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Let's go pick-by-pick and break down the Jacksonville Jaguars' four selections in the latest three-round mock draft from ESPN.
In this mock, Mel Kiper Jr., Field Yates, Jordan Reid, and Matt Miller alternated selections throughout the three rounds. Not surprisingly, given the Jaguars' positional needs, this was another defensive-heavy mock for Jacksonville.
The last two picks highlight the flexibility that the Jaguars have entering this year's draft, which allows them to go in a variety of directions with their selections. As James Gladstone described recently, that is a "luxury" to have.
What's the need? With Devin Lloyd in Carolina, the starting linebacker spot next to Foye Oluokun is up for grabs. Gladstone seems bullish on the talent already on the Jaguars' roster at linebacker, but even so, a selection at this position early on is very much in play to boost competition.
What Yates had to say: "A tone-setter at linebacker, Trotter would help Jacksonville fill the vacancy created by Devin Lloyd's departure in free agency. He had 183 tackles over the past two seasons."
What's the need? Defensive tackle is the biggest need on the Jaguars' roster. Depth and competition are needed to help elevate the floor of this unit, but ultimately, a more consistent pass rush from the interior is a must this year as well.
What Kiper had to say: "Here's a buzzy name: Halton has risen boards since running a 4.82-second 40 at the combine at 293 pounds. He had 10.5 tackles for loss and 16 run stops last season and could plug the middle in Jacksonville."
What's the need? The Jaguars are positioned very well at the top of the wide receiver depth chart, but the team's pursuit of Jake Bobo tells us that Gladstone is still looking to add to this unit. With that said, at a position that doesn't have a pressing should the Jaguars be using a top 100 pick in a wideout? That's the flexibility that Jacksonville has with 11 total selections.
What Yates had to say: "I fully expect general manager James Gladstone to be a value-over-needs drafter. And Thompson is electric, leading the SEC with 1,054 receiving yards in 2025 and running a 4.26 40 at the combine."
What's the need: Andrew Wingard left in free agency, but Antonio Johnson can now step into that full-time starting role with Eric Murray. The urgency with which Gladstone addresses this position may be dependent on his confidence in Rayuan Lane and Caleb Ransaw to provide depth and fill that third safety role. Like wideout, addressing safety early on isn't a must.
What Yates had to say: "I fully expect general manager James Gladstone to be a value-over-needs drafter. And Thompson is electric, leading the SEC with 1,054 receiving yards in 2025 and running a 4.26 40 at the combine."
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: 2026 NFL draft: Evaluating Jaguars' picks in latest ESPN 3-round mock
Continue reading...
In this mock, Mel Kiper Jr., Field Yates, Jordan Reid, and Matt Miller alternated selections throughout the three rounds. Not surprisingly, given the Jaguars' positional needs, this was another defensive-heavy mock for Jacksonville.
The last two picks highlight the flexibility that the Jaguars have entering this year's draft, which allows them to go in a variety of directions with their selections. As James Gladstone described recently, that is a "luxury" to have.
Pick 56: Josiah Trotter, LB, Missouri
What's the need? With Devin Lloyd in Carolina, the starting linebacker spot next to Foye Oluokun is up for grabs. Gladstone seems bullish on the talent already on the Jaguars' roster at linebacker, but even so, a selection at this position early on is very much in play to boost competition.
What Yates had to say: "A tone-setter at linebacker, Trotter would help Jacksonville fill the vacancy created by Devin Lloyd's departure in free agency. He had 183 tackles over the past two seasons."
Pick 81: Gracen Halton, DT, Oklahoma
What's the need? Defensive tackle is the biggest need on the Jaguars' roster. Depth and competition are needed to help elevate the floor of this unit, but ultimately, a more consistent pass rush from the interior is a must this year as well.
What Kiper had to say: "Here's a buzzy name: Halton has risen boards since running a 4.82-second 40 at the combine at 293 pounds. He had 10.5 tackles for loss and 16 run stops last season and could plug the middle in Jacksonville."
Pick 88: Brenen Thompson, WR, Missouri
What's the need? The Jaguars are positioned very well at the top of the wide receiver depth chart, but the team's pursuit of Jake Bobo tells us that Gladstone is still looking to add to this unit. With that said, at a position that doesn't have a pressing should the Jaguars be using a top 100 pick in a wideout? That's the flexibility that Jacksonville has with 11 total selections.
What Yates had to say: "I fully expect general manager James Gladstone to be a value-over-needs drafter. And Thompson is electric, leading the SEC with 1,054 receiving yards in 2025 and running a 4.26 40 at the combine."
Pick 100: Genesis Smith, S, Arizona
What's the need: Andrew Wingard left in free agency, but Antonio Johnson can now step into that full-time starting role with Eric Murray. The urgency with which Gladstone addresses this position may be dependent on his confidence in Rayuan Lane and Caleb Ransaw to provide depth and fill that third safety role. Like wideout, addressing safety early on isn't a must.
What Yates had to say: "I fully expect general manager James Gladstone to be a value-over-needs drafter. And Thompson is electric, leading the SEC with 1,054 receiving yards in 2025 and running a 4.26 40 at the combine."
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: 2026 NFL draft: Evaluating Jaguars' picks in latest ESPN 3-round mock
Continue reading...
