A Wide Receiver Could Be High on the Jaguars 2026 Draft Board
The Jacksonville Jaguars are very familiar with making splashes in the NFL Draft to grab a wide receiver that they believe will help them in the long-term. In 2025, the Jaguars traded up in the draft with the Cleveland Browns to select two-way athlete Travis Hunter out of Colorado. In 2024, the team selected standout Brian Thomas out of LSU in the first round, and he ended up making the Pro Bowl his rookie season. Now the franchise based in Duval County can keep the trend going, although it is unlikely the team selects a wide receiver in the early rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft. The wideout core was riddled with injuries in 2025, so drafting a receiver in the later rounds of the draft for depth could be the right move for general manager James Gladstone.
One name to keep an eye on is another LSU wide receiver Chris Hilton Jr. The young offensive weapon played five seasons with the Tigers and was considered a deep threat, always ready for the big play. However, his production was limited, and he was unable to find a consistent role within the LSU offense. Hilton ended his collegiate career with 41 receptions for 780 yards and six touchdowns. His work ethic is a big positive for teams like the Jaguars, who are looking for young leaders. Although there has been some critique on the speedster from LSU’s route-running skills, he can be an explosive pass-catcher option for veteran quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
Another option for the Jaguars is Deion Burks, who split his collegiate career between Purdue and Oklahoma. Burks ended with 151 receptions for 1,669 yards and 14 touchdowns. The primary receiving option was also named to the second-team All-Big 10 in 2023 for Purdue. A concern from the scouts is his weakness to win on vertical routes; the Jaguars have plenty of other wide receivers to become deep threats to keep the quick-footed receiver on short routes. Burks’ measurables also leave much to be desired; nonetheless, offensive coordinator Grant Udinski would be able to coach him to his advantage. No matter which direction Jacksonville decides to go, another wideout threat wouldn’t hurt to add to the depth chart.
