The Jacksonville Jaguars have enough flexibility in the NFL Draft to address virtually any position they want in Round 2. This is why the report that they could trade up for running back Jadarian Price if he slides isn't particularly shocking. That said, the Jags could definitely take another path with the 56th overall selection.
If general manager James Gladstone wants to take care of the biggest roster voids, he could add a defensive tackle or a pass rusher early in the draft. On the other hand, he could also beef up the offensive line or bolster the secondary.
Of course, it's hard to tell what the Jaguars will ultimately do, but Adam Schefter of ESPN has an idea of their strategy for Rounds 2 and 3.
Adam Schefter says the Jaguars will go defensive tackle and tight end
Adam Schefter welcomed Ty Schmidt on his podcast and said that the Jaguars could still add a defensive tackle in Rounds 2 or 3 even after trading for Ruke Orhorhoro one week before the draft. He then adds that they could go tight end in the middle rounds.
"Two picks in the 80s, pick at no. 100, needs a defensive tackle, need a tight end," Schefter responded when asked about the Jags' plans in the draft (39:39 mark). "Made the big splash last year. James Gladstone, the general manager, knows or has shown that he's very nimble, will move all around the draft board, made a trade last week, traded for a defensive tackle. Still can use more help in that area. I still would think that they'll add some there."
Schefter continued, "And I'm looking for a tight end, one of these tight ends in the mid rounds to come off the board to Jacksonville. They like some of those tight ends. And this is a good tight ends draft in the middle of the rounds."
That Jacksonville could keep adding reinforcements at defensive tackle is the worst-kept secret. This isn't a good year to draft a defensive tackle early in the draft, but there are still a handful of intriguing options.
Peter Woods, Caleb Banks, Lee Hunter, Kayden McDonald, Christen Miller, and Lee Hunter are the top defensive tackles in 2026. With the Cincinnati Bengals trading for Dexter Lawrence, at least a couple of them could be available when the Jags are on the clock at No. 56. Of course, they could address another position and wait until Round 3 to fortify the interior defensive trenches.
On the other hand, adding a tight end to round out their current group makes sense. Brenton Strange, Hunter Long, and Quintin Morris are slated to hit the open market in 2027. Even if Jacksonville re-signs Strange, it will need to replenish the position.
Justin Joly (they met with him), Max Klare, and Sam Roush would be appealing options in Rounds 3 or 4. All three have different skill sets but could ultimately contribute.
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The Jaguars have flexibility in Round 2 and 3 to address any position
James Gladstone has shown that he's not afraid to take a wild swing, so jumping into Round 1 is most definitely a possibility. Kayden McDonald or any of the top defensive tackle prospects would make sense.
On the other hand, the Jaguars could trade up in Round 2, which would be cheaper, and still land one of their top guys. The truth is that even though defensive tackle remains a need even after trading for Ruke Orhorhoro, Jacksonville can zero in on another position.
There are different ways the draft could unfold, so it won't matter what route the Jaguars take as long as they fortify the roster.
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