Jaguars land top-rated safety in Brugler's early 2027 NFL mock draft

Although the 2026 NFL draft has just ended, one of the best in the business, The Athletic's Dane Brugler, has already put together a first-round mock for the 2027 NFL draft.

Next year, in what is expected to be a loaded draft class, the Jacksonville Jaguars have their first-round selection after being without one in 2026.

So who does Brugler have the Jaguars picking in this way-too-early mock draft?

Jaguars address safety position in 2027 NFL mock draft

Holding the 16th overall pick in this mock, the Jaguars picked Georgia safety KJ Bolden.

"The top-ranked safety at this point in the process, Bolden lacks ideal size, but he makes plays in the run game and in coverage (he also had a blocked punt in 2025)," Brugler wrote.

Bolden is listed at 6-0, weighs 195 pounds, and has played 1,277 defensive snaps over the last two seasons. He's proven to be a very reliable tackler, making 78 of his 82 attempts last season, which contributed to him being one of PFF's highest-graded run defenders at the safety position.

In coverage, Bolden allowed only 19 receptions on 37 targets, while forcing two interceptions and six pass breakups. He has experience playing deep safety and down in the box.

Although the Jaguars just drafted safeties Caleb Ransaw and Rayuan Lane in 2025, along with Jalen Huskey this year, looking ahead to next offseason, Antonio Johnson is a free agent, while the Jaguars could get out of deal if needed.