The 2026 NFL Draft is just around the corner, and the Jacksonville Jaguars are fine-tuning their roster. While they lack a first-round pick, General Manager James Gladstone holds a valuable arsenal of 11 total selections, including four within the top 100. This capital provides significant flexibility to target impact players and address key positional needs as the draft board unfolds.
One unit under the microscope is the defensive tackle group, which has a new look following a recent trade. The Jaguars sent Maason Smith to the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for Ruke Orhorhoro, a move that adds a different skill set to the interior defensive line. Orhorhoro brings energy and potential as a pass rusher, an area where the Jaguars' production notably faded late in the 2025 season.
However, this trade is more of a strategic adjustment than a complete solution. With only five defensive tackles currently under contract, the need for both quality depth and consistent interior pressure remains a clear priority. The defensive tackle position in this year's draft class is considered deep, offering Gladstone and his staff several promising prospects to target with their plentiful picks.
As the draft approaches, bolstering the defensive front will be crucial for a Jaguars team looking to build a more formidable and disruptive defense. The addition of Orhorhoro is the first step, but expect the Jaguars to be active in adding more talent to the trenches throughout the draft weekend.
