Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft is officially in the books for the Jacksonville Jaguars. If the first two days were focused on splash and upside, Saturday was all about depth, dart throws, and finding contributors who can stick on a roster still being reshaped.
The Jaguars entered the final day of the draft with seven selections, ranging from the fourth round to the seventh. That's a significant amount of ammunition for general manager James Gladstone and head coach Liam Coen to work with, and they wasted no time adding bodies to a roster that needed youth infused at several key positions.
Here is a breakdown of each pick, with grades based on value, organizational need, and the player's projected impact in Jacksonville's scheme.
Round 4, Pick 110: Derrick Simmons, EDGE, Mississippi State
The Jaguars kicked off their Day 3 haul by addressing the edge pass rush. Simmons is a high-motor, length-based defensive end who didn't light up the stat sheet at Mississippi State but showed steady improvement over his collegiate career. He isn't an explosive, twitchy edge rusher who can bend around the edge with speed, but he wins consistently with hand technique, leverage, and relentlessness.
In Jacksonville's defensive system--which values rotation and versatility along the line--Simmons projects as a rotational piece. He can set the edge against the run and provide a solid push on passing downs. While he is unlikely to be a double-digit sack producer, Simmons can serve as a reliable fourth or fifth edge rusher in the rotation.
Grade: B -- A smart, value pick that fills a clear depth need on the defensive line without demanding immediate starter snaps.
Round 4, Pick 127: Tyrek Coleman, WR, Arizona
The Jaguars ventured for a receiver in the fourth round, selecting Tyrek Coleman out of Arizona. This is an intriguing pick. Coleman is a smooth athlete with long strides who consistently wins vertically and has shown an ability to separate on intermediate routes. He's not an elite burner but tracks the football well and boasts reliable hands.
With veterans like Christian Kirk, Gabe Davis, and Brian Thomas Jr. already on the roster, Coleman likely won't carry a heavy load as a rookie. However, he provides Liam Coen with another weapon possessing starting upside. If Coleman refines his route tree and adds muscle, he could compete for the No. 4 or No. 5 receiver spot by midseason.
Grade: B+ -- Great value on a receiver with starter traits who could develop into a significant contributor.
Round 5, Pick 158: Marcus Holt, CB, Washington
Jacksonville leaned into the secondary with their fifth-round pick, selecting cornerback Marcus Holt from Washington. Holt is a press-man defender with good size and ball skills. He served as a team captain and was a consistent performer for the Huskies, though he lacks elite recovery speed.
In the Jaguars' defense, Holt fits best in a zone-heavy scheme where he can play with his eyes on the quarterback. He is physical off the line of scrimmage and has solid instincts to break on underneath throws. Holt projects as a capable backup corner with eventual starting potential if he masters his footwork and fundamentals.
Grade: B- -- A solid pick with a limited ceiling due to speed constraints; success will depend on technique.
Round 5, Pick 171: Jaylen Quinn, DI, Florida
This pick comes with some local flavor. Jaylen Quinn is a powerful, squatty interior defensive lineman capable of playing both 3-technique and nose tackle roles. He isn't a dynamic pass rusher, but is a strong run defender who can push the pocket. Quinn was a consistent disruptor in the SEC and brings a physical mentality valued by the Jaguars up front.
Following the departure of veteran interior linemen, Quinn could immediately compete for a rotational run-stuffing role. Though he might not accumulate flashy stats, his role will be to free up linebackers and clog running lanes.
Grade: B -- A high-floor, low-ceiling pick expected to be a solid rotational contributor for years.
Round 6, Pick 199: Kaleb Ford, LB, Texas A&M
The Jaguars addressed a sneaky linebacker need in the sixth round, drafting Kaleb Ford. Ford is an explosive, undersized linebacker who excels on special teams and as a chase-and-hit defender. He isn't a prototypical thumper but makes up for it with excellent range and coverage ability, particularly defending running backs catching out of the backfield.
While Jacksonville's linebacker room is deep, Ford could carve out a special teams role immediately while developing behind the starters. His athletic upside is promising, though he needs to add strength and refine discipline to reach a larger role.
Grade: C+ -- A developmental pick with special teams value, but a wait-and-see prospect on defense.
Round 6, Pick 217: Amari Booth, S, Oregon
Jacksonville doubled down on the secondary with Amari Booth, a rangy safety from Oregon. Booth is a true center fielder who can play single-high or in split-zone coverage. He reads quarterbacks well and has the closing speed to make plays on the ball. However, concerns linger regarding his tackling and physicality near the line of scrimmage.
In today's NFL, safeties must be versatile, and Booth fits the profile of a deep coverage safety who can rotate into passing downs. With the Jaguars' safety room still evolving, Booth has a legitimate shot to make the 53-man roster as a reserve.
Grade: B -- Good value at this stage for a player with positive coverage instincts.
Round 7, Pick 238: Isaiah Pope, OT, Miami (FL)
The Jaguars closed out the draft with Isaiah Pope, an offensive tackle from Miami. Pope is a massive athlete with long arms and plenty of raw tools. While still developing as a technician, he has the frame and athleticism to become a swing tackle or future starter on the right side.
This appears to be a classic "swing for the fences" pick in the seventh round. If he can refine his hand placement and footwork, Pope could become valuable depth; if not, there's minimal risk.
Grade: C+ -- Good size and upside with development needed; a worthwhile late-round gamble.
Overall Day 3 Grade: B-
The Jaguars entered Day 3 with a clear strategy: accumulate players with high floors and special teams potential while taking a few calculated upside shots. The seven picks should all push for roster spots, particularly along the defensive line and secondary.
From a value perspective, the Tyrek Coleman pick stands out as the best of the day--a receiver poised to be more than just depth. Jaylen Quinn and Derrick Simmons offer immediate depth on the defensive front. Meanwhile, Kaleb Ford and Amari Booth address special teams and secondary needs left vulnerable after free agency departures.
Isaiah Pope is the wild card. If he develops, it's a big gain; if not, it's a typical seventh-round pick with little downside.
For this first draft under James Gladstone and Liam Coen, Day 3 demonstrated a preference for competition and versatility rather than reaching for need, an intelligent approach for a team still building its identity.
The Jaguars will now turn their attention to undrafted free agency, aiming to add more talent before rookie minicamp. For now, the 2026 draft class, from Round 1 through Round 7, projects as a foundational group. Time will reveal if these grades hold, but the initial signs are promising.

