What Position Should the Jaguars Select in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Jacksonville Jaguars 2025 season was a success in many ways. After a short playoff run and busy free agency period, general manager James Gladstone still has more work to be done on the roster entering 2026. One of the best ways to build the roster to maintain future success is through the draft, which gives the team more control over their contracts, as well as a good way to build depth. However, Jacksonville has no first-round selections in 2026, and it is highly unlikely that the team will risk trading up to draft a prospect. With that in mind, the Jaguars will have to begin the process in the second round.
Jacksonville has more needs on the defensive side of the ball. The offense is stacked, with a star quarterback in Trevor Lawrence alongside a filled wide receiver room and a strong offensive line. In this case, the Jaguars will likely be looking to draft either a linebacker or a defensive lineman with that second-round pick to strengthen the defensive presence. A strong candidate is Cincinnati linebacker Jake Golday, who was named First-Team All-Big 12 in 2025. After starting at Central Arkansas, he transferred to the Bearcats after the 2023 season. In his senior season, Golday had over 100 tackles alongside 3.5 sacks and three pass deflections. As an aging collegiate player who already has experience in the big moments, it would be a no-brainer for Jacksonville to take him.
Another option at linebacker would be Jacob Rodriguez out of Texas Tech. The Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and a unanimous All-American in 2025, Rodriguez would make an impact immediately in Duval County. During his tenure with the Red Raiders, he had 316 tackles with six sacks, six interceptions, and 12 pass deflections. In his final season alone, the linebacker had four of his six interceptions. That has to make the Jaguars’ front office explode with excitement for what the young athlete could provide the franchise, looking to win big in 2026. No matter what direction the front office ends up going, the Jaguars will find their next core centerpiece to lead the team in the future.
