The dust has settled in Indianapolis, and the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine has reshaped draft boards across the league. For the Jacksonville Jaguars, the evaluation process is in full swing as they prepare for a draft class defined by patience and volume. According to a new seven-round mock draft analysis from Jacksonville.com, the Jaguars are poised to make 11 selections in the 2026 NFL Draft, beginning with their first pick at No. 56 overall.
This mock draft, a post-Combine projection, offers a detailed look at how the Jaguars' front office might navigate a draft where they lack a first-round pick. The team's initial selection at No. 56 places a premium on identifying value, addressing roster needs with precision, and potentially uncovering gems in the middle and later rounds.
Strategy: Building Depth Without a Top Pick
Entering the draft without a first-round selection alters a team's entire approach. The focus shifts from targeting a single, transformative prospect to executing a broader, nuanced strategy aimed at filling multiple holes and building sustainable depth. For General Manager James Gladstone and Head Coach Liam Coen, the Combine provided critical data points--verified measurements, athletic testing numbers, and interview impressions--that will help prioritize a large board of prospects likely available in the second, third, and later rounds.
The Jaguars' specific needs for the 2026 season will, of course, evolve with free agency and player development. However, perennial areas of focus for a contending team include trench play on both sides of the ball, secondary depth, and dynamic offensive weapons. This mock draft addresses those needs within the constraints of the Jaguars' draft capital.
Round 2, Pick 56: The First Selection
With the 56th overall pick, the Jaguars are projected to bolster their defensive front. Jacksonville.com's analysis projects the selection of EDGE rusher Jordan Ellis from Texas A&M. Ellis turned heads at the Combine with an explosive first step and impressive bend during drills. Standing 6'4" and 255 pounds with long arms, he fits the physical prototype the Jaguars seek on the edge. After a productive college career marked by consistent pressure, Ellis could provide an immediate rotational presence with potential to develop into a starter opposite Travon Walker, adding key youth and athleticism to the defensive line rotation.
Round 3, Pick 88: Bolstering the Interior Offensive Line
In the third round, the mock draft has Jacksonville addressing the offensive line with interior lineman Marcus Chen from Oregon. Chen's versatility--starting games at both guard and center--combined with a strong Combine performance, highlights his agility and technical soundness. This pick aims to create competition along the interior line, offering a potential long-term answer at center or a reliable swing guard capable of early contribution.
Day 3: The Heart of the Draft Class
The Jaguars' draft capital truly opens up on Day 3, where the scouting department's diligence is paramount. The mock draft projects the following selections from rounds four through seven:
- Round 4, Pick 120: Safety Isaiah Ford, Baylor. A rangy, intelligent defensive back who tested well in Indianapolis, Ford could provide value on special teams and develop into a sub-package defender, adding necessary depth and competition.
- Round 5, Pick 152: Wide Receiver Nico Silva, Purdue. A slot specialist with reliable hands and crisp routes, Silva's Combine quickness suggests he could be a dependable third-down target despite below-elite size.
- Round 5, Pick 167 (compensatory): Defensive Tackle Ben Roberts, Kentucky. A powerful, run-stuffing nose tackle to reinforce the defensive line against the run.
- Round 6, Pick 184: Tight End A.J. Miller, Coastal Carolina. A move tight end with above-average athleticism, Miller offers mismatch potential in the passing game while developing his blocking.
- Round 6, Pick 199 (via trade): Cornerback Darius Vance, Toledo. A lengthy, ball-skilled outside cornerback prospect who would add competition at a premium position.
- Round 7, Pick 231: Running Back Kareem Jackson, Appalachian State. A compact, vision-oriented runner projected as a complementary back and special teams contributor.
- Round 7, Pick 243 (compensatory): Linebacker Samir Hassan, Minnesota. Noted for football IQ and leadership, expected to provide linebacker depth and special teams impact.
- Round 7, Pick 250 (compensatory): Offensive Tackle Liam O'Brien, Boston College. A project tackle with good size and pedigree, a candidate for practice squad development.
- Round 7, Pick 256 (compensatory): Quarterback Tyson Reed, Florida Atlantic. A late-round flier to compete for third-string/quadrant depth with a distinct athletic profile.
Analysis and Outlook
This mock draft presents a balanced, pragmatic strategy. It prioritizes premium positions early, adding athleticism and depth through the middle rounds, and concludes with developmental prospects and special teams contributors.
Without a first-round pick, Jacksonville is unlikely to draft a "can't miss" rookie starter. Instead, success hinges on how many of these 11 selections secure reliable rotational roles or special teams duties in their rookie seasons, with some developing into future starters. Combine data plays a critical role in refining evaluations, helping differentiate players with similar college production via athletic traits and medical assessments.
As the draft process continues through pro days and private workouts, the Jaguars' board will evolve. This post-Combine mock draft offers a plausible roadmap for leveraging volume picks to deepen and compete in 2026 and beyond. The true test will come on draft day in late April, revealing how the front office's vision translates into selections.
With James Gladstone steering personnel decisions and Liam Coen building on a promising start as head coach, the Jacksonville Jaguars enter the 2026 draft with a clear focus on measured growth via smart, value-driven selections.