Jaguars Projected to Target Linebacker, Running Back in 2026 NFL Draft

Analysts see defense, skill positions as top needs for Jacksonville in Round 2

Mar. 31, 2026 at 12:53am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting fragmented football players and action, conveying the raw energy and strategic complexity of the sport.The Jaguars' 2026 draft class could reshape the team's defense and backfield with a mix of hard-hitting linebackers and explosive skill position players.Today in Pittsburgh

The Jaguars do not have a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft after trading it to acquire wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter in the 2025 draft. But analysts project the team will target linebacker and running back with their first selection at No. 56 overall in Round 2.

Why it matters

The Jaguars' defense struggled at times in 2025, so adding a playmaking linebacker could help shore up that unit. And with the departure of veteran running back James Robinson, the team may look to the draft to find his successor in the backfield.

The details

Six of the seven analysts in this week's mock draft tracker projected a defensive player to the Jaguars at No. 56, including Alabama linebacker Deontae Lawson, Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez, and defensive linemen Lee Hunter of Texas Tech and Domonique Orange of Iowa State. The lone offensive player projected was Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price, an explosive runner and returner.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft will be held April 23-25 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The players

Deontae Lawson

Played at Alabama from 2021-2025. Second-team All-SEC in 2025. Registered 6.5 career sacks, 16 passes defensed, 3 fumble recoveries, 3 forced fumbles, and 19 tackles for loss.

Jacob Rodriguez

Played at Virginia in 2021 before transferring to Texas Tech from 2022-2025. Won the Chuck Bednarik, Butkus, Lombardi, and Bronko Nagurski awards in 2025 when he finished 5th in Heisman Trophy voting. Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year in 2025.

Jadarian Price

Played at Notre Dame from 2022-2025. First-team All-American as a returner in 2025. Rushed for 1,692 yards and 21 touchdowns on 280 career carries, and returned 3 kickoffs for touchdowns.

Lee Hunter

Played at Auburn in 2021, Central Florida from 2022-2024, and Texas Tech in 2025. First-team All-American and All-Big 12 in 2025. Registered 32 career tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks.

Domonique Orange

Played at Iowa State from 2022-2025. Third-team All-Big 12 selection in 2025. Registered 7 career tackles for loss and 1 sack.

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What they’re saying

“He's a heady, downhill player who captained the Texas Tech defense and is ready to be a green-dot linebacker in the NFL.”

— Matt Miller, ESPN Analyst

“Accurately nicknamed 'the Fridge,' Hunter has the frame density, stacking strength and relentless motor to man the fulcrum with aplomb in odd and hybrid-front alignments.”

— Ian Cummings, Pro Football Network Analyst

What’s next

The Jaguars will have 11 total picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, including their second-round selection at No. 56 overall.

The takeaway

The Jaguars' draft strategy appears focused on addressing defensive needs, particularly at linebacker, while also potentially finding a new lead running back to replace the departed James Robinson. These projected picks could help the team continue building a well-rounded roster to compete in the AFC South.