The 2026 NFL draft is set to begin, with analysts predicting the Jacksonville Jaguars will focus on linebacker and offensive line in Round 2, despite lacking a first-round pick.
Key points
2026 NFL draft begins soon
Jaguars lack a first-round pick
Analysts predict LB and OL focus in Round 2
Anthony Hill Jr. is a potential pick
Anthony Hill Jr.Jacksonville JaguarsLas Vegas RaidersNFL Draft 2026
Day 1 of the 2026 NFL draft has arrived, and in the days leading up to the event, analysts have been submitting their final mock draft predictions. Although the Jacksonville Jaguars are without a first-round pick, many recent mock drafts have included Round 2 and beyond.
So, before the Las Vegas Raiders are on the clock on Thursday evening, let's take one last look at who the experts have the Jaguars taking in Round 2.
What Reid had to say: "Linebacker is at the top of Jacksonville's needs list, especially with Devin Lloyd departing in free agency. Hill is an aggressive and urgent mover who loves to strike on contact."
Takeaway: Hill Jr. brings a well-rounded skill set to the position and could compete for snaps right away.
Takeaway: Safety isn't a pressing need for the Jaguars. Haulcy has been a sound run defender by PFF's metrics and has had very good ball production in coverage, logging eight interceptions and 10 pass breakups the last two seasons.
Q&A
Who are the top Round 2 picks predicted for the Jaguars in the 2026 NFL draft?
Analysts suggest the Jaguars may select linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. from Texas among other positions.
Why don't the Jaguars have a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL draft?
The Jaguars traded away their first-round pick, which is why they will be focusing on later rounds.
What positions are the Jaguars expected to prioritize in the 2026 NFL draft?
The Jaguars are expected to prioritize linebacker and offensive line in their Round 2 selections.
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What Rang had to say: "This will be the Jaguars' first pick of the draft and I think it will be dedicated to the running game — whether it's selecting a replacement for Travis Etienne or a burly blocker to aid the backs already on the roster. I’ll go with Dunker, who would add some nastiness to the Jags’ front."
Takeaways: This is one of those instances of taking the best player available. Most of Dunker's snaps at Iowa came at tackle, where he was a very reliable presence in both the run and pass games.
What Iyer had to say: "The Jaguars didn't re-sign Devin Lloyd to need to replace him with a prolific, rangy upfield linebacker who was good enough to get Heisman consideration."
Takeaway: Rodriguez was one of PFF's highest-graded run defenders at the linebacker position. He also had good ball production in coverage, generating four interceptions and three pass breakups.
What Melo had to say: "Devin Lloyd left in free agency and GM James Gladstone plans to address his departure in the NFL Draft," wrote Melo. "Jacob Rodriguez would be plug and play. Rodriguez is a safe linebacker prospect with an unfathomable amount of production (2025: 128 tackles, 11 TFLs, seven FFs, four INTs) under his belt."
Takeaway: To go along with his production, Rodriguez tested quite well at the NFL combine.
Takeaway: As mentioned, this would be a best player available pick. With no roster turnover up front, the offensive line is not a big need for the Jaguars this offseason -- although for a team that prioritized competition up front last season and needs improved play in the run game, an addition to this unit does seem to be in play.
