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Pros, cons of Jaguars picking former MTSU LB Parker Hughes in 2026 NFL Draft
TL;DR
The Jacksonville Jaguars selected former MTSU linebacker Parker Hughes with the 240th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Hughes recorded 100 tackles and two interceptions in his final college season.
Key points
- Jacksonville Jaguars selected Parker Hughes with the 240th pick
- Hughes had a career-high 100 tackles in 2025
- He finished with 251 tackles in his college career
- Hughes won the Class 4A Mr. Football award in high school
Mentioned in this story
MTSU
Parker HughesJacksonville Jaguars2026 NFL Draft
The Jacksonville Jaguars selected former MTSU inside linebacker Parker Hughes with the 240th pick in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Hughes, a 6-foot-1, 225-pound former Elizabethton standout, had a team-best and career-high 100 tackles (three for loss) for MTSU in 2025, adding two interceptions, two pass breakups and two hurries.
He finished his MTSU career with 251 tackles (128 solo) after helping lead Elizabethton to two TSSAA BlueCross Bowl state titles in high school, winning the Class 4A Mr. Football award his senior season.
Here are the pros and cons of selecting Hughes in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Pros
Blazing speed is the biggest strength Hughes brings to the NFL. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.40 at a recent pro day at MTSU, which would have ranked first among linebackers who attended the NFL Combine (Ohio State's Sonny Styles topping the combine at 4.46).
He proved to be a ball hawk while at MTSU with 100 tackles during his senior season, a mark that a Blue Raider linebacker hadn't reached since 2013. He also had a PFF grade of 80.8 during his senior season.
Cons
Hughes' biggest con entering the draft was his anonymity, although that changed after pro day. RAS Football (Relative Athletic Score) lists his size and composite agility grade as being poor.
Parker Hughes highlights, NFL draft scouting report
Hughes shot up the 2026 NFL Draft prospect lists in a hurry after his big senior season at MTSU and performance at pro day. He was ranked among top 25 players in the draft at his position. Hughes was a fierce competitor as a Burlsworth Award finalist, and he will bring that same tenacity to the NFL.
Q&A
What were Parker Hughes' college stats at MTSU?
Parker Hughes had 100 tackles, two interceptions, and finished his MTSU career with 251 tackles.
Why did the Jaguars choose Parker Hughes in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Jaguars selected Hughes for his strong performance at MTSU, where he demonstrated leadership and tackling ability.
What are the potential pros and cons of drafting Parker Hughes?
The article discusses various pros and cons, including Hughes' tackling skills and experience, as well as concerns about his transition to the NFL.
