Already, the Jacksonville Jaguars have a talented core in place but will be looking to add talent and depth at key positions and talent in the 2026 NFL Draft. They should have no trouble getting it done, as they'll have 11 picks at their disposal. On the other hand, the Jags will have to move on from several players to make room for the new arrivals.
Of course, veterans such as Trevor Lawrence or Josh Hines-Allen are safe. However, there are a handful of players who could get the axe if the Jags bring in reinforcements at their respective positions.
With this in mind, here are five players on thin ice ahead of the draft.
DeeJay Dallas, Jaguars running back
The Jaguars brought DeeJay Dallas late in 2025 when Bhayshul Tuten suffered a finger injury. They were pleased enough with what they saw that they re-signed him to a one-year deal this past February. There's no doubt that he could contribute next season; the issue is that Jacksonville is stacked at running back, with Tuten, LeQuint Allen Jr., and Chris Rodriguez ahead of him at the depth chart.
While running back isn't a pressing need for the Jags, nobody would bat an eye if they bolster the position. This could, in turn, make Dallas a victim of the numbers game.
Chuma Edoga, Jaguars offensive lineman
The Jaguars signed Chuma Edoga to bolster their depth in the interior trenches last year. An inconsistent player throughout his NFL career, the former USC Trojan made a strong impression in the offseason workouts, even sharing reps with starting right tackle Anton Harrison.
By Week 1, Edoga's stock was surging, but he was thrust into action, and it all came to a screeching halt. The veteran hog molly struggled with injuries and was eventually relegated to the sidelines in the second half of the season.
While Edoga offers insurance, nobody will bat an eye if the Jaguars cut ties with him after the draft, as releasing him would free up $2.9 million in space. Jacksonville could most definitely use as much cap relief as it can get.
Cooper Hodges, Jaguars offensive guard
You have probably heard that availability is the best ability, and it won't matter how talented you are if you cannot suit up on game day. That's the situation Cooper Hodges finds himself in. The 2023 sixth-round pick flashed as a rookie but suffered a knee injury that ended his first season with Jacksonville before it even started. Things haven't been much better for him the past two years.
Each of the past two years, Hodges has dealt with injuries. Surprisingly, the Jags have kept him around. That goes on to show just how much potential he has, but at some point, he has to deliver. And there's a chance he'll be on his way out if the team's brass adds a couple bigs in the draft.
Already, Hodges faces an uphill battle to stay in Duval next season, and his odds will diminish severely if the Jags beef up the O-Line.
Maason Smith, Jaguars defensive tackle
The Jaguars raised eyebrows when they made Maason Smith a second-round pick in 2024. Back at LSU, the Houma native flashed game-changing potential but also dealt with a myriad of ailments. He didn't quell concerns with a slow start to his rookie season.
The silver lining is that Smith finished the 2024 season strong, giving Jacksonville hope that he could become a game-changer. But once again, he disappointed. The former Tiger struggled to get on the field and was a non-factor when he did play.
By the end of the year, Smith had been a healthy scratch for several games and passed on the depth chart by veteran Matt Dickerson. While there's always a chance he could bounce back and carve a role, the Jags will not hesitate to ditch him after the draft if they make upgrades on the interior defensive line, which is highly likely.
Christian Braswell, Jaguars cornerback
You have to give Christian Braswell credit for sticking around since being selected in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. The former Rutgers Scarlet Knight has been on and off the roster and practice squad the past two years. He played a career-best 17 games in 2025, so you can tell that he's come a long way.
Having said that, the Jaguars could be looking for depth at corner in the draft. If they come out with two, you can bet Braswell will be the odd man out. After all, Jacksonville already has Montaric Brown and Travis Hunter in the perimeter, while Jarrian Jones and Jourdan Lewis will hold the nickel position.
Now, Braswell could make it to training camp but will have a steep hill to climb to make the team.
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