3 NFL draft prospects Jaguars missed out on without first-round pick

By not having a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL draft, which players did the Jacksonville Jaguars potentially miss out on?

The Jaguars are without a first-round pick this year after trading it during last year's draft to the Cleveland Browns in order to move up and select Travis Hunter.

Had the Jaguars had that pick, after finishing 13-4 last season and losing in the AFC wildcard round of the playoffs, they would have been picking at 24th overall.

With that selection, the Browns ended up picking Texas A&M wide receiver KC Concepcion.

Taking into account positional need for the Jaguars and value, here are some prospects that perhaps could have been of interest.

DI Kayden McDonald, Ohio State

Widely considered one of the top defensive tackles in this class, picking McDonald here might be a bit early, but the selection addresses a top need for the Jaguars. McDonald was a top run defender by PFF's metrics last season. He recorded 15 pressures and four sacks as a pass rusher. McDonald's impact won't always show up on the stat sheet, but his presence can create opportunities for others.

EDGE TJ Parker, Clemson

The only defensive ends under contract behind Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker on the depth chart are BJ Green and Danny Striggow. Parker recorded 92 pressures and 18 sacks over the last two seasons. He's also graded out well against the run. This pick would have given the pass rush rotation a boost.

DI Peter Woods, Clemson

Woods has been productive against both the run and pass. He's had steady pass rush production, logging 54 pressures the last three seasons, and graded out well against the run. Woods packs potential and upside for a team to tap into. NFL.com's Lance Zierlein wrote that Woods' "ability to overtake and win as the rep progresses is impressive."