping at defensive tackle right away may seem excessive, but it's not, given the current state of this unit and the future outlook with 2027 free agents.

Kyle Crabbs - AtoZ Sports​

• Pick 56: Gracen Halton, IDL, Oklahoma
• Pick 81: Zakee Wheatley, S, Penn State
• Pick 88: Connor Lew, IOL, Auburn
• Pick 100: Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington

Takeaways: A lot of mocks have the Jaguars taking a safety early on, but I don't see that being a necessity with Eric Murray, Antonio Johnson, Caleb Ransaw, and Rayuan Lane on the team. Jonah Coleman would be a good fit at running back in Liam Coen's offense.

This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: 2026 NFL draft: Evaluating Jaguars' picks in recent mocks

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