March 15, 2026, 7:51 a.m. ET
How has the first wave of NFL free agency potentially impacted how the Jacksonville Jaguars go about the early portion of the 2026 NFL draft?
It’s been a relatively quiet start to free agency for the Jaguars, who have made only one outside signing at this point, adding running back Chris Rodriguez. GM James Gladstone recently described the reason behind this quiet start.
However, despite the lack of moves, Gladstone believes that the Jaguars are positioned well entering the draft, mentioning in his latest press conference that, “We don’t have to pick based off of need at any specific spot,” referencing Jacksonville’s ability to let the board dictate what direction they go with their picks.
This is a product of re-signing some of their own free agents, like Montaric Brown, but it also shows where the Jaguars’ roster is at, with the team not needing any drastic changes like last offseason.
So, given the current construction of the Jaguars’ roster a week into free agency, let’s run through a three-round 2026 NFL mock draft, using Pro Football Network’s simulator.
Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.Pick 56: Lee Hunter, IDL, Texas Tech
I don’t know if Hunter will actually be available when the Jaguars are picking in April, but I couldn’t pass up taking him in this mock. Hunter is listed at 6-4 – 330 pounds. He’s played over 1,800 career defensive snaps, including over 500 snaps in each of the last three seasons. He was one of PFF’s highest graded run defenders and brings some pass rush upside at his size.
Pick 81: Gabe Jacas, EDGE, Illinois
The pass rush depth behind Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker needs a boost, and Jacas can provide that. Jacas is listed at 6-3 – 270 pounds and is an experienced player with nearly 2,300 career defensive snaps. Over the last two seasons, Jacas has surpassed 40 quarterback pressures and totaled 20 sacks, according to PFF.
Pick 88: Deontae Lawson, LB, Alabama
Gladstone is bullish on the current construction of the Jaguars’ linebacker position, but as the team looks to replace Devin Lloyd, adding more competition isn’t a bad thing. Lawsome has played 2,461 career snaps and been quite effective as a blitzer. Missed tackles have popped up at times, but he’s also limited pass-catchers to just over 8.0 yards per catch the last two seasons, with an interception and six pass breakups.
Pick 100: Max Klare, TE, Ohio State
This pick is more so about the future. Behind Brenton Strange, the Jaguars have Quintin Morris to fill the blocking-heavy role this season, along with Hunter Long, who brings some added pass-catching upside. But in 2027, both of those players are free agents. Klare’s blocking took a step forward in 2025, and he was graded as one of PFF’s better run-blocking tight ends. Klare was also active in the passing game, with 55 targets in 2025 at Ohio State, along with having 74 targets in 2024 at Purdue.