With the 2026 NFL Draft just days away, we wanted to revisit a mock draft published earlier this month.
In the three-round version of the mock draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars stuck to the defensive side of the football.
The Jaguars acquired a starting-caliber defensive end to rotate with Josh Hines-Allen and newly-extended defensive end Travon Walker in Illinois's Gabe Jacas. The team also created a safety net at linebacker by selecting Kaleb Elarms-Orr out of TCU.
The team's trade for DL Ruke Orhohoro should give you a hint as to how the team feels entering this week's event.
Oct 13, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro (98) during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn ImagesOct 13, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro (98) walks off the field after the game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn ImagesATLANTA, GEORGIA - AUGUST 2: Ruke Orhorhoro #98 of the Atlanta Falcons warms up during NFL training camp at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 2, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)Aug 15, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro (98) tackles Tennessee Titans running back Julius Chestnut (36) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn ImagesATLANTA, GEORGIA - AUGUST 23: Ruke Orhorhoro #98 of the Atlanta Falcons warms up prior to the preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 23, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)Jan 5, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro (98) walks off the field after an overtime loss against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn ImagesATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 13: Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills is tackled by Ruke Orhorhoro #98 of the Atlanta Falcons in the second quarter of the game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on October 13, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)Nov 23, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro (98) takes the field prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn ImagesATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 29: Blake Corum #22 of the Los Angeles Rams is tackled by Ruke Orhorhoro #98 of the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 29, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)Dec 21, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) is pressured by. Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro (98) during the first half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 07: Ruke Orhorhoro #98 of the Atlanta Falcons reacts after a sack during the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 07, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)Sep 21, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) with the ball as Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro (98) defends in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn ImagesLAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 16: Ruke Orhorhoro #98 and Kentavius Street #93 of the Atlanta Falcons celebrate a tackle against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first quarter in the game at Allegiant Stadium on December 16, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images)Aug 15, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro (98) tackles Tennessee Titans running back Julius Chestnut (36) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn ImagesAug 8, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Detroit Lions guard Tate Ratledge (69) and center Trystan Colon (67) block Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro (98) in the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.1 / 15Ruke Orhorhoro, new Jacksonville Jaguars DL, joins via tradeOct 13, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro (98) during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images1 / 15Ruke Orhorhoro, new Jacksonville Jaguars DL, joins via tradeOct 13, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro (98) during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images2 / 15Ruke Orhorhoro, new Jacksonville Jaguars DL, joins via tradeOct 13, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro (98) walks off the field after the game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images3 / 15Ruke Orhorhoro, new Jacksonville Jaguars DL, joins via tradeATLANTA, GEORGIA - AUGUST 2: Ruke Orhorhoro #98 of the Atlanta Falcons warms up during NFL training camp at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 2, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)4 / 15Ruke Orhorhoro, new Jacksonville Jaguars DL, joins via tradeAug 15, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro (98) tackles Tennessee Titans running back Julius Chestnut (36) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images5 / 15Ruke Orhorhoro, new Jacksonville Jaguars DL, joins via tradeATLANTA, GEORGIA - AUGUST 23: Ruke Orhorhoro #98 of the Atlanta Falcons warms up prior to the preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 23, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)6 / 15Ruke Orhorhoro, new Jacksonville Jaguars DL, joins via tradeJan 5, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro (98) walks off the field after an overtime loss against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images7 / 15Ruke Orhorhoro, new Jacksonville Jaguars DL, joins via tradeATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 13: Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills is tackled by Ruke Orhorhoro #98 of the Atlanta Falcons in the second quarter of the game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on October 13, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)8 / 15Ruke Orhorhoro, new Jacksonville Jaguars DL, joins via tradeNov 23, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro (98) takes the field prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images9 / 15Ruke Orhorhoro, new Jacksonville Jaguars DL, joins via tradeATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 29: Blake Corum #22 of the Los Angeles Rams is tackled by Ruke Orhorhoro #98 of the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 29, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)10 / 15Ruke Orhorhoro, new Jacksonville Jaguars DL, joins via tradeDec 21, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) is pressured by. Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro (98) during the first half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images11 / 15Ruke Orhorhoro, new Jacksonville Jaguars DL, joins via tradeATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 07: Ruke Orhorhoro #98 of the Atlanta Falcons reacts after a sack during the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 07, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)12 / 15Ruke Orhorhoro, new Jacksonville Jaguars DL, joins via tradeSep 21, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) with the ball as Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro (98) defends in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images13 / 15Ruke Orhorhoro, new Jacksonville Jaguars DL, joins via tradeLAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 16: Ruke Orhorhoro #98 and Kentavius Street #93 of the Atlanta Falcons celebrate a tackle against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first quarter in the game at Allegiant Stadium on December 16, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images)14 / 15Ruke Orhorhoro, new Jacksonville Jaguars DL, joins via tradeAug 15, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro (98) tackles Tennessee Titans running back Julius Chestnut (36) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images15 / 15Ruke Orhorhoro, new Jacksonville Jaguars DL, joins via tradeAug 8, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Detroit Lions guard Tate Ratledge (69) and center Trystan Colon (67) block Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro (98) in the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Jaguars 2026 NFL Draft guide: Everything you need to know
This year, Jacksonville's top needs are not apparent at first glance. The team has several spots locked in with starters who have earned the role from last season's production. Still, the Jaguars will likely want to supplement them and add competition, which is what the following seven-round mock draft accounts for.
Last season, Jacksonville shocked the nation with a 13-4 AFC South title run, the third such title in franchise history. Jacksonville's 13 regular-season wins marked the second-most in franchise history (14, 1999).
The team's rise was surprising largely due to the team's 2024 campaign which ended in a 4-13 record, sending both former head coach Doug Pederson and former general manager Trent Baalke packing.
The team replaced them with fresh faces at all three levels of the franchise, including head coach Liam Coen, general manager James Gladstone and EVP of football Tony Boselli. All three were in their first years in those roles in 2025.
But, how will the Jaguars improve moving forward? Particularly without a first-round pick in this year's draft after trading it, in part, for cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter last year.
Here's Jacksonville NFL Draft order as of early April:
Round 3, Pick 100 via Detroit Lions (special compensatory selection)
Round 5, Pick 166 via San Francisco 49ers through Philadelphia Eagles
Round 6, Pick 203 via Philadelphia Eagles through Houston Texans and Eagles
Round 7, Pick 245 via Los Angeles Rams through Houston Texans
To refresh your memory, we included the briefs from the three-round mock, which included four players to supplement Jacksonville's defense in addition to the remaining portion of the seven-round mock.
It should be noted that while this mock includes three picks at receiver, we likely would sooner project the team offload picks for players or trade ups throughout the day. It would be surprising if the Jaguars kept all 11 draft picks this year.
Still, Jacksonville's receiver room is loaded at the top with Brian Thomas Jr., Jakobi Meyers and Parker Washington and Hunter (to an extent) slated as the front-runners, but could use plenty of help with depth moving forward.
Career stats: Played in 50 games in four years at Illinois, accounting for 183 total tackles (97 solos), 35.5 tackles for loss, 27 sacks, two pass breakups and seven forced fumbles.
Analysis: The Jaguars struggled to consistently bring down the quarterback last season, ranking 27th in the NFL with 32 sacks. Defensive end Josh Hines-Allen led the way with eight sacks, while former first-overall pick Travon Walker tallied just 3.5 sacks after battling much of the season with a surgically-repaired wrist. The team has yet to bring back either of their third team defensive ends (Dawuane Smoot and Emmanuel Ogbah) from last season.