The Jacksonville Jaguars added some serious speed to their linebacker corps in the 2026 NFL Draft, selecting Middle Tennessee State standout Parker Hughes with the 240th overall pick. If you're a Jags fan looking for the next hidden gem, this sixth-rounder might just be it.

Over four seasons at MTSU, Hughes logged 1,910 defensive snaps and proved to be a reliable tackler. According to Pro Football Focus, he graded out well against the run this past season—a key stat for a team looking to shore up its front seven. In coverage, he held opponents to under 10 yards per catch, while snagging two interceptions and breaking up three passes. Those numbers suggest a linebacker who can hang with today's pass-heavy offenses.

But what really turns heads is his athleticism. Hughes ran a blazing 4.39-second 40-yard dash and posted a 35.5-inch vertical jump during pre-draft workouts. That's the kind of explosiveness that gets scouts—and fans—excited.

NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein broke down Hughes' game in his scouting report, calling him an "athletic and active" linebacker who "sees the field well and plays with good instincts post-snap." Zierlein noted that Hughes lacks ideal size but makes up for it with straight-line speed and improved tackle production each season. "He's a better tackle-finisher than expected for having average length," Zierlein added.

Hughes' strengths include elite speed, sharp play recognition, and the ability to "drop and swerve with good fluidity in zone coverage." On the flip side, his length is a concern, and Zierlein pointed out a "slight delay getting into lateral transitions in coverage."

For now, expect Hughes to make his mark on special teams—a common path for late-round picks. But with his run-stopping ability and raw speed, the Jaguars see long-term potential in him as a defensive asset. Whether he's chasing down ball carriers or covering tight ends, Hughes has the tools to grow into a key contributor.