The 2026 NFL Draft for the Jacksonville Jaguars is set for April 23 in Pittsburgh, with linebacker as their biggest need following Devin Lloyd's departure to Carolina.
Key points
2026 NFL Draft starts April 23 in Pittsburgh
Jacksonville Jaguars' biggest need is linebacker
Devin Lloyd signed with Carolina
Lloyd led Jaguars with five interceptions
Mentioned in this story
Pittsburgh
Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville Jaguars 2026 NFL Draft: Picks, biggest needs, best fit and trade predictions
The 2026 NFL Draft kicks off live from Pittsburgh on Thursday, April 23 and the latest crop of rookies will be hearing their names called all weekend long. For the Jacksonville Jaguars, the biggest need is an obvious one: Linebacker.
Pro Bowl linebacker Devin Lloyd, who led the team with five interceptions, was USA TODAY Sports' top free agent before signing a multi-year deal with Carolina. Lloyd and Foyesade Oluokun formed one of the top linebacking units in the NFL. The Jags could find Lloyd's replacement in this year's draft.
Here's everything you need to know about the Jacksonville Jaguars for this year's draft, including a round-by-round look at picks and a potential trade candidate already on the roster.
New Orleans Saints
Tyler Shough #6 of the New Orleans Saints and Chris Olave #12 celebrate a touchdown during the second half against the Carolina Panthers in the game at Bank of America Stadium on November 09, 2025, in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Q&A
What are the Jacksonville Jaguars' biggest needs for the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Jaguars' biggest need is linebacker, especially after losing Devin Lloyd to Carolina.
When does the 2026 NFL Draft start for the Jacksonville Jaguars?
The 2026 NFL Draft kicks off on Thursday, April 23, 2026.
Who was the top free agent for the Jaguars before the 2026 NFL Draft?
Pro Bowl linebacker Devin Lloyd was the Jaguars' top free agent before signing with Carolina.
Where is the 2026 NFL Draft being held?
The 2026 NFL Draft is being held in Pittsburgh.
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Washington Commanders
Terry McLaurin #17 of the Washington Commanders celebrates with Jayden Daniels #5 after catching a pass for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Detroit Lions in the NFC Divisional Playoff at Ford Field on January 18, 2025, in Detroit, Michigan.
New York Giants
Jaxson Dart #6 and Cam Skattebo #44 of the New York Giants celebrate after Skattebo carried the ball into the endzone for a touchdown during the second quarter of the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium on October 09, 2025, in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Tennessee Titans
Head coach Brian Callahan talks with Cam Ward of the Tennessee Titans during the fourth quarter of a game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on October 05, 2025, in Glendale, Arizona.
Cleveland Browns
Shedeur Sanders of the Cleveland Browns reacts to a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on November 23, 2025, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Dallas Cowboys
Dak Prescott #4 and CeeDee Lamb #88 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrate after their touchdown connection against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first quarter in the game at AT&T Stadium on November 27, 2025, in Arlington, Texas.
Las Vegas Raiders
Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders celebrates after a missed field goal during the game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on September 07, 2025, in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
Miami Dolphins
De'Von Achane #28 of the Miami Dolphins rushes for yards against Brandin Echols #26 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth quarter of the game at Acrisure Stadium on December 15, 2025, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Kansas City Chiefs
Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs and Andy Reid interact against the New York Giants during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium on September 21, 2025, in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
New York Jets
Head coach Aaron Glenn of the New York Jets looks on during the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers during the NFL Preseason 2025 game between New York Jets and Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on August 09, 2025, in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
1 / 10
The 10 NFL teams with the most at stake in the 2026 draft
New Orleans Saints
Tyler Shough #6 of the New Orleans Saints and Chris Olave #12 celebrate a touchdown during the second half against the Carolina Panthers in the game at Bank of America Stadium on November 09, 2025, in Charlotte, North Carolina.
1 / 10
The 10 NFL teams with the most at stake in the 2026 draft
New Orleans Saints
Tyler Shough #6 of the New Orleans Saints and Chris Olave #12 celebrate a touchdown during the second half against the Carolina Panthers in the game at Bank of America Stadium on November 09, 2025, in Charlotte, North Carolina.
2 / 10
The 10 NFL teams with the most at stake in the 2026 draft
Washington Commanders
Terry McLaurin #17 of the Washington Commanders celebrates with Jayden Daniels #5 after catching a pass for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Detroit Lions in the NFC Divisional Playoff at Ford Field on January 18, 2025, in Detroit, Michigan.
3 / 10
The 10 NFL teams with the most at stake in the 2026 draft
New York Giants
Jaxson Dart #6 and Cam Skattebo #44 of the New York Giants celebrate after Skattebo carried the ball into the endzone for a touchdown during the second quarter of the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium on October 09, 2025, in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
4 / 10
The 10 NFL teams with the most at stake in the 2026 draft
Tennessee Titans
Head coach Brian Callahan talks with Cam Ward of the Tennessee Titans during the fourth quarter of a game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on October 05, 2025, in Glendale, Arizona.
5 / 10
The 10 NFL teams with the most at stake in the 2026 draft
Cleveland Browns
Shedeur Sanders of the Cleveland Browns reacts to a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on November 23, 2025, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
6 / 10
The 10 NFL teams with the most at stake in the 2026 draft
Dallas Cowboys
Dak Prescott #4 and CeeDee Lamb #88 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrate after their touchdown connection against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first quarter in the game at AT&T Stadium on November 27, 2025, in Arlington, Texas.
7 / 10
The 10 NFL teams with the most at stake in the 2026 draft
Las Vegas Raiders
Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders celebrates after a missed field goal during the game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on September 07, 2025, in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
8 / 10
The 10 NFL teams with the most at stake in the 2026 draft
Miami Dolphins
De'Von Achane #28 of the Miami Dolphins rushes for yards against Brandin Echols #26 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth quarter of the game at Acrisure Stadium on December 15, 2025, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
9 / 10
The 10 NFL teams with the most at stake in the 2026 draft
Kansas City Chiefs
Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs and Andy Reid interact against the New York Giants during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium on September 21, 2025, in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
10 / 10
The 10 NFL teams with the most at stake in the 2026 draft
New York Jets
Head coach Aaron Glenn of the New York Jets looks on during the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers during the NFL Preseason 2025 game between New York Jets and Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on August 09, 2025, in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Jacksonville Jaguars NFL Draft best prospect fit: LB Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech
Per USA TODAY's Ayrton Ostly:
Jacksonville lost Devin Lloyd in free agency and that leaves a massive hole at linebacker for the Jaguars. Getting the defending Butkus Award winner (given to the best linebacker in college football) is a great way to overcome that loss. Rodriguez showed off his athleticism at the NFL combine to boost his stock. He could be a starter from Day 1.
Jacksonville Jaguars NFL Draft trade candidate: WR Brian Thomas Jr.
Per USA TODAY's Jack McKessy:
Thomas has been a subject of trade rumors throughout the offseason. The young receiver followed up an outstanding rookie campaign with a noticeable step back in 2025, his first year with rookie head coach Liam Coen. Given that Jacksonville already has Jakobi Meyers, breakout receiver Parker Washington, tight end Brenton Strange and two-way player Travis Hunter on the roster, it's possible the Jaguars move on from Thomas this offseason. Otherwise, they could risk seeing his value drop further if he takes another step back in 2026.
