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Top 3 Jaguars third-round picks in franchise history
TL;DR
The Jacksonville Jaguars are heading to the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh without a first-round pick, having traded it for Travis Hunter. Historically, they have excelled in the third round, with Aaron Beasley being their top pick in that round.
The Jacksonville Jaguars will be heading to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for the 2026 NFL Draft next week, along with the rest of the league. Yet this year, the Jaguars don't have a first-round pick, having traded it away in 2025 to get Travis Hunter.
Thankfully, the Jacksonville roster is still strong, and this year's draft class is stacked, particularly on defense. And as history has proven, the Jags have been able to land high-quality players in later draft rounds. Here are the top three players taken in the third round, chosen for their production, longevity, and overall impact on the franchise.
Runners-up: Akin Ayodele, Yannick Ngakoue, Brandon Linder, Jarrian Jones
#1: Aaron Beasley
Beasley was drafted in the third round in 1996 and played in Jacksonville from 1996 to 2001. During that time, he became a strong, consistent presence at linebacker, racking up multiple 100-tackle seasons. Despite being a third-round pick, he quickly became one of the core leaders on defense, and though he never became a league-wide star, his years of reliable, productive play on the field and leadership in the locker room earn him a place on this list.
#2: Vince Manuwai
Offensive linemen are often overlooked, but Manuwai shouldn't be. Drafted in the third round in 2003, he was a fixture on the offensive line and played a key role in Jacksonville's success in the run game. He was known for his physical style of play and the stability he provided in the trenches. Tragically, Manuwai passed away in 2018 at the age of 38, but Jaguars fans will always remember the role he played in Jacksonville's dominant run game.
#3: Dawuane Smoot
Drafted in the third round in 2017, Smoot has proven himself to be a reliable and versatile defender. He briefly left Jacksonville in 2024, but re-signed with the Jags in 2025. While he isn't a headline name, he has grown from a rotational player to a regular contributor, particularly on the pass rush. He was the 2023 Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee for the Jaguars and has been an unsung hero for the Jacksonville defense.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: 2026 NFL draft: Best third-round picks by Jaguars in franchise history
Q&A
Who are the top third-round picks in Jacksonville Jaguars history?
The top third-round picks in Jaguars history include Aaron Beasley, along with runners-up Akin Ayodele, Yannick Ngakoue, Brandon Linder, and Jarrian Jones.
Why don't the Jaguars have a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Jaguars traded their first-round pick in 2025 to acquire Travis Hunter, which is why they will not have a first-round selection in the upcoming draft.
What is the significance of the Jaguars' third-round picks?
The Jaguars have historically found high-quality players in the third round, contributing significantly to the team's success and roster strength over the years.