After projecting the positional depth chart on offense for the Jacksonville Jaguars following the 2026 NFL draft, let’s jump over to the defensive side of the ball.
As noted in the previous article, perhaps GM James Gladstone makes a veteran addition or two in free agency still, but the major roster construction portions of the offseason are now behind us.
So with the dust having settled, let’s dive into where things stand on defense.
Defensive line
As was needed, Gladstone made three additions along the defensive front in the draft. Williams and Durfee will compete with Green and Striggow for the rotational defensive end roles behind Hines-Allen and Walker. Regis can provide a secondary run-first presence at tackle behind DaVon Hamilton.
Linebacker
Gladstone has been bullish about the linebacker room in Devin Lloyd’s absence, and the draft reflected that. It would appear that the starting job next to Oluokun is Miller’s for the taking. Hughes’ contributions will likely come on special teams early on.
Cornerback
At the top of the depth chart sits Travis Hunter, Montaric Brown, Jourdan Lewis, and Jarrian Jones. Christian Braswell is the likely front-runner as of now for the fifth roster spot, but is not quite a roster lock. And if the Jaguars keep six cornerbacks on the 53-man, that spot is wide open.
Safety
This position group may already be set when it comes to the final roster, with the first five players listed making up this unit for the Jaguars in 2026.
*Rookie
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: Jaguars’ updated defensive depth chart after 2026 NFL draft
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Jaguars Wire / Jaguars Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
