The Jacksonville Jaguars are preparing for the 2026 NFL Draft, focusing on defensive needs. They have acquired key players like Gabe Jacas and Kaleb Elarms-Orr to strengthen their lineup.
Key points
Jaguars focus on defensive needs in the 2026 NFL Draft
Gabe Jacas acquired as a starting-caliber defensive end
Kaleb Elarms-Orr selected to strengthen linebacker position
Trade for Ruke Orhohoro signals defensive strategy
Gabe JacasKaleb Elarms-OrrRuke OrhohoroJosh Hines-Allen
With the 2026 NFL Draft just days away, we wanted to revisit a mock draft published earlier this month.
In the three-round version of the mock draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars stuck to the defensive side of the football.
The Jaguars acquired a starting-caliber defensive end to rotate with Josh Hines-Allen and newly-extended defensive end Travon Walker in Illinois's Gabe Jacas. The team also created a safety net at linebacker by selecting Kaleb Elarms-Orr out of TCU.
The team's trade for DL Ruke Orhohoro should give you a hint as to how the team feels entering this week's event.
Oct 13, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro (98) during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Oct 13, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro (98) walks off the field after the game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Q&A
What are the Jacksonville Jaguars' biggest needs for the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Jaguars are primarily focusing on strengthening their defense, particularly in the defensive end and linebacker positions.
Who did the Jaguars select in their latest mock draft?
In the latest mock draft, the Jaguars selected defensive end Gabe Jacas and linebacker Kaleb Elarms-Orr.
What impact will Ruke Orhohoro have on the Jaguars' defense?
Ruke Orhohoro's trade acquisition indicates the Jaguars' commitment to enhancing their defensive line ahead of the draft.
How does the Jaguars' draft strategy reflect their current roster needs?
The Jaguars' draft strategy emphasizes adding depth and talent to their defense, addressing gaps created by player trades and extensions.
Related Articles
MLB·Preview
Free agent pickups: Need some pitching? Look to Twins and Astros
Looking for pitching help? Check out Mick Abel of the Twins for Week 4!
ESPN News··1 min read
NFL·Feature
'It's his superpower': Inside Fernando Mendoza's extraordinary rise to No. 1
Fernando Mendoza is poised to be the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL draft after leading Indiana to its first national championship. His impressive performance at the combine has solidified his status as a top prospect.
ESPN News··1 min read
Soccer·Recap
Is the Premier League now Man City's to lose? PLUS: Bayern clinch Bundesliga, more
Man City beats Arsenal to lead Premier League; Bayern wins Bundesliga
ESPN News··1 min read
Sports
Biles, en MARCA: "No sé cómo, pero espero estar en Los Ángeles"
Marca·
NFL
Are the Ravens ignoring a key WR upgrade at Lamar Jackson's expense?
Are the Ravens neglecting a key WR upgrade for Lamar Jackson?
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
NFL
49ers get great news amid $50 million Trent Williams contract update
Trent Williams set to sign a $50 million deal with the 49ers for two years.
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - AUGUST 2: Ruke Orhorhoro #98 of the Atlanta Falcons warms up during NFL training camp at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 2, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
Aug 15, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro (98) tackles Tennessee Titans running back Julius Chestnut (36) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - AUGUST 23: Ruke Orhorhoro #98 of the Atlanta Falcons warms up prior to the preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 23, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
Jan 5, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro (98) walks off the field after an overtime loss against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 13: Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills is tackled by Ruke Orhorhoro #98 of the Atlanta Falcons in the second quarter of the game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on October 13, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Nov 23, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro (98) takes the field prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 29: Blake Corum #22 of the Los Angeles Rams is tackled by Ruke Orhorhoro #98 of the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 29, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Dec 21, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) is pressured by. Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro (98) during the first half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 07: Ruke Orhorhoro #98 of the Atlanta Falcons reacts after a sack during the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 07, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
Sep 21, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) with the ball as Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro (98) defends in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 16: Ruke Orhorhoro #98 and Kentavius Street #93 of the Atlanta Falcons celebrate a tackle against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first quarter in the game at Allegiant Stadium on December 16, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images)
Aug 15, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro (98) tackles Tennessee Titans running back Julius Chestnut (36) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Aug 8, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Detroit Lions guard Tate Ratledge (69) and center Trystan Colon (67) block Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro (98) in the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
1 / 15
Ruke Orhorhoro, new Jacksonville Jaguars DL, joins via trade
Oct 13, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro (98) during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
1 / 15
Ruke Orhorhoro, new Jacksonville Jaguars DL, joins via trade
Oct 13, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro (98) during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
2 / 15
Ruke Orhorhoro, new Jacksonville Jaguars DL, joins via trade
Oct 13, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro (98) walks off the field after the game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
3 / 15
Ruke Orhorhoro, new Jacksonville Jaguars DL, joins via trade
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - AUGUST 2: Ruke Orhorhoro #98 of the Atlanta Falcons warms up during NFL training camp at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 2, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
4 / 15
Ruke Orhorhoro, new Jacksonville Jaguars DL, joins via trade
Aug 15, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro (98) tackles Tennessee Titans running back Julius Chestnut (36) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
5 / 15
Ruke Orhorhoro, new Jacksonville Jaguars DL, joins via trade
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - AUGUST 23: Ruke Orhorhoro #98 of the Atlanta Falcons warms up prior to the preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 23, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
6 / 15
Ruke Orhorhoro, new Jacksonville Jaguars DL, joins via trade
Jan 5, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro (98) walks off the field after an overtime loss against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
7 / 15
Ruke Orhorhoro, new Jacksonville Jaguars DL, joins via trade
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 13: Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills is tackled by Ruke Orhorhoro #98 of the Atlanta Falcons in the second quarter of the game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on October 13, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
8 / 15
Ruke Orhorhoro, new Jacksonville Jaguars DL, joins via trade
Nov 23, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro (98) takes the field prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
9 / 15
Ruke Orhorhoro, new Jacksonville Jaguars DL, joins via trade
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 29: Blake Corum #22 of the Los Angeles Rams is tackled by Ruke Orhorhoro #98 of the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 29, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
10 / 15
Ruke Orhorhoro, new Jacksonville Jaguars DL, joins via trade
Dec 21, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) is pressured by. Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro (98) during the first half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
11 / 15
Ruke Orhorhoro, new Jacksonville Jaguars DL, joins via trade
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 07: Ruke Orhorhoro #98 of the Atlanta Falcons reacts after a sack during the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 07, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
12 / 15
Ruke Orhorhoro, new Jacksonville Jaguars DL, joins via trade
Sep 21, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) with the ball as Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro (98) defends in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
13 / 15
Ruke Orhorhoro, new Jacksonville Jaguars DL, joins via trade
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 16: Ruke Orhorhoro #98 and Kentavius Street #93 of the Atlanta Falcons celebrate a tackle against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first quarter in the game at Allegiant Stadium on December 16, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images)
14 / 15
Ruke Orhorhoro, new Jacksonville Jaguars DL, joins via trade
Aug 15, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro (98) tackles Tennessee Titans running back Julius Chestnut (36) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
15 / 15
Ruke Orhorhoro, new Jacksonville Jaguars DL, joins via trade
Aug 8, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Detroit Lions guard Tate Ratledge (69) and center Trystan Colon (67) block Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro (98) in the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
This year, Jacksonville's top needs are not apparent at first glance. The team has several spots locked in with starters who have earned the role from last season's production. Still, the Jaguars will likely want to supplement them and add competition, which is what the following seven-round mock draft accounts for.
Last season, Jacksonville shocked the nation with a 13-4 AFC South title run, the third such title in franchise history. Jacksonville's 13 regular-season wins marked the second-most in franchise history (14, 1999).
The team's rise was surprising largely due to the team's 2024 campaign which ended in a 4-13 record, sending both former head coach Doug Pederson and former general manager Trent Baalke packing.
The team replaced them with fresh faces at all three levels of the franchise, including head coach Liam Coen, general manager James Gladstone and EVP of football Tony Boselli. All three were in their first years in those roles in 2025.
But, how will the Jaguars improve moving forward? Particularly without a first-round pick in this year's draft after trading it, in part, for cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter last year.
Jaguars 2026 NFL Draft picks
Here's Jacksonville NFL Draft order as of early April:
Jaguars 7-round mock draft front-loaded with defense
To refresh your memory, we included the briefs from the three-round mock, which included four players to supplement Jacksonville's defense in addition to the remaining portion of the seven-round mock.
It should be noted that while this mock includes three picks at receiver, we likely would sooner project the team offload picks for players or trade ups throughout the day. It would be surprising if the Jaguars kept all 11 draft picks this year.
Still, Jacksonville's receiver room is loaded at the top with Brian Thomas Jr., Jakobi Meyers and Parker Washington and Hunter (to an extent) slated as the front-runners, but could use plenty of help with depth moving forward.
Round 2, Pick 56: Gabe Jacas, DE, Illinois
CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS - AUGUST 29: Gabe Jacas #17 of the Illinois Fighting Illini reacts against the Western Illinois Leathernecks during the first half at Memorial Stadium on August 29, 2025 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS - AUGUST 29: Gabe Jacas #17 of the Illinois Fighting Illini reacts against the Western Illinois Leathernecks during the first half at Memorial Stadium on August 29, 2025 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Measurables: 6-foot-4, 260 pounds
Career stats: Played in 50 games in four years at Illinois, accounting for 183 total tackles (97 solos), 35.5 tackles for loss, 27 sacks, two pass breakups and seven forced fumbles.
Analysis: The Jaguars struggled to consistently bring down the quarterback last season, ranking 27th in the NFL with 32 sacks. Defensive end Josh Hines-Allen led the way with eight sacks, while former first-overall pick Travon Walker tallied just 3.5 sacks after battling much of the season with a surgically-repaired wrist. The team has yet to bring back either of their third team defensive ends (Dawuane Smoot and Emmanuel Ogbah) from last season.
Enter Jacas, who could immediately star in that role and allow Walker to move inside more often on obvious passing-rushing situations. Walker was signed to a four-year contract extension on April 3. This year's draft features a lot of depth at EDGE, don't pass up an opportunity.
Browns linked to NFL Draft safety Genesis Smith. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Browns linked to NFL Draft safety Genesis Smith. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Measurables: 6-foot-2, 202 pounds
Career stats: Played three years at Arizona (2023-25), playing in 27 games, accounting for 164 tackles (87 solos), five interceptions, 14 pass breakups and four forced fumbles.
Analysis: Jacksonville invested a third-round pick in safety Caleb Ransaw last year. However, the rookie was unable to suit up, injuring his foot early in camp. That forced the team to slide in veteran backup Andrew Wingard, who has since signed with the Arizona Cardinals.
While Jacksonville is very confident in Ransaw's abilities, the team cannot go into 2026 without a contingency plan, especially as Eric Murray and Antonio Johnson enter the final year of their respective contracts**.** Smith adds value due to his athleticism at the position and sharp understanding of football. If selected, the team could rest easy at the position.
Round 3, Pick 88: Chris McClellan, DT, Missouri
Jan 29, 2026; Mobile, AL, USA; American defensive tackle Chris Mcclellan (97) of Missouri of Boston College works in a drill during American Senior Bowl practice at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images
Jan 29, 2026; Mobile, AL, USA; American defensive tackle Chris Mcclellan (97) of Missouri of Boston College works in a drill during American Senior Bowl practice at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images
Measurables: 6-foot-4, 313 pounds
Career stats: Played 25 games for the Florida Gators (2022-23) before transferring to Missouri (26 games played). Through 51 games, McClellan accounted for 133 tackles (39 solos), 17 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, four bated passes and a forced fumble.
Analysis: Jacksonville's struggles to impact the passing game along the interior has been well-documented for many years now. As defensive tackle Arik Armstead enters his 12th season in the league, the Jaguars must address the position. Former second-round pick, Maason Smith, simply has not worked out. While the team should not give up on him, a little competition never hurt anyone.
McClellan has a lot of experience and has always played at a high level since being recruited as a a four-star out of high school.
Round 3, Pick 100: Kaleb Elarms-Orr, LB, TCU
Oct 4, 2025; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; TCU Horned Frogs linebacker Kaleb Elarms-Orr (3) reacts after a defensive play against the Colorado Buffaloes during the second half at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images
Oct 4, 2025; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; TCU Horned Frogs linebacker Kaleb Elarms-Orr (3) reacts after a defensive play against the Colorado Buffaloes during the second half at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images
Measurables: 6-foot-2, 234 pounds
Career stats: Played in 21 games at Cal (2022-23), 26 games at TCU (2023-25). In 47 games, Elarms-Orr accounted for 276 tackles (135 solos), 19 tackles for loss, seven sacks, one interception, seven pass breakups and one forced fumble.
Analysis: The Jaguars let Devin Lloyd walk in free agency, and in return they'll look to veteran Ventrell Miller to fill his shoes — at least for now. Similar to the team's safety room, while there may be players who can fill roles, there needs to be an influx of talent in the room. Elarms-Orr brings athleticism and production-value. While he may not be ideal in passing situations yet, defensive coordinator Anthony campanile seems to be able to work miracles when needed.
Browns NFL Draft target Jeff Caldwell. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
Browns NFL Draft target Jeff Caldwell. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
Measurables: 6-foot-5, 216 pounds
Career stats: Lindenwood (2022-2024, 28 games): 93 catches for 1,772 yards and 23 touchdowns. Cincinnati (2025, 13 games): 32 catches for 478 yards and six touchdowns.
Analysis: Caldwell is a freak of an athlete with a 4.31-second 40-yard dash, 42-inch vertical and 11-feet-two-inch broad jump on his resume. He'd give Jacksonville the size they desire at receiver with potential for much more with some development.
Round 5, Pick 164: Josh Cuevas, TE, Alabama
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 25: Josh Cuevas #80 of the Alabama Crimson Tide makes a catch for a two point conversion in the second half against the South Carolina Gamecocks during their game at Williams-Brice Stadium on October 25, 2025 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 25: Josh Cuevas #80 of the Alabama Crimson Tide makes a catch for a two point conversion in the second half against the South Carolina Gamecocks during their game at Williams-Brice Stadium on October 25, 2025 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
Measurables: 6-foot-3, 256 pounds
Career stats: Washington (2023, 15 games): Four catches for 164 yards and one touchdown. Alabama (2024-25, 25 games): 53 catches for 629 yards and five touchdowns.
Analysis: The Jaguars will be in search for another tight end after releasing veteran Johnny Mundt. The team could pair rising start TE Brenton Strange and Quintin Morris with Cuevas operating alongside Hunter Long.
Round 5, Pick 166: Charles Demmings, CB, Stephen F. Austin (SFA)
Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks defensive back Charles Demmings (21) intercepts a pass as Jacksonville State Gamecocks take on Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks during the FCS Kickoff at Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, Ala., on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022. Jacksonville State Gamecocks lead Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks 21-17.
Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks defensive back Charles Demmings (21) intercepts a pass as Jacksonville State Gamecocks take on Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks during the FCS Kickoff at Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, Ala., on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022. Jacksonville State Gamecocks lead Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks 21-17.
Measurables: 6-foot-1, 193 pounds
Career stats: Played in 42 games, totaling 63 tackles, nine interceptions, 35 pass breakups.
Analysis: A small-school prospect with fantastic ball skills. The Jaguars need developmental corners to add to the team's depth. Last year's team was forced to sign veterans off the street to ensure they had capable players on board.
Round 6, Pick 203: Malik Benson, WR, Oregon
Oregon wide receiver Malik Benson warms up as the Oregon Ducks face the Indiana Hoosiers in the Peach Bowl on Jan. 9, 2026, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.
Oregon wide receiver Malik Benson warms up as the Oregon Ducks face the Indiana Hoosiers in the Peach Bowl on Jan. 9, 2026, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.
Measurables: 6-foot-1, 195 pounds
Career stats: Alabama (2023): 13 catches for 162 yards and one touchdown. Florida State (2024): 25 receptions for 311 yards and one touchdown. Oregon (2025, 15 games): 43 receptions for 719 yards and six touchdowns.
Analysis: Benson adds more speed to Jacksonville's receiving corps. Has some upside as a rotating receiver on occasions.
Oct 25, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Jaeden Roberts (77) blocks for wide receiver Germie Bernard (5) in the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
Oct 25, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Jaeden Roberts (77) blocks for wide receiver Germie Bernard (5) in the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
Measurables: 6-foot-5, 333 pounds
Career stats: Played in 37 career games at guard for Alabama. Was a full-time starter during the 2024-25 seasons at right guard.
Analysis: You can never have enough big men who can move people and that's who Roberts is. He will need to be coached up, but the Jaguars have plenty of depth to allow for it.
Round 7, Pick 240: Cyrus Allen, WR, Cincinnati
Jan 29, 2026; Mobile, AL, USA; American wide receiver Cyrus Allen (13) of Cincinnati grabs a touchdown pass during American Senior Bowl practice at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images
Jan 29, 2026; Mobile, AL, USA; American wide receiver Cyrus Allen (13) of Cincinnati grabs a touchdown pass during American Senior Bowl practice at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images
Measurables: 5-foot-11, 180-183 pounds
Career stats: Texas A&M (2024): 18 catches for 269 yards and one touchdown. Cincinnati (2025): 51 receptions for 674 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Analysis: Dipping into the receiver well for a third time, the Jaguars could use another player to play backup to Washington in the slot. Allen is a bit undersized, but it hasn't stopped him yet.
Round 7, Pick 245: Kaelon Black, RB, Indiana
Indiana Hoosiers running back Kaelon Black (8) rushes the ball for a touchdown Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, during the Peach Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff against the Oregon Ducks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Indiana Hoosiers running back Kaelon Black (8) rushes the ball for a touchdown Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, during the Peach Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff against the Oregon Ducks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Measurables: 5-foot-9, 211 pounds
Career stats: James Madison (2022-23): 211 carries for 970 yards and four touchdowns, adding 44 catches for 431 yards and six receiving touchdowns. Indiana (2024-25): 232 carries for 1,291 yards and 12 touchdowns, adding eight catches for 42 yards through the air.
Analysis: Jacksonville isn't likely to invest a high pick in a running back. The team brought in Chris Rodriguez Jr. to go alongside LeQuint Allen and Bhayshul Tuten. Still, there's nothing wrong with taking a flier on a compact, between-the-tackles runner like Black. He fits the personality mold that Coen looks for.
