With the 233rd overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars selected Washington defensive end Zach Durfee.
The 2025 season was a breakout year for Durfee, who produced 35 pressures after having only 10 the season prior. Behind that production was Durfee’s ability to win quickly, ranking 11th in pass rush win rate among defensive ends, according to PFF.
Durfee was highlighted by ESPN as their 2026 Prospect X.
Here are what two prominent draft analysts had to say about Durfee’s game.
Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
“Durfee is an edge defender with good short-area quickness. He’s a twitchy athlete boasting sudden change of direction. However, he’s lacking in overall production, has short arms and could struggle with edge-setting/take-on duties while scrapping against tackles. When blocked early, Durfee often finds ways to stay alive to rally to the ball-carrier. He lacks polish/planning as a pass rusher but creates pressure with his footwork and rush surge. Durfee needs more work in both phases, but his athletic profile and special-teams potential could buy him time to develop on the back end of a roster.”
Dane Brugler, The Athletic
“Durfee struggles to play through contact and has underdeveloped shed skills versus both the run and pass, but his athletic twitch and energetic play style rightfully have NFL teams interested.”
Durfee, along with BJ Green, Danny Striggow, and Wesley Williams, will be in the mix for the rotational snaps at defensive end. Typically, four players see regular playing time, leaving two spots up for grabs with Hines-Allen and Walker leading the way.
Durfee could also see ample playing time on special teams.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: What draft experts said about Jaguars DE Zach Durfee in scouting reports
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Jaguars Wire / Jaguars Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
