Analyst compiles 'ideal' draft haul for Jaguars after NFL combine

With the NFL combine now behind us, what does the ideal first three rounds of the 2026 NFL draft look like for the Jacksonville Jaguars?

Bradley Locker of Pro Football Focus recently put together his ideal three-round haul for each NFL team, including the Jaguars. Let’s dive into which prospects Locker paired with Jacksonville.

LB Anthony Hill Jr., Texas

Hill has played nearly 2,000 defensive snaps over the last three seasons. During that span, he has generated 60 quarterback pressures and logged 227 total tackles, according to PFF.

In coverage, he’s allowed 8.3 yards per reception with three interceptions and two pass breakups. While mostly playing from the box, Hill Jr. has experience in the slot and lining up along the defensive front.

Hill met with the Jaguars at the NFL combine.

What’s the need? If Devin Lloyd heads elsewhere in free agency, adding competition to for that starting spot next to Foye Oluokun likely becomes a greater priority for James Gladstone.

What Locker had to say: “If Devin Lloyd exits, then Hill (4.5% missed tackle rate) could be a reliable option over the middle.”

RB Jonah Coleman, Washington

Coleman is another back with experience in the passing game, totaling 109 targets in his four college seasons. He averaged a hefty 9.4 yards per catch as well.

As a ball carrier, Coleman averaged 5.5 yards per attempt, eclipsing the 1,000-yard mark in 2024. He’s also taken care of the football well in his career, with only two lost fumbles.

Not to be overlooked either, but Coleman graded out well in pass protection, according to PFF’s metrics.

What’s the need? Like Lloyd at linebacker, if Travis Etienne signs with a new team, running back will have to be addressed, even with Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen leading the way. Ja’Quinden Jackson is the only other running back under contract currently.

What Locker had to say: “If Travis Etienne finds a new home, then Coleman (83.8 PFF rushing grade) would slot into Liam Coen’s zone scheme.”

CB Daylen Everette, Georgia

For his career, Everette has allowed a completion rate of 59.7% and 12.3 yards per catch. He’s had solid ball production, coming away with five interceptions and 14 pass breakups over three seasons.

Also of note, Everette was a stout run defender and reliable tackler from the cornerback position, according to PFF’s metrics.

What’s the need? With Montaric Brown and Greg Newsome free agents, the starting role opposite of Travis Hunter is up for grabs.

What Locker had to say: “Everette (73.8 PFF coverage grade) makes sense in Anthony Campanile’s predominantly zone system.”

S Genesis Smith, Arizona

Smith has had good ball production in his career and allowed a career-low 12.1 yards per catch in 2025. Missed tackles, however, have been an issue at times, with Smith recording a missed tackle rate of over 20%. Most of his snaps came at free safety.

What’s the need? Andrew Wingard is a free agent, but how pressing of a need Gladstone believes the safety position is likely to depend on how confident he and the coaching staff are in Caleb Ransaw and Rayuan Lane to take on larger roles, providing depth. Still leading the way at this position are Eric Murray and Antonio Johnson.

What Locker had to say: “Smith (88.5 coverage grade) could compete to start next to Eric Murray.”

This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: 2026 NFL combine: ‘Ideal’ 3-round draft haul for Jacksonville Jaguars

Analyst compiles ‘ideal’ draft haul for Jaguars after NFL combine

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