While the 2025 season is still on the horizon, it’s never too early for Jacksonville Jaguars fans to look ahead. With a dominant run defense already in place, the next step for this unit is generating a more consistent pass rush. General Manager James Gladstone could look to bolster the edge on Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft, adding depth and competition behind stars Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker.
The need is clear. Despite fielding the league's stingiest run defense last year, the Jaguars ranked a middling 18th in pressure rate and a concerning 27th in sacks. Beyond the starting duo, the depth chart features rotational pieces BJ Green and Danny Striggow, making the defensive end spot a prime target for an infusion of young talent.
Here are six potential Day 2 prospects who could bring that needed heat off the edge for Duval.
**Jalen Jacas, Florida State:** An experienced and productive force, Jacas brings a proven track record. At 6'3", 270 pounds, he has nearly 2,300 career defensive snaps. Over the last two seasons, he has surpassed 40 quarterback pressures and racked up 20 sacks, ranking 32nd in pass rush win rate among edges last year.
**Mason Overton, Texas A&M:** A powerful, physically imposing defender at 6'5", 278 pounds, Overton excels against the run, earning a high grade from PFF in that department in 2024. While his pass rush production (24 pressures, 5 sacks in 2025) isn't elite, his raw strength and frame make him a compelling project for any defensive line coach.
**Devin Moore, Michigan:** A classic pass-rush specialist, the 6'3", 260-pound Moore has seen his production climb steadily in a rotational role. His pressure totals jumped from 26 in 2023 to 41 in 2025, a season where he also logged 11 sacks and matched Jacas's 32nd-ranked pass rush win rate.
**Jordan Height, Ole Miss:** Height exploded onto the scene with a breakout 2025 campaign, amassing an impressive 62 quarterback pressures. His sudden ascent and proven ability to disrupt the pocket make him one of the more intriguing potential risers in this class.
**Ethan Nation, Ohio State:** While slightly undersized, Nation is a dynamic athlete with explosive get-off and impressive bend around the corner. He would offer a different, speed-based profile to complement the power already on the Jaguars' defensive front.
**Zina Umeh, LSU:** A long, athletic defender with a high motor, Umeh possesses the physical tools that NFL teams covet. He is considered a high-upside prospect who could develop into a versatile weapon with the right coaching, fitting the mold of a modern hybrid edge defender.
