5 Prospects Jaguars Could Target in First-Round Trade-Up

If Jacksonville wants to move up, these players could be worth the investment.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 12:05pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting in shades of teal, gold, and black, depicting the overlapping movements and perspectives of a football game or draft scene, conveying the complex decision-making process the Jaguars face in targeting the right first-round prospect.A cubist interpretation of the Jaguars' potential first-round trade-up strategy, capturing the dynamic energy and high stakes of the NFL Draft.Today in Jacksonville

The Jacksonville Jaguars are not expected to trade back into the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, but if they did, there are several top prospects who could be worth pursuing. We break down five players the Jaguars could target, including Florida DL Caleb Banks, Missouri EDGE Zion Young, Georgia LB C.J. Allen, Arizona State OL Max Iheanachor, and Clemson DL Peter Woods.

Why it matters

The Jaguars have a number of needs to address in the draft, and trading up could allow them to land an elite talent to boost their roster. However, moving up comes with inherent risk, so they would need to carefully evaluate which prospects are worth the investment.

The details

Florida DT Caleb Banks has immense upside as a pass-rushing interior lineman, but his injury history is a concern. Missouri EDGE Zion Young would give the Jaguars a powerful run-defending defensive end to pair with their other edge rushers. Georgia LB C.J. Allen is a pro-ready linebacker who could start immediately. Arizona State OT Max Iheanachor is a potential first-round talent at a position of need for Jacksonville. Clemson DL Peter Woods is an intriguing athlete who could thrive as a gap-shooting 3-technique.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 24-26.
  • The Jaguars currently hold the 56th overall pick in the second round.

The players

Caleb Banks

A Florida defensive lineman with Pro Bowl potential, but concerns about his injury history after missing nine games last season due to a foot injury.

Zion Young

A Missouri defensive end who is one of the best run-defending edge rushers in the draft, and would give the Jaguars a physical presence opposite their other edge rushers.

C.J. Allen

The leader of Georgia's defense, Allen is a pro-ready linebacker who could step in and start immediately for the Jaguars.

Max Iheanachor

An offensive tackle from Arizona State who is considered a potential first-round talent, which could fill a need on the Jaguars' offensive line.

Peter Woods

A Clemson defensive lineman who lacks ideal length but has the athletic ability to be a disruptive 3-technique tackle in the NFL.

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What’s next

The Jaguars will have to weigh the risks and rewards of trading up in the draft, and determine which prospects are worth the investment. They will have until April 24-26 to make their decision.

The takeaway

The Jaguars have several needs to address in the draft, and trading up could allow them to land an elite talent. However, they will need to carefully evaluate the prospects and determine which ones are worth the cost of moving up in the first round.