Alabama linebacker Nikhai Hill-Green had a virtual meeting with the Jacksonville Jaguars as they prepare for the 2026 NFL draft. He has over 2,000 career defensive snaps and showed promise during his first season at Alabama.
Alabama linebacker Nikhai Hill-Green has the attention of the Jacksonville Jaguars ahead of the 2026 NFL draft.
In an interview with Sports Illustrated's Justin Melo, Hill-Green confirmed that he had a virtual meeting with the Jaguars. As we discussed recently, theĀ JaguarsĀ won't be hostingĀ prospects on official pre-draft visits.
An experienced defender at the collegiate level, Hill-Green has played over 2,000 career defensive snaps. The 2025 season was his first at Alabama. Playing 448 total snaps, Hill-Green was effective in coverage, limiting quarterbacks to a completion rate of 55%, while allowing 10.0 yards per catch. He did not have any ball production. Missed tackles were an issue at times. Hill-Green has played 321 career special teams snaps over five seasons.
On the consensus big board, Hill-Green is not ranked, making him a potential undrafted free agent addition.
To wrap up his interview with Melo, Hill-Green was asked why an NFL team should draft him.
"Iām going to make everybody around me better. I pay attention to the small details. Iām a hard worker. Iām going to demand the best out of myself and my teammates every single day. I love to prepare. Iām the ultimate professional linebacker. I want to help the team win games. I want us to be a Super Bowl caliber player. I can play on defense. I can play on special teams. Iām willing to do whatever the coaching staff needs me to do. Iām going to make the team better. I canāt wait to be an asset in the locker room. Iām strictly business, strictly football all of the time. Iām never going to be an off-field distraction. I want to win. Iām going to take advantage of my opportunity. Whoever gives me a chance, Iām going to work tirelessly to prove them right."
GM James Gladstone seems bullishĀ on the talent already on theĀ Jaguars' roster at linebacker, recently describing how the team would make up for no longer having Devin Lloyd. However, adding additional competition can help elevate the play of this position group.Ā Hill-Green would likely more so add to the depth of this unit and be competing for a roster spot.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: 2026 NFL draft: Alabama LB Nikhai Hill-Green meets with Jaguars
Nikhai Hill-Green has played over 2,000 career defensive snaps, with a completion rate allowed of 55% and 10.0 yards per catch during his first season at Alabama.
The Jaguars are interested in Nikhai Hill-Green due to his experience and performance as a linebacker, particularly his effectiveness in coverage during his collegiate career.
The Jaguars' decision not to host prospects for official pre-draft visits indicates a shift in their evaluation strategy, focusing instead on virtual meetings and assessments.
LIV Golf's future appears uncertain as reports suggest Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund may withdraw funding after investing $5 billion. Despite assurances for the 2026 season, the tour faces challenges from low ratings and strong competition from the PGA Tour.
Mike Trout's 446-foot HR joins him with Aaron Judge in Yankee Stadium lore.
Detroit Tigers projected to take a risk on a 6'3" prep bat in the MLB draft.
Arshdeep Singh makes history as the first PBKS bowler to reach 100 IPL wickets!
California's top high school football prospects are on the move this weekend.
Viktor Hovland shines with a 64 at RBC Heritage, Gotterup scores 70.
See every story in Sports ā including breaking news and analysis.