When the 2026 NFL Draft concluded, analysts wasted no time turning their attention to the following year. Several "way-too-early" 2027 mock drafts have already surfaced, and the Jacksonville Jaguars are drawing attention for their potential picks—specifically along the line of scrimmage.
Let's be clear: projecting a draft pick nearly a year in advance is no easy feat. Draft order will shift, team needs will evolve, and prospects will rise and fall as the college season unfolds. So think of this less as a prediction and more as a watch list for players worth tracking when the college football action kicks off.
After sitting out the first round in 2026, the Jaguars are currently slated to pick in Round 1 of the 2027 draft. Here's a look at who the experts are eyeing for Jacksonville.
Dane Brugler, The Athletic: "The top-ranked safety at this point in the process, Bolden lacks ideal size, but he makes plays in the run game and in coverage (he also had a blocked punt in 2025)."
What to know: Bolden is a reliable tackler, having successfully brought down 78 of his 82 attempts last season. That effort earned him one of the highest run-defense grades from Pro Football Focus among safeties. In coverage, he allowed just 19 receptions on 37 targets, recording two interceptions and six pass breakups. He's comfortable both deep and in the box, making him a versatile option for a secondary in need of reinforcement.
Daniel Flick, Sports Illustrated: "Stone has the physical tools to wreak havoc against both the run and pass. At 6'3" and 310 pounds, Stone turns speed to power off the snap, is a quality run defender and has intriguing pass-rushing traits."
What to know: After seeing significant action for the first time in 2025, Stone tallied 26 pressures and two sacks as a pass rusher. He also graded out as one of PFF's top defensive tackles against the run, making him a disruptive force on the interior.
Cooper Petagna, CBS Sports: "At 6-foot-3 and 320 pounds, he's a bull in a china shop, pairing an explosive first step with the quickness to disrupt opposing backfields. A versatile piece who can line up across the front, don't be surprised if he comes off the board earlier than expected."
Whether the Jaguars target a safety like Bolden or a trench powerhouse like Stone, the early buzz suggests Jacksonville is focused on strengthening the line of scrimmage. For fans and scouting enthusiasts alike, these names are worth keeping on your radar as the college season gets underway.