In a recent 2026 NFL mock draft from Pro Football Network, the Jacksonville Jaguars went heavy on defense in the first three-rounds.
Although the Jaguars are without a first-round selection this year, with 11 picks in total, including four in the top 100, the opportunity for GM James Gladstone to bolster the roster and find some immediate impact help is well within reach.
Given where the Jaguars current needs lie, it’s not out of the question that we see several defenders taken early on. However, Gladstone believes that the Jaguars will enter the draft with flexibility, allowing the board to dictate which direction they go.
Let’s take a closer look at who Ian Cummings has Jacksonville selecting in his latest mock.
Pick 57: Lee Hunter, IDL, Texas Tech
What’s the need? Defensive tackle is arguably the biggest need that the Jaguars have. For one, more depth and competition are needed, but ultimately, the Jaguars need to generate a more consistent pass rush from this unit.
What Cummings had to say: “Accurately nicknamed “the Fridge,” Lee Hunter has the frame density, stacking strength, and relentless motor to man the fulcrum with aplomb in odd and hybrid-front alignments.”
Pick 81: Kaleb Elarms-Orr, LB, TCU
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 Cummings had to say: “At 6-foot-2, 237 pounds, with 4.47 speed, Kaleb Elarms-Orr can start the process of filling the void left by Devin Lloyd with his range, downhill physicality, and blitzing utility.”
Pick 88: R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma
What’s the need? With Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker leading the way, the Jaguars are positioned well here. However, the only other defensive ends on the roster are BJ Green and Danny Striggow — so more depth is needed. The Jaguars also need more pass-rush juice from the defensive end rotation behind Hines-Allen and Walker.
What Cummings had to say: “At mid-Round 3 value, the Jaguars opt to add a dynamic designated pass-rusher in R Mason Thomas, whose cornering ability and volcanic burst can leave tackles lurching.”
Pick 100: Seth McGowan, RB, Kentucky
What’s the need? While the Jaguars did lose Travis Etienne in free agency, this room seems pretty well set. Chris Rodriguez and Bhayshul Tuten will shoulder the workload, while LeQutin Allen will again be on the field during more obvious passing situations. Sure, the depth can be added to, but spending a third-round pick on a running back doesn’t seem necessary, given the current construction of the roster.
What Cummings had to say: “A Senior Bowl standout, Seth McGowan has the size, burst, short-area quickness, spatial sense, and physicality to be a regular in the Jaguars’ rotation right away.”
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: Defense, defense, defense for Jaguars in 3-round 2026 NFL mock draft
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Jaguars Wire / Jaguars Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
