Jaguars Draft Pittsburgh LB Kyle Louis with 2026 2nd-Round Pick

Louis' elite athleticism and coverage skills could make him a perfect fit in Jacksonville's nickel-heavy defense.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 4:41pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a football player in motion, with sharp planes of color and overlapping perspectives conveying the raw athleticism of the linebacker position.A cubist interpretation of a linebacker's explosive movements captures the dynamic nature of the position.Indianapolis Today

The Jacksonville Jaguars are expected to target linebacker with one of their early draft picks in 2026, and Pittsburgh's Kyle Louis could be an ideal selection at No. 56 overall. Despite his smaller stature at 6'0" and 220 pounds, Louis tested extremely well at the NFL Combine, showcasing elite speed, explosiveness, and agility. While his lack of size and play strength may be a concern for some teams, Louis' exceptional coverage skills and sideline-to-sideline range make him a natural fit for the Jaguars' nickel-focused defensive scheme.

Why it matters

The Jaguars lost star linebacker Devin Lloyd to free agency this offseason, creating a significant need at the position. Louis could help fill that void with his ability to excel in coverage, a key trait for linebackers in today's pass-happy NFL. His athletic profile and scheme fit make him an intriguing option for the Jaguars as they look to build on their AFC South division title in 2025.

The details

At the NFL Combine, Louis measured in at 6'0" and 220 pounds, with impressive testing numbers that included a 4.53-second 40-yard dash, 39.5-inch vertical jump, and 6.97-second 3-cone drill. These results showcase his elite athleticism for the linebacker position. While his smaller size may be a concern for some teams, Louis proved to be a reliable tackler in college, with a missed tackle rate lower than several other top linebacker prospects. His coverage instincts and sideline-to-sideline range could make him a valuable asset in the Jaguars' nickel-heavy defensive scheme.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place from April 24-26, 2026.
  • The Jaguars hold the 56th overall pick in the 2nd round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

The players

Kyle Louis

A linebacker prospect from the University of Pittsburgh who impressed at the 2026 NFL Combine with his elite athletic testing numbers.

Devin Lloyd

A former Pro Bowl linebacker for the Jaguars who departed the team in free agency this offseason, creating a need at the position.

James Gladstone

The general manager of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

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What they’re saying

“Though some teams are really trying to bring back sets with three tight ends, the modern NFL is a nickel league. The 'big nickel' is in vogue, and Louis has some of those qualities as someone who proved to be comfortable playing over the slot when called upon.”

— Analyst

What’s next

The Jaguars will have the opportunity to select Kyle Louis with the 56th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, which takes place from April 24-26, 2026.

The takeaway

By targeting Kyle Louis in the 2nd round, the Jaguars can add a talented and versatile linebacker prospect who fits their nickel-heavy defensive scheme. Louis' elite athleticism and coverage skills could help offset the loss of Devin Lloyd, giving the Jaguars a potential long-term solution at the position.