The Jacksonville Jaguars have built a stout defensive line. Last season, they had the No. 1 defense against the run and should have no trouble repeating the feat again in 2026. That said, the Jags could lose two pivotal pieces from the front four next year, as both Arik Armstead and DaVon Hamilton are slated to become free agents.
Hamilton is a pivotal piece of the interior defensive line, so there's a chance he could be back in Duval next year, especially when you take into account that bringing him back may not be cost-prohibitive. The same may not be true for Armstead, who could garner robust interest if he were to hit the open market. The good news is that Jacksonville could find his potential replacement in the 2027 NFL Draft.
The Jaguars could target Will Echoles in the 2027 draft if they lose Arik Armstead
Todd McShay of The Ringer just dropped his latest 2027 NFL mock draft. He has the Jaguars taking Will Echoles at No. 16, noting that his ability to stop the run could make him Arik Armstead's heir apparent.
"Jags defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile built the NFL's best run defense by controlling the line of scrimmage, and Echoles can protect that identity from multiple alignments and be the defense's successor to the aging Arik Armstead," McShay wrote. "Echoles is a powerful and instinctive interior defender who can fit multiple roles."
In a different article, the Ringer praises Echoles' ability to get after the quarterback. On the other hand, he thinks his pass-rush ceiling is limited due
On a related note, if the Jags were to pick at No. 18 next year, that would mean that, unless they traded up, they wouldn't have qualified for the postseason in 2026. Based on how they're playing, that's highly unlikely. Moreover, there's a chance Echoles will be available in the 20s, so he'll be a realistic target even if Jacksonville ends up with a late-round pick.
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Why Will Echoles makes sense for the Jaguars in the 2027 NFL Draft
The Jaguars signed Arik Armstead to a three-year deal worth $43.5 million in 2024. He didn't have much of an impact that year because he switched to defensive end despite the fact that he's at his best when he lines up on the interior. The former Oregon Duck switched back to his more familiar defensive tackle spot last season and got off to a strong start, registering five sacks in 10 games. However, a hand injury hindered his performance the remainder of the year.
Armstead is back at full strength and will be an important piece of the Jacksonville defensive front in 2027. That should allow him to enter free agency with a soaring stock. Given his age and potential cost, Jacksonville is better off letting him walk. The issue is that his replacement isn't currently on the roster.
DaVon Hamilton excels at stuffing the run but doesn't bring much to the table in terms of pass rush. Rookie Albert Regis could become a solid part of the rotation but isn't there yet. On the other hand, Ruke Orhorhoro has intriguing pass-rush upside but remains a project right now.
Unless Regis or Orhorhoro makes substantial progress, the Jaguars will need to bolster the defensive line if Armstead leaves next year. That's where Will Echoles comes in.
The 2026 defensive tackle draft class wasn't particularly great, so it made sense for Jacksonville to pass on the position. Next year, though, is a whole different deal, and investing a first-round pick in someone like Will Echoles would most definitely make sense.
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