Updated April 7, 2026, 2:59 p.m. ET

The Athletic’s Nick Baumgardner put together a three-round mock draft recently, which included a heavy focus on the defensive side of the ball for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Below are the Jaguars‘ picks in this mock draft:

Pick 56: Jake Golday, LB, CincinnatiPick 81: Chandler Rivers, CB, DukePick 88: Keyshaun Elliot, LB, Arizona StatePick 100: Jaisahwn Barham, EDGE, Michigan

Now, let’s discuss our takeaways.

Two picks in the top 100 at linebacker?

James Gladstone is bullish about the talent already on the Jaguars’ roster at linebacker, particularly in Ventrell Miller. That said, adding more competition as the Jaguars attempt to replace Devin Lloyd wouldn’t be a bad idea either. So spending a draft pick in the early going at this position is very much in play. But two picks in the top 100? That feels unnecessary. Still on the roster are Miller, Foye Oluokun, Dennis Gardeck, Jack Kiser, Jalen McLeod, Yasir Abdullah, and Branson Combs. One of those picks could be better utilized on another position group.

Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.Cornerback is still in play for the Jaguars

Adding Montaric Brown back into the mix greatly reduced the Jaguars’ need to address the cornerback position. He and Hunter will start on the outside, Lewis will be at the nickel, while Jones provides experienced depth. I would guess we still see Gladstone add to this position in the draft to boost depth and competition on the back end, but no longer does doing so right away feel like a must. The draft board can dictate when Gladstone adds to this position. Rivers has had good ball production in his career.

Where’s the defensive tackle help?

The Jaguars still have seven picks on Day 3 of the draft, but failing to address arguably their biggest need on Day 2 — where they have four picks — feels like a miss. Depth and pass-rush juice are very much needed at defensive tackle.

Don’t forget about edge rusher

With Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen leading the way here, the Jaguars are positioned well at edge rusher. That said, the only other players under contract currently are BJ Green and Danny Striggow. Depth and competition for snaps behind Walker and Hines-Allen are needed. This could be a position where the Jaguars double-dip.