The Jacksonville Jaguars wrapped up their 2026 NFL draft class by selecting linebacker Parker Hughes out of Middle Tennessee State with the 240th overall pick. Here's everything you need to know about the newest addition to the defensive unit.
Hughes brings a wealth of experience to the Jaguars' linebacker room. Over four seasons with the Blue Raiders, he logged 1,910 defensive snaps and established himself as a reliable tackler. According to Pro Football Focus metrics, he graded out well against the run this past season, showing a knack for stopping ball carriers in their tracks. In coverage, he held opponents to under 10 yards per catch while snagging two interceptions and breaking up three passes. Remarkably, he's been penalized just once in his entire college career.
Special teams is where Hughes could make an immediate impact. He's logged 586 snaps on special teams across five seasons, giving him a leg up in earning a roster spot. His athletic testing backs up the tape: Hughes scored a 7.59 Relative Athletic Score (RAS) out of a possible 10.00, ranking 839th out of 3,480 linebackers tested from 1987 to 2026.
NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein offers this scouting report: "Athletic and active, Hughes is a three-year starting linebacker who lacks ideal size but possesses impressive straight-line speed. He sees the field well and plays with good instincts post-snap. He saw spikes in tackle production in each successive season and is a better tackle-finisher than expected for having average length. Hughes lacks plus pop in his block take-ons and has fewer tackles for loss than I expected given his downhill style and burst. His ability to cover in space and compete for a special teams role should improve his chances of making a roster."
Jaguars General Manager James Gladstone couldn't hide his excitement: "Oh man, there's a ton to point to. The fact that he's somebody who can run very fast, find the football, track it down, and get ball carriers on the ground is going to be really helpful to our cause."
In the long run, the Jaguars see Hughes as a run-stopping linebacker who can develop into a key piece of their defense. For now, expect him to make his mark on special teams while learning the ropes at the pro level. It's a classic late-round pick with upside—exactly the kind of player who can outplay his draft slot with the right opportunity.