Jaguars change and boost pass rush in 2026 NFL mock draft

Jaguars change and boost pass rush in 2026 NFL mock draft
Jaguars change and boost pass rush in 2026 NFL mock draft

After running a 2026 NFL mock draft in which the Jacksonville Jaguars traded down in Round 2, how could things pan out on Day 2 if general manager James Gladstone is aggressive and looks to make changes?

While trading down may be more likely than trading up, with 11 picks available and Gladstone’s willingness to navigate the draft board, I’m not sure we can completely rule anything out.

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Using Pro Football Focus’ mock draft simulator and Rich Hill’s trade value table to ensure all trades are fair, here’s how a three-round mock draft turned out for the Jaguars when they traded up from the 56th pick.

Jaguars trade in 2026 NFL mock draft

Let’s say the Jaguars wanted to take a nice size jump and step up to pick No. 40 in a deal with the Kansas City Chiefs. According to Rich Hill’s trade value table, the Jaguars would trade picks 56 (340), 88 (150), 203 (9.8), and 233 (1) for pick 40 (500).

This leaves the Jaguars with picks 40, 81 and 100 in the top 100 and eight picks overall.

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Pick 40: Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri

Depth and more consistency in the pass rush are needed behind Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen. Young is getting some first-round buzz as the draft approaches. Young had a big year in 2025, recording 56 pressures and eight sacks. Of 100 eligible defensive ends, Young ranked 19th in pass rush win rate. He also stood out as one of PFF’s top run defenders among his position group.

Pick 81: Sam Roush, TE, Stanford

Rousch was a big part of the passing game, totaling 80 targets last season, averaging 11.1 yards per reception. Whether the tight end can defend himself as a blocker in the run game is a key part of the game in Liam Coen’s offense. ESPN’s Jordan Reid wrote that tight end is one of the positions the Jaguars are “expected to target immediately on Day 2.”

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Pick 100: Rayshaun Benny, IDL, Michigan

Benny has played 1,209 snaps in his career, most of which have lined up in the B gap. He recorded 18 pressures last season (20 the year before) and was a top run defender from the interior. Benny’s impact won’t always show up on the stat sheet, but his ability to take up space and take on blockers can clog running lanes and create opportunities for his teammates.

This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Jaguars make big jump in mock trade

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