The wait is over! The NFL Draft is just around the corner, and the Jacksonville Jaguars... will have to wait until Day 2 to make their first selection at No. 56. Of course, there's always the chance that they'll jump into Round 1 when you take into account that general manager James Gladstone isn't afraid to take a bold swing.
On the other hand, the Jags could also stay put in the second round and still come out with a game-altering talent. Keep in mind that they acquired two additional picks in the third round after striking a deal with the Detroit Lions last year.
When you add it all up, Gladstone is in a position to take care of all the team's needs on Day 2 of the draft. That's precisely what it does in this mock draft.
Round 2, pick 56: Caleb Banks, Florida defensive tackle
With the Cincinnati Bengals trading for Dexter Lawrence, some of the top defensive line prospects could slide to Round 2, as they no longer have a need at defensive tackle. This is great news for a Jaguars team that could still bolster the interior trenches even after trading for Ruke Orhorhoro one week before the draft.
It wouldn't be shocking to see Caleb Banks be available at No. 56 because of his foot injury. He would round out their interior line rotation, as he has a superb blend of speed, power, and burst off the line of scrimmage.
Granted, the former Florida Gator needs to hone his hand usage and work on his pad level. However, he could have an immediate impact as a rookie, especially when you take into account that he's expected to get full clearance for football activities in June.
Round 3, pick No. 81: Derrick Moore, Michigan pass rusher
Apart from fortifying the interior defensive line, the Jags need to round out the rotation behind Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen. It would be great if Gabe Jacas made it to Round 3, but Derrick Moore is no consolation prize. The former Michigan Wolverine doesn't have a good get-off and must improve as a pass blocker. However, he could give the pass rush a boost from the get-go.
Moore's calling card is his hand placement and power to get after the quarterback. Both qualities could help him thrive in Jacksonville.
Round 3, pick 88: Deontae Lawnson, Alabama linebacker
The Jaguars could add reinforcements at linebacker after watching Devin Lloyd bolt for the Carolina Panthers in free agency. Deonteae Lawson would be a great pickup in Round 3.
The former Alabama standout doesn't have great size but still finds a way to stuff the run and create pressure because of his athleticism. Couple that with the fact that he excels at shadowing tight ends and running backs, and he could compete for a featured role as a rookie.
Round 3, pick 100: Justin Joly, North Carolina State tight end
Brenton Strange is firmly entrenched at the top of the tight-end depth chart, but even if the Jags re-sign him, Hunter Long and Quintin Morris are scheduled to hit the open market in 2027. Thus, it would be a good idea to replenish the group.
It looks like Jacksonville could add reinforcements at tight end. Justin Joly had a pre-draft meeting with the team's brass, so nobody should bat an eye if he gets the nod. He needs to add functional strength and clean up his blocking, but he would be yet another weapon in Trevor Lawrence's already stacked arsenal.
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