What draft expert said about Jaguars LB Parker Hughes in scouting report

With the 240th overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars selected Middle Tennessee State linebacker Parker Hughes.

Hughes has played 1,910 career defensive snaps over four seasons at Middle Tennessee State. He's been a sound tackler and graded out well against the run by PFF's metrics this past season.

In coverage, he held opponents to under 10 yards per catch, coming away with two interceptions and three pass breakups.

During the pre-draft process, he showcased his speed and explosiveness, running a 4.39-second 40 and posting 35-50 inches on the vertical jump.

For more on Hughes' game, here is what NFL.com's Lance Zierlein had to say in his pre-draft scouting report.

Parker Hughes' scouting report

"Athletic and active, Hughes is a three-year starting linebacker who lacks ideal size but possesses impressive straight-line speed. He sees the field well and plays with good instincts post-snap. He saw spikes in tackle production in each successive season and is a better tackle-finisher than expected for having average length. Hughes lacks plus pop in his block take-ons and has fewer tackles for loss than I expected given his downhill style and burst. His ability to cover in space and compete for a special teams role should improve his chances of making a roster." - Lance Zierlein

Some of the strengths of Hughes' game that Zierlein mentioned were his elite speed, good play recognition, and he's able to "drop and swerve with good fluidity in zone coverage."

On the flip side, some of Hughes' weaknesses include his length, and there is a "slight delay getting into lateral transitions in coverage."

Hughes early contributions with the Jaguars will come on special teams. In the long run, the Jaguars like his ability to defend the run.