The Jacksonville Jaguars have clear needs to address in the NFL Draft. The issue is that their first pick comes until No. 56, meaning that many of their targets could be gone by the time they're on the clock. That's not necessarily a bad thing when you take into account that the Jags have a combined four selections in Rounds 2 or 3. Having said that, not having a first-round pick most definitely stings.
The good news is that even at No. 56, there still will be plenty of talent available. Moreover, general manager James Gladstone has shown a willingness to make deals, so nobody would bat an eye if Jacksonville moves up into the first round. That could certainly help their dream draft scenario come true.
The Jaguars wouldn't want to see the Texans steal their draft targets or get better
Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report drew up a list of dream draft scenarios for each NFL Team. For the Jaguars, he says it would be great if the Houston Texans don't poach anyone who can close the narrow gap in the division.
"Another AFC South team that won't be making a first-round selection without trading up," Ballentine wrote. "The Jags' biggest dream here is that the Texans don't draft someone who can close the narrow gap in the division."
For context, the Indianapolis Colts, like Jacksonville, don't have a first-round pick in 2026 after trading for All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner last year.
Circling back to the dream draft scenario, it may sound a bit generic because it doesn't mention a specific player, but the truth is that the Houston Texans possess two selections (28th, 38th) before the Jags pick at No. 56 and have some of the same needs.
In particular, Houston needs to add reinforcements at defensive tackle and cornerback. They could easily target some of the same guys the Jags are setting their sights on. Granted, other teams could also poach their dream prospects, but it would sting more if it's the Texans.
As noted before, though, Jacksonville could move up into the first round, and that would take care of the issue. Teams like the Buffalo Bills or the Seattle Seahawks may be willing to move back. Or the Jags could simply stay put and roll with whoever is available at No. 56.
Other teams aside from the Texans could steal the Jaguars' draft targets
The Houston Texans probably stand out the most because they are a threat to dethrone the Jaguars in 2026. Already, they've built a stout defense, and if they can improve on offense, they could present a serious challenge for Jacksonville to repeat as division champions for the second year in a row.
Having said that, they're not the only team that could steal some of the Jags' draft targets. For instance, the Green Bay Packers also need help at defensive tackle and cornerback. One main difference is that they could use either a nickel or a boundary corner, unlike Jacksonville, which is set at nickel but needs help in the perimeter.
The Las Vegas Raiders are another team that is looking to bolster the interior defensive line, so the Jags had better hope they don't go after any of their targets.
The good news is that there are different routes the Jaguars can take in the draft. Even if some of their prospects like are off the board when they're on the clock, they'll still have plenty of intriguing choices.