While the Jacksonville Jaguars experienced a few meaningful losses in free agency, they managed to retain linebacker Dennis Gardeck and cornerback Montaric Brown. Having them back will ensure that the Jags will have enough continuity on defense. That said, the team's brass will need to provide more talent to Anthony Campanile if they want to improve from where they left off in 2025.
In particular, Jacksonville could use reinforcements at defensive tackle, the pass rush, cornerback, and linebacker (to fill the void left by Devin Lloyd). Working in Campanile's favor is that the Jags have 11 picks in the NFL draft, four of them in Rounds 2 and 3. That could be more than enough to replenish the defense.
Moreover, the team's brass will have plenty of flexibility with the 56th overall pick after re-signing Brown. And regardless of the path Gladstone takes, there's a strong chance he'll come out with a game-altering talent. With this in mind, here are four prospects Jacksonville could target in Round 2 to address its most pressing needs.
Jaguars Round 2 target: R Mason Thomas, edge rusher (Oklahoma)
The Jaguars tried to trade for defensive end Maxx Crosby. Their attempt came up short, but they could still bolster the pass rush in the draft. More specifically, they need a No. 3 behind Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen. R Mason Thomas could be that player.
Mason Thomas has sprained both of his ankles, so he's a bit of an injury risk. Furthermore, he lacks the ideal arm length to shed blocks. On the other hand, he's got top-notch athleticism, a good get-off, and burst off the line of scrimmage. Simply put, the former Oklahoma Sooner has the physical tools to develop into a productive pass rusher in the NFL.
Jaguars Round 2 target: Anthony Hill Jr., linebacker (Texas)
While general manager James Gladstone didn't attend the NFL scouting combine, the team did send a contingent; Anthony Hill Jr. met with them, and he could most definitely be a target at No. 56.
Hill's coverage skills leave a bit to be desired. Similarly, he struggles to shed in run defense. However, he's got sideline-to-sideline range and superb instincts to make an impact. It's also important to point out that the former Texas Longhorn is just 21, so he's barely starting to scratch the surface of his potential.
Jaguars Round 2 target: D'Angelo Ponds, cornerback (Indiana)
Cornerback isn't nearly as big a need after the Jags re-signed Montaric Brown. Couple that with the fact that Travis Hunter is expected to play defense full-time in 2026, and the team is set in the boundaries. Having said that, D'Angelo Ponds would be an intriguing pickup at No. 56.
At 5'8", the former Indiana Hoosier lacks optimal size to play corner at the NFL level. Moreover, he also struggles to get off blocks in run support. Having said that, he can line up inside or outside and possesses the versatility to play man or zone. That kind of flexibility would be huge on Anthony Campanile's defense.
Jaguars Round 2 target: Christen Miller, defensive tackle (Georgia)
Christen Miller could go late in the first round, but there's a chance he'll be available in the second. If he is, he could fix what's arguably the Jaguars' biggest need: Defensive tackle. Aside from Arik Armstead, Jacksonville lacks a playmaker on the interior defensive line. Miller most definitely has the skill set to change that.
Although the former Georgia Bulldog needs to hone his overall technique and hand usage, he has the skill set to wreak havoc at the NFL level for years to come.