After finishing 4-13 last year, the Jacksonville Jaguars revamped the roster in the offseason. However, they also kept together most of the same core from last year because they expected several returning players to bounce back. Most of them did. On the other hand, a few others came up short. One of them was defensive tackle Maason Smith.
Following a strong end to 2024, Smith was expected to make strides this season but has instead tumbled down the depth chart. He's seen less playing time as the season progressed and has even been a healthy scratch at times.
While there's a chance the 2024 second-round pick will bounce back next year, nobody will bat an eye if the Jags move on from him. After all, general manager James Gladstone has shown that he's not afraid to move on from players who have either underachieved or don't fit the team's vision.
For the sake of the argument, let's say the Jags do move on from Smith in 2025. They find his replacement in this 2026 third-round mock draft.
Round 2, pick 59: Jaguars select A'Mauri Washington, DT, Oregon
The Jaguars gave up their first-round pick in 2026 as part of a package to trade up for two-way star Travis Hunter. Without a selection in their first round, they pick defensive tackle A'Mauri Washington in Round 2.
Granted, Washington may be gone by the time Jacksonville is on the clock, but James Gladstone won't hesitate to pick him if he's available. After all, the former Oregon Duck has all the tools to make the leap to the pros. Matt Holder of Bleacher Report highlights his get-off as one of his strengths. The same is true for his strength at the point of attack and his power as a pass rusher.
In Jacksonville, Washington wouldn't have to start right off the bat. To begin his NFL career, he could start behind Arik Armstead and DaVon Hamilton and earn a bigger role as the season progresses.
Round 3, pick 81: The Jaguars select Julian Neal, CB, Arkansas
Travis Hunter suffered a knee injury that cut his rookie campaign short, but even if he's back in the mix, the Jaguars could use reinforcements at cornerback. Both Montaric Brown and Greg Newsome are slated to hit the open market, and Jacksonville may have trouble bringing one of them (or both) back. The team's brass could overcome their potential departure by picking Julian Neal in the 2026 draft.
Neal mostly played in the boundaries throughout his collegiate career. That's where Brown and Newsome have mostly lined up this season. In case both of them leave, Neal could compete with Hunter and Jarrian Jones for snaps and even a starting role as a rookie.
Round 3, pick 91: The Jaguars select Dani Dennis-Sutton, Edge, Penn State
In case you were wondering, Jacksonville has two extra selections in the third round after getting a deal done with the Detroit Lions to trade down several spots in Round 3 of last year's draft. They use their second one to bolster their pass rush.
After all, Travon Walker is entering a contract year. The Jaguars love him but must be prepared in case he eventually leaves. Drafting Dani Dennis-Sutton in Round 3 would most definitely be a solid course of action.
Dennis-Sutton could take on a rotational role early in his rookie year and earn more snaps as the season progresses.
Round 3, pick 100: The Jaguars select Zakee Weathley, S, Penn State
With their last pick in Round 3, the Jaguars select yet another former Nittany Lion. This time, though, they reinforce their defensive backfield: Zakee Weathley. Safety isn't a pressing need with Eric Murray and Antonio Johnson around. Moreover, Caleb Ransew will be back after missing his rookie campaign. Having said that, Andrew Wingard is slated to become a free agent, and Jacksonville will need to add depth at the position.
Weathley didn't get much playing time early in his collegiate career but earned a full-time role on the Nittany Lions' defense by 2024. He needs to work on his tackling technique and is susceptible to double moves. However, those issues can be corrected with coaching.
Couple that with the fact that Wheathley has earned comparisons to Brian Branch and even Kyle Hamilton, and he offers lots of value in Round 3.