Where the Jaguars Can Build Depth on Day Three of the 2026 NFL Draft
The Jacksonville Jaguars had a lot to build on from the 2025 NFL campaign. The team finished the season with a division title and a playoff appearance, while their defensive core posted a strong season. However, the Jaguars had themselves a quiet free agency, missing out on some of the league's biggest stars and losing key players, including starting running back Travis Etienne Jr., who left for the New Orleans Saints. Now, the Jacksonville front office has put all their attention on the 2026 NFL Draft, where they have started strongly despite not owning a first-round selection. The team emphasized depth after being riddled with injuries in 2025, including their prized rookie cornerback, Travis Hunter. Entering the final day of the draft, the team has seven selections remaining, barring any trades, leaving plenty of room for the Jaguars to add to their roster depth.
One shocking aspect of the Jaguars' draft to this point has been the lack of emphasis put on drafting a running back. Entering 2026, the team is currently being led by former Virginia Tech standout Bhayshul Tuten. Despite a solid rookie season, the second-year athlete shouldn't be trusted to lead a room just yet, indicating the team still needs more work. Tuten himself was drafted in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, meaning it is likely the Jaguars will take another back late to add to their core. A potential option for Duval County is Texas A&M running back Le'Veon Moss, who is widely regarded as a tough rusher to tackle and considered a three-down running back, making him a lucrative option for the team late in the draft. Another option is Penn State's Kaytron Allen, who has rushed for more than 1,000 yards in each of his last two seasons in college. Known for his patience, Allen could add a spark to the Jaguars' offensive unit that they may need in the long stretch of a grueling NFL season.
Another position the Jaguars need to keep a focus on entering the final day of another electric NFL Draft is linebacker. After losing one of their best defensive players in 2025, Devin Lloyd, to the Carolina Panthers, it has been surprising to many that the team hasn't taken the opportunity to address the position early. However, there are still numerous linebackers available that would be worth selecting, including Arizona State's Keyshawn Elliott. Elliott, who is older than most prospects at 22, was a key piece for Arizona State and has the experience to make an immediate impact for defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile. However, it would be unlikely that a prospect would get the starting job ahead of veteran Ventrell Miller, who is the team's top option to start in 2026. Another option is Alabama standout Justin Jefferson, who was the Crimson Tide's second leading tackler in 2025. His agility and strength make him a potential addition to this Jacksonville defense, which ranked among the best at stopping the run in 2025. The Jaguars and general manager James Gladstone have many options to build depth; the only decision they need to make is where.
