With the 2026 NFL Draft on the horizon, the Jacksonville Jaguars are positioned for a strategic maneuver. Armed with a league-high 11 total picks, General Manager James Gladstone has the capital to be a major player on draft day, echoing the aggressive approach he displayed last year.
A recent three-round mock draft simulation, using Pro Football Focus' tools and the Rich Hill trade value chart, illustrates one potential path. In this scenario, the Jaguars execute a savvy trade-down with the New England Patriots, moving back from pick No. 56 to No. 63. The move nets them additional selections, giving Jacksonville a powerful cluster of six picks between the second and fourth rounds—a prime opportunity to infuse the roster with young talent.
So, how might those picks be used? The mock draft addresses several key needs. First up, shoring up the defensive line. The selection of a massive, 325-pound defensive tackle like Orange would immediately bolster the run defense while adding intriguing pass-rush potential. To complement that, adding a dynamic edge rusher like Height—who racked up 62 quarterback pressures in 2025—would provide a much-needed boost to the team's pass rush.
On the other side of the ball, the secondary gets attention with a cornerback like Everette, a physical defender who excels against the run and allowed a completion rate of just 55.9% in coverage last season. The tight end room could also see new blood, a move analysts expect, adding competition and future planning behind the current starters.
Finally, protecting the quarterback is paramount. An offensive lineman like Zuhn, who allowed only 10 pressures over 435 pass-blocking snaps in 2025, brings valuable experience and versatility, capable of playing multiple positions along the interior line.
While this is just one projection, it highlights the Jaguars' enviable flexibility. By trading down and accumulating picks in the draft's most valuable middle rounds, Jacksonville is set up to build a deeper, more competitive roster for the future.