Pittsburgh PA- Fresh off a playoff appearance and AFC South Division Title, the Jacksonville Jaguars have a lot of excitement around the team heading into the 2026 season. The NFL draft presents an opportunity for the Jaguars to fill holes in the roster, add depth, and playmaking ability at key positions. The Big Cats don’t have a first round pick as of now, apart of the Travis Hunter trade last year, but have 11 picks from round 2-7.
Check out the draft predictions for the Jaguars in the 2026 NFL Draft below in the Duval Sports 7-Round Mock Draft.
RD 2, Pick 56|
Caleb Banks, DL – Florida Gators: 6’6, 327lbs
Banks sets the tone as a disruptive interior force. He’s a powerful, gap-shooting defensive lineman who consistently collapses pockets. In today’s NFL, interior pressure is premium—and Banks brings it every snap.
Round 3: Pick 81 (via DET)
Joshua Josephs, DE – Tennessee Volunteers: 6’4, 242lbs
Josephs is an explosive edge rusher with twitch and bend. His first step puts tackles in recovery mode instantly, and his pass-rush arsenal continues to expand. He has a basketball wingspan and projects as a double-digit sack guy early.
Round 3: Pick 88 (via DET)
Austin Barber, OT – Florida Gators : 6’7, 318lbs
A prototypical left tackle with length and balance, Barber anchors this class offensively. He’s technically sound in pass protection and shows the same rugged bull-dozing mobility that made him thrive at Trinity Christian locally. He is extremely athletic and can excel in zone-run schemes.
Round 3: Pick 100
Skyler Bell, WR – UConn Huskies: 6’0, 192lbs
Bell is a smooth route runner with reliable hands and vertical juice. He’s the kind of receiver who can line up anywhere and create mismatches, making him a quarterback’s best friend. His 4.4 -40 time at the combine impressed NFL GMs.
Round 4: Pick 124
Harold Perkins Jr., LB – LSU Tigers :
Perkins is a defensive chess piece that runs a 4.3-40 yard dash. Whether rushing off the edge, spying quarterbacks, or dropping into coverage, his speed and instincts pop. He’s a modern linebacker built for today’s game.
Round 5: Pick 164
Jadon Canady, DB – Oregon Ducks
Canady brings versatility and tenacity to the secondary. He can play outside corner or slide inside, with fluid hips and strong ball skills. His ability to match up with elite receivers and challenge them physically boosts his value.
Round 5: Pick: 166 (via PHI)
Eli Rairdon, TE – Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Rairdon represents the new-age tight end—big, athletic, and dangerous down the seam. He stretches defenses vertically and offers a reliable red-zone target.
Round 6: Pick 203 (via HOU/PHI)
Nick Barrett, DL – South Carolina Gamecocks
Barrett is a rugged defensive lineman who thrives in the trenches. He’s strong against the run and flashes enough pass-rush ability to stay on the field in all situations.
Round 7: Pick 233 (via DET)
Robert Spears-Jennings, S – Oklahoma Sooners
A physical, downhill safety, Spears-Jennings excels in run support and brings a tone-setting presence. He’s also improving in coverage, making him a well-rounded backend defender.
Round 7: Pick 240
George Gumbs Jr., EDGE –Florida Gators
Gumbs is a high-motor edge defender with raw upside. His length and effort stand out, and with refinement, he could develop into a consistent pass-rushing threat.
Round 7: Pick 245 (via HOU/LAR)
Antonio Clary, S – Virginia Cavaliers
Clary is a rangy safety with strong instincts in coverage. He reads quarterbacks well and is a sure tackler in space covering ground quickly, making him a valuable asset in deep zones.
Draft Prediction:
This mock emphasizes defensive impact early, particularly in the front seven. Jacksonville will clearly prioritize interior pass rush and stopping the run, while still finding cornerstone pieces on offense like Barber and Bell. Canady can be a dynamic addition to the secondary.
