After exceeding expectations last year, the Jacksonville Jaguars have set a high bar for 2026. Now, they have their work cut out in the offseason. Aside from re-signing as many of their pending free agents as possible, the Jags will need to bolster several position groups. Cornerback should be at the top of their list.
The Jags struggled to contain quarterback Josh Allen in the playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills. The pass rush didn't help matters, but their dearth of talent at cornerback was exposed. In the aftermath of the game, the team dismissed secondary coach Ron Milus, but more changes should be coming.
With Greg Newsome and Montaric Brown scheduled to become free agents, Jacksonville will need to add reinforcements to the cornerback room. An NFL analyst just offered an intriguing option to make it happen.
An NFL analyst suggests the Jaguars select Colton Hood in the NFL Draft 2026
Currently, Travis Hunter, Jourdan Lewis, and Jarrian Jones are under contract. Both Lewis and Jones mostly play in the slot, so the Jaguars will need to add at least one corner, ideally two, in the offseason.
Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report suggests Jacksonville pick Colton Hood in the 2026 NFL Draft, noting that the former Tennessee Vol would be an ideal target in the bottom of the second round. Knox goes on to cite B/R colleague Daniel Harms as to why the pick would make sense.
"As a zone corner, Hood is most comfortable in Cover 2, where he can play closer to the line of scrimmage, carry receivers to different zones, and trigger quickly on underneath throws," Harms wrote.
In his scouting report, Harms mentions Hood has a "high-level understanding of coverage techniques" and the lateral agility to shadow opposing receivers.
Although Harms gives Hood a third-round grade, he compares him to cornerback Kamari Lassiter, who went to the Houston Texans in the second round of the 2024 draft. This is an enticing comparison, as Lassiter has turned into a fine starter for the Texans.
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Why it makes sense for the Jaguars to select Colton Hood
Cornerback is, without a doubt, a big priority for the Jaguars. Veteran Marlon Humphrey has been brought up as a trade target, but landing him would require draft capital and a significant amount of cap space. Couple that with the fact that the Jags may want to make a strong push to re-sign Montaric Brown, and it's hard to see them acquiring Humphrey.
A more reasonable path to bolster the cornerback position, whether Jacksonville brings back Brown or not, is the draft, especially when you take into account that it's not the only need. The pass rush also requires urgent attention.
It's also worth noting that the cornerback market in 2026 lacks star power, with Jamel Deal and Darius Slay among the top names slated to hit free agency.
The bottom line is that the Jaguars have several options to add reinforcements at cornerback, but turning to the draft may be the best path forward.