2026 Mock Draft Tracker: 7.0

Analysts project linebacker and defensive tackle to the Jaguars at No. 56 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft

Apr. 7, 2026 at 10:16pm

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A cubist, fragmented painting depicting a football game, with players and the field broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in a variety of earthy tones.The Jaguars' 2026 draft strategy aims to reconstruct their defense through a geometric lens, blending new talent into a cohesive unit.Today in Pittsburgh

The Jaguars do not have a first-round selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, having traded it to acquire wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter No. 2 overall in the 2025 draft. Seven of seven analysts in this week's mock draft tracker project the Jaguars selecting a defensive player with their first selection at No. 56 overall, including projections of players like Cincinnati linebacker Jake Golday, Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr., and Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods.

Why it matters

The Jaguars' defense struggled at times in 2025, and the team is looking to bolster its front seven through the draft. With no first-round pick, the Jaguars will need to find impact players in the second and third rounds to continue building a championship-caliber roster.

The details

Analysts have projected a variety of defensive prospects to the Jaguars at No. 56 overall, including linebackers, defensive tackles, and edge rushers. One notable projection has the Jaguars trading up from No. 56 to No. 30 overall to select Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods. The Jaguars have 11 total selections in the 2026 draft, giving them opportunities to address multiple needs on both sides of the ball.

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

The players

Jake Golday

Linebacker, 6-4, 237, Cincinnati. Played at Cincinnati 2024-2025 after playing at Central Arkansas 2021-2023. Named first-team All-Big 12 in 2025.

Anthony Hill Jr.

Linebacker, 6-2, 238, Texas. Played at Texas 2023-2025. Second-team All-America selection in 2024-2025 and first-team All-Southeastern Conference selection in 2024-2025. A freshman All-America selection in 2023 and the Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year in 2023.

Rayshaun Benny

Defensive tackle, 6-4, 305, Michigan. Played at Michigan 2021-2025. Third-team All-Big 10 in 2025.

Domonique Orange

Defensive lineman, 6-4, 325, Iowa State. Played at Iowa State 2022-2025. Third-team All-Big 12 selection in 2025. Registered seven career tackles for loss with a sack and 66 tackles with 32 solos.

Josiah Trotter

Linebacker, 6-2, 237, Missouri. Played at West Virginia 2023-2024 and Missouri 2025. First-team All-Southeastern Conference selection in 2025. Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year in 2024. Son of former NFL linebacker Jeremiah Trotter and brother of NFL linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr.

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What they’re saying

“The Jaguars need to get back on track with their linebacker corps with Devin Lloyd's departure in free agency. Rodriguez can give them what they once had in prime Paul Posluszny.”

— Vinny Iyer, Sporting News

“Woods is an extremely powerful, big athlete who some coaches at Clemson thought would be a top-five pick when he finished his career.”

— Bruce Feldman

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This 2026 mock draft tracker highlights the Jaguars' continued focus on rebuilding their defense through the draft, with analysts projecting the team to target linebacker and defensive tackle with their top pick. The team's lack of a first-round selection means they'll need to find impact players in the second and third rounds to continue strengthening their roster.