The Jacksonville Jaguars exceeded expectations in 2026, going 13-4 and winning the AFC South just one year after finishing 4-13. With head coach Liam Coen leading the way, they should have no trouble picking up where they left off. Having said that, the playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills showed that the Jags have their work cut out for them in the offseason.
Specifically, Jacksonville's inability to get after Josh Allen proved to be a glaring weakness. And if the Jaguars want to be one-and-done again next season, they'll need to fix the pass rush. Working in their favor is that they have a terrific tandem in Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker. Heck, the team's brass just showed how much they value Walker when they gave him a four-year deal worth $110 million with $77 million in guaranteed.
But as productive as Hines-Allen and Walker, Jacksonville needs to add reinforcements at defensive tackle and bring in a No. 3 to round out their pass rush. That's precisely what it does in this three-round mock draft.
Round 2, pick 56: The Jaguars select Lee Hunter, Texas Tech defensive tackle
This is a no-brainer. Christen Miller or Peter Woods would make sense, but Lee Hunter is the pick. While he's not the most athletic defensive tackle, he's shown pass-rush potential. On top of that, the former Texas Tech Red Raider excels at stopping the run.
When you add it all up, Hunter is an ideal prospect to pair with Arik Armstead at defensive tackle. He has the tools to make an impact right away and prevent opposing teams from doubling Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen, one of the main reasons they weren't nearly as effective last year.
Round 3, pick 81: The Jacksonville Jaguars select Will Lee III, Texas A&M corner
The Jaguars checked off a massive box when they re-signed cornerback Montaric Brown, giving him a three-year deal worth $31 million that prevented him from hitting the open market. Couple that with the fact that Travis Hunter is slated to play defense full-time in 2026, and Jacksonville is set in the perimeter.
Having said that, the Jags could use depth at corner. It would give them insurance in case Hunter suffers a setback. Will Lee isn't particularly fast, but neither is Brown, and he turned out just fine.
Despite his lack of top athleticism, Lee got the tools to develop into a solid starter down the road. He could develop behind Hunter and Brown.
Round 3, pick 88: The Jaguars select Domonique Orange, Iowa State defensive tackle
Arik Armstead and DaVon Hamilton are entering contract years. Whether they return or not, it would be a good idea to find their replacements one year too early rather than wait. This is why the Jaguars double-dip at defensive tackle in this draft. Domonique Orange should still be available when the Jags are on the clock at No. 88.
Orange's production at Iowa State didn't pop off the stat sheet, but he has the skill set to develop into a steady force in the trenches. As a rookie, he could be part of the Jacksonville rotation in run downs.
Round 3, pick 100: The Jaguars select Derrick Moore, Michigan edge rusher
As noted before, not only do the Jaguars need to bolster the interior defensive line but also need to give the pass rush a boost. Derrick Moore at No. 100 could do just that. B&T's own Austin Swain argues that the former Michigan Wolverine would be a fit in Jacksonville, pointing out that he isn't the most physically gifted athlete but knows how to best use his skill set.
Swain also brings up Moore's outstanding performance in the Senior Bowl as a reason he's worth a draft pick. When you add it all up, he would be a huge get in Round 3.