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There's plenty of work to do be done for the Jacksonville Jaguars as the team exits the free agency process with one external free agent.
Jacksonville allowed a couple of key players to walk, namely linebacker Devin Lloyd and running back Travis Etienne, while they brought back a starter in cornerback Montaric Brown along with starting strongside (SAM) linebacker Dennis Gardeck in addition to other depth players.
Now, it appears likely the Jaguars will stand pat until after the 2026 NFL Draft to fill holes that may be more apparent after the rookie class is settled.
MEET THE NEWBIE: Chris Rodriguez Jr. reunites with Liam Coen, brings tough runs to Jaguars
The Jaguars enter this year's draft without a first round pick, but they do have four selections in the top 100 picks. The team is poised to improve on its 13-4 season in the first year under new leadership with general manager James Gladstone at the forefront of hunting up the players to best achieve that goal.
Here's Jacksonville NFL Draft ammo:
The Jaguars will move forward with a couple of holes to fix on defense, while the offense remains largely intact and ready to go for next season. For this year's draft, the team likely addresses the former at first, but don't be surprised to see the team get in on some of the offensive talents who fall this year.
Measurables: 6-foot-6, 327 pounds
Career stats: Over his five-year career including at Louisville (2021-22) and Florida (2023-25), Banks recorded 48 total tackles, 6.5 sacks, 10.5 tackles for loss and three forced fumbles.
Analysis: Banks would immediately help Jacksonville inside at defensive tackle as Arik Armstead gets up there in age (will turn 33 during 2026 season). With some concern regarding a foot fracture that will likely sideline him until June. That gives Jacksonville the opportunity to draft a steal if he falls.
Measurables: 6-foot-3, 226 pounds
Career stats: 52 games played, 283 total tackles (140 solos), 19 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, one interception, 16 pass breakups, three forced fumbles.
Analysis: After losing Lloyd via free agency, the Jaguars must address the linebacker position. While there are players who deserve a look-see, the team will need to address depth at the position and Lawson adds great competition to a hungry group.
Measurables: 6-foot-5, 245 pounds
Career stats: 55 games played, 70 catches for 854 yards and nine touchdowns.
Analysis: While Delp's numbers don't sniff what Brock Bowers was able to do at Georgia, he will be compared to the former Bulldog for better or worse. His ability as a receiver is underrated due to his speed, explosion and soft hands when given the chance. He's also a willing blocker, which is a must for any Coen-led team.
Measurables: 6-foot-4, 200 pounds
Career stats: 30 games played, 99 catches for 1,363 yards and 18 touchdowns.
Analysis: Jacksonville can use a big-body receiver and Lane checks all of those boxes. The team has not brought back Tim Patrick, who played the big-receiver role for the Jaguars last year. Lane gives them a significant talent to add to an already talented room.
Demetrius Harvey is the Jacksonville Jaguars reporter for the Florida Times-Union. You can follow him on X (formerly Twitter) at @Demetrius82 or on Bluesky at Demetrius.
If you're a subscriber, thank you. If not, please consider subscribing to support local journalism in Northeast Florida.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jaguars mock draft: How NFL free agency has changed 3-round mock
Continue reading...
Jacksonville allowed a couple of key players to walk, namely linebacker Devin Lloyd and running back Travis Etienne, while they brought back a starter in cornerback Montaric Brown along with starting strongside (SAM) linebacker Dennis Gardeck in addition to other depth players.
Now, it appears likely the Jaguars will stand pat until after the 2026 NFL Draft to fill holes that may be more apparent after the rookie class is settled.
MEET THE NEWBIE: Chris Rodriguez Jr. reunites with Liam Coen, brings tough runs to Jaguars
The Jaguars enter this year's draft without a first round pick, but they do have four selections in the top 100 picks. The team is poised to improve on its 13-4 season in the first year under new leadership with general manager James Gladstone at the forefront of hunting up the players to best achieve that goal.
Jaguars 2026 NFL Draft picks
Here's Jacksonville NFL Draft ammo:
- Round 2, Pick 56
- Round 3, Pick 81 via Detroit Lions
- Round 3, Pick 88
- Round 3, Pick 100 via Detroit Lions (special compensatory selection)
- Round 4, Pick 124
- Round 5, Pick 164
- Round 5, Pick 166 via San Francisco 49ers through Philadelphia Eagles
- Round 6, Pick 203 via Philadelphia Eagles through Houston Texans and Eagles
- Round 7, Pick 233 via Detroit Lions
- Round 7, Pick 240
- Round 7, Pick 245 via Los Angeles Rams through Houston Texans
Jaguars three-round mock draft top-heavy on defense
The Jaguars will move forward with a couple of holes to fix on defense, while the offense remains largely intact and ready to go for next season. For this year's draft, the team likely addresses the former at first, but don't be surprised to see the team get in on some of the offensive talents who fall this year.
Round 2, Pick 56: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
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Measurables: 6-foot-6, 327 pounds
Career stats: Over his five-year career including at Louisville (2021-22) and Florida (2023-25), Banks recorded 48 total tackles, 6.5 sacks, 10.5 tackles for loss and three forced fumbles.
Analysis: Banks would immediately help Jacksonville inside at defensive tackle as Arik Armstead gets up there in age (will turn 33 during 2026 season). With some concern regarding a foot fracture that will likely sideline him until June. That gives Jacksonville the opportunity to draft a steal if he falls.
Round 3, Pick 81: Deontae Lawson, LB, Alabama
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Measurables: 6-foot-3, 226 pounds
Career stats: 52 games played, 283 total tackles (140 solos), 19 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, one interception, 16 pass breakups, three forced fumbles.
Analysis: After losing Lloyd via free agency, the Jaguars must address the linebacker position. While there are players who deserve a look-see, the team will need to address depth at the position and Lawson adds great competition to a hungry group.
Round 3, Pick 88: Oscar Delp, TE, Georgia
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Measurables: 6-foot-5, 245 pounds
Career stats: 55 games played, 70 catches for 854 yards and nine touchdowns.
Analysis: While Delp's numbers don't sniff what Brock Bowers was able to do at Georgia, he will be compared to the former Bulldog for better or worse. His ability as a receiver is underrated due to his speed, explosion and soft hands when given the chance. He's also a willing blocker, which is a must for any Coen-led team.
Round 3, Pick 100: Ja'Kobi Lane, WR, USC
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Measurables: 6-foot-4, 200 pounds
Career stats: 30 games played, 99 catches for 1,363 yards and 18 touchdowns.
Analysis: Jacksonville can use a big-body receiver and Lane checks all of those boxes. The team has not brought back Tim Patrick, who played the big-receiver role for the Jaguars last year. Lane gives them a significant talent to add to an already talented room.
Demetrius Harvey is the Jacksonville Jaguars reporter for the Florida Times-Union. You can follow him on X (formerly Twitter) at @Demetrius82 or on Bluesky at Demetrius.
If you're a subscriber, thank you. If not, please consider subscribing to support local journalism in Northeast Florida.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jaguars mock draft: How NFL free agency has changed 3-round mock
Continue reading...
