After finishing 13-4 and winning the AFC South last season, the Jacksonville Jaguars face several hurdles to defend their division title in 2026. The biggest one is that they're dealing with a cap crunch, which will make it challenging to re-sign their most notable free agents.
On top of that, the Jags gave up their 2026 first-round pick to trade up for two-way star Travis Hunter last year. But as bleak as things look, the team is in good hands with general manager James Gladstone leading the way.
In his first season in Jacksonville, Gladstone proved that he's not afraid to explore any possible path to address the larger scale roster. That allowed him to replenish the core of players he inherited from his predecessor, Trent Baalke.
Now, Gladstone will be tasked with working his magic to fortify a roster with several glaring needs. The good news is that the cupboard isn't fully bare. Although the Jags lack a first-round selection, they do have two additional thirds (for a total of three, including their own) after agreeing to a deal with the Detroit Lions to move down several spots in last year's draft.
Those selections, along with their second-rounder, help Jacksonville put together a Super Bowl-caliber roster in this three-round mock draft.
Round 2, pick 36: The Jaguars select LB Anthony Hill Jr., Texas
Although the Jaguars are seen as a logical destination for Texas Tech standout Jacob Rodriguez, they've been matched with Anthony Hill Jr. more recently, and understandably so.
For starters, Devin Lloyd is as good as gone once free agency begins. Furthermore, the top brass has already met with Hill.
Aside from posting game-altering skills at Texas, the former Longhorn posted jaw-dropping numbers at the NFL Scouting Combine. While there's a chance he could be gone by the time Jacksonville is on the clock, he would be a great pick at No. 56.
Round 3, pick 81: The Jaguars select RB Mike Washington Jr., Arkansas
Running back isn't nearly as big a need as the pass rusher, cornerback, or the pass rush despite the fact that Travis Etienne could walk in free agency. Nevertheless, the Jags shouldn't hesitate to give sophomore Bhayshul Tuten a backfield tandem. Mike Washington Jr. would be an intriguing target in Round 3.
Washington posted one of the fastest 40-yard dashes among running backs in the combine. His breakaway speed and his bruising running style would make him the perfect complement to Tuten. Sure, the former Arkansas Razorback leaves a bit to be desired as a pass blocker and a receiver out of the backfield, but the Jacksonville coaching staff could help him improve in both areas.
Round 3, pick 88: The Jaguars select edge LT Overton, Alabama
The Jaguars need immediate help at defensive tackle, but they shouldn't neglect the pass rush this offseason. The good news is that Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Media argues that this is a good year to draft a pass rusher, noting that he had 10 guys worth of a spot in his top 50 board.
But wait, there's more. Jeremiah believes that there's a layer of traitsy prospects beyond the first group. LT Overton falls in that category in Round 3.
Overton's production at Alabama doesn't pop off the stat sheet, and he will need to work on his overall technique to thrive in the pros. However, he has the tools to develop into a steady contributor behind Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen.
Round 3, pick 100: The jaguars select CB Devin Moore, Florida
Greg Newsome and Montaric Brown are slated to hit the open market. At least one of them, but possibly both, will walk in free agency. But even if one sticks around, the Jaguars front office had better add reinforcements. Sure, Travis Hunter will play defense full-time, but they'll need a starter on the opposite side and depth at the position. Enter Devin Moore.
After dealing with injuries early in his tenure at Florida, Moore showed just how much of a playmaker he was in 2025, registering two interceptions and posting a Pro Football Focus overall grade of 84.2, good for 34th among qualifying corners across the nation. Jacksonville could most definitely use that kind of talent opposite Hunter.