The Jacksonville Jaguars still have plenty of talent on defense even after letting linebacker Devin Lloyd walk in free agency. That said, they must address a couple of glaring needs if they want to return to the playoffs in 2026. Specifically, the team's brass needs to address the interior defensive line and the pass rush.
The trouble is that the Jags don't have a first-round pick, which narrows down the list of prospects they can target in the NFL Draft. In fact, the chances of landing their dream defensive tackle are virtually zero after his impressive outing at the Ohio State Pro Day.
Kayden McDonald is most likely off the table for the Jaguars after his Ohio State Pro Day
Just recently, Zachary Pereles of CBS Sports dubbed Kayden McDonald a fit with the Jaguars, pointing out that he would give them a "much-needed interior pocket push ability." The trouble is that he'll probably be out of reach by the time they're on the clock.
See, you probably haven't seen Kayden McDonald linked to the Jags in this draft cycle because he's projected to go in the first round. And since they don't have a first-rounder in 2026 after trading up for two-way star Travis Hunter, their first selection doesn't come until Round 2 at No. 56.
Sure, there's a chance that the former Buckeye will slide to the second round, but even if that's the case, Jacksonville will face stiff competition to land him. Just recently, he told Justin Melo of Sports Illustrated that he's visited or is scheduled to meet with the Washington Commanders, the New England Patriots, the Las Vegas Raiders, the Cincinnati Bengals, the Chicago Bears, the Miami Dolphins, the Houston Texans, and the Baltimore Ravens.
All those clubs could use help in the interior trenches and pick before Jacksonville, so it's highly unlikely that McDonald will still be on the board when the Jags are on the clock at No. 56. Compounding the issue is that he just saw his stock skyrocket after an impressive outing at Ohio State, with Brian Schaible of SI pointing out that he made a strong impression and stole the spotlight.
When you add it all up, Jacksonville will have to look somewhere else for help in the trenches.
Related: The Jags this start this 7-round mock draft with a big defensive swing
What options do the Jaguars have aside from Kayden McDonald?
The Jaguars could always trade up to select Kayden McDonald if they want. They have the draft ammo — 11 selections — to pull it off, but if they could also stay put and still have a handful of options to add reinforcements at defensive tackle.
Christen Miller would probably be the best option in Round 2, but Lee Hunter will also be available. There's also a chance that someone like Darrell Jackson Jr. will be available in the third round if the Jaguars would rather go pass rusher or cornerback at No. 56.
Either way, the Jaguars will have plenty of options even if Kayden McDonald is out of the picture in Round 2, which is highly likely.