Latest 2026 NFL Draft Big Board Aligns With Jaguars' Offseason Needs

How the top prospects match up with Jacksonville's roster gaps

Feb. 7, 2026 at 7:31pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The early talent in the 2026 NFL Draft appears to fit well with the Jacksonville Jaguars' offseason needs, especially on the defensive side of the ball. With several key free agents at cornerback and needs along the defensive line and at linebacker, the Jaguars could find value in the draft to address those areas.

Why it matters

The Jaguars are looking to build on a promising 2025 season and take the next step towards contention in the AFC. Aligning their draft strategy with their roster needs will be crucial to continued improvement.

The details

According to ESPN's Jordan Reid's latest top 50 prospects big board, several of the top-rated players play positions that the Jaguars need to address this offseason. At cornerback, defensive end, defensive tackle, and linebacker, the draft class seems to match up well with Jacksonville's roster gaps. The Jaguars do not own their first-round pick this year after trading up in 2025, but they can still find value in the middle rounds to bolster their defense.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in late April.

The players

James Gladstone

The general manager of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Montaric Brown

A cornerback for the Jacksonville Jaguars who is set to become a free agent.

Greg Newsome

A cornerback for the Jacksonville Jaguars who is set to become a free agent.

Devin Lloyd

A linebacker for the Jacksonville Jaguars who may or may not return to the team.

Travis Hunter

A player the Jaguars traded up to draft in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The early round talent in the 2026 NFL draft seems to align fairly well with where the Jacksonville Jaguars' greatest needs are.”

— Paul Bretl, Author

What’s next

The Jaguars will look to address their roster needs through free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft in the coming months.

The takeaway

The Jaguars appear to be in a good position to find players in the 2026 NFL Draft that can help fill key holes on their roster, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. Aligning their draft strategy with their offseason needs will be crucial to the team's continued improvement.