CBS Sports Mock Draft Has Jaguars Selecting Alabama LB Deontae Lawson

The pick could divide Jaguars fans as the team has other pressing needs to address.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 4:20pm

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In a recent three-round mock draft by CBS Sports, the Jacksonville Jaguars are projected to select Alabama linebacker Deontae Lawson with their second-round pick (No. 56 overall). While Lawson has the athleticism and coverage skills to potentially replace departed linebacker Devin Lloyd, some experts believe the Jaguars may have better options to address their defensive line and pass rush needs earlier in the draft.

Why it matters

The Jaguars are coming off a playoff appearance and AFC South division title in 2025, so they'll be looking to build on that success in the draft. However, their decision to potentially take a linebacker like Lawson in the second round, rather than addressing more pressing needs on the defensive line and pass rush, could be a divisive one among the team's fanbase.

The details

In CBS Sports' mock draft, analyst Ryan Wilson has the Jaguars selecting Lawson, who excels in coverage against running backs and tight ends but lacks the size to consistently shed blocks. While Lawson could fill the void left by Devin Lloyd's departure to the Carolina Panthers, the Jaguars may have better options at linebacker, such as Jacob Rodriguez and Anthony Hill Jr., who have previously been connected to the team. Additionally, defensive tackle and pass rusher are seen as bigger needs for Jacksonville, and they could potentially find more immediate impact players at those positions with their other third-round picks (Nos. 88 and 100).

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 24-26.

The players

Deontae Lawson

A linebacker from the University of Alabama who is projected to be selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Devin Lloyd

A linebacker who previously played for the Jacksonville Jaguars but signed with the Carolina Panthers in free agency.

Jacob Rodriguez

A linebacker prospect who is projected to be selected by the New York Jets in the 2026 NFL Draft, according to the CBS Sports mock draft.

Anthony Hill Jr.

A linebacker prospect who is projected to be selected by the Chicago Bears in the 2026 NFL Draft, according to the CBS Sports mock draft.

Chris McClellan

A defensive lineman prospect who the Jaguars are projected to select in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, according to the CBS Sports mock draft.

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What they’re saying

“Lawson could be a capable replacement because of his athleticism and his ability to stymie the run. Moreover, he excels against running backs and tight ends in coverage. On the other hand, the former Crimson Tide lacks the size to shed blocks, and his overall technique needs refinement.”

— Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports Analyst

“Basically, Lawson's skill set would allow him to do what Jaguars defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile needed from him. That said, there will probably be other linebacker prospects with bigger upside than him when the Jags are on the clock. Jacob Rodriguez and Anthony Hill Jr. come to mind and have previously been connected to Jacksonville.”

— Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports Analyst

What’s next

The Jaguars will have a chance to address their roster needs during the 2026 NFL Draft, which is scheduled for April 24-26.

The takeaway

The Jaguars' potential selection of Alabama linebacker Deontae Lawson in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft could divide the team's fanbase, as many believe the team has more pressing needs to address on the defensive line and pass rush. While Lawson has the athleticism and coverage skills to potentially replace departed linebacker Devin Lloyd, the Jaguars may have better options to bolster their front seven with their early draft picks.