With defensive tackle being a position that the Jacksonville Jaguars should be looking to address in the 2026 NFL draft, which early-round prospects could be on their radar?

The need at defensive tackle is twofold. For starters, the Jaguars simply need more depth. At the moment, Arik Armstead, DaVon Hamilton, Matt Dickerson, Maason Smith, and Keivie Rose are the only players on the roster at this position.

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But in addition to that, more pass-rush juice is needed from this unit. Particularly down the stretch last season, the Jaguars struggled to create steady pressure from the interior.

Addressing this need, however, won’t come without its challenges.

With four picks in the top 100, the opportunity to add to the defensive tackle position will be there for the Jaguars. Perhaps one of these prospects will be of interest to James Gladstone.

Gracen Halton, Oklahoma

Halton has played fewer than 1,000 career snaps, but he’s had steady pass rush production with the opportunities that have come his way, generating 29 pressures in 2024 and 30 pressures this past season with nine total sacks. Out of 169 eligible defensive tackles, Halton ranked 28th in PFF’s pass-rush win rate metric. He also graded out quite well as a run defender.

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Quick scouting report from NFL.com: “He’s an energetic, gap-to-gap rusher who can threaten guards on their edges or play his role as an effective twister.” – Lance Zierlein

Rayshaun Benny, Michigan

Benny has played 1,209 career snaps, most of which have come lined up in the B-gap. He logged 18 pressures last season — 20 the year before — and was a top-graded run defender from the interior.

Benny’s impact won’t always show up on the stat sheet, but his ability to occupy space and take on blockers can clog running lanes and create opportunities for his teammates.

Quick scouting report from NFL.com: “He has good length and is consistent entering into block battles. He’s an effective two-gapper who locates the ball-carrier and quickly sheds.” – Lance Zierlein

Kaleb Proctor, Southeastern Louisiana

Proctor showcased his pass-rush juice last season, logging a career-high 39 quarterback pressures, along with nine sacks. Among all FCS interior defenders, he ranked third in Pro Football Focus’ pass-rush win rate metric. Proctor has graded out well against the run by PFF’s metrics, for what it’s worth.

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Proctor was a consensus FCS second-team All-American last season as well as the Southland Conference’s Defensive Player of the Year.

Quick scouting report from NFL.com: ” Proctor is an elite athlete with rare playmaking range. He’s an elusive rusher with an explosive first step and the ability to unlock openings with varied approaches and angles.” – Lance Zierlein

This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: 2026 NFL draft: 3 defensive tackle prospects to watch for Jaguars