Over the last calendar year, the Jaguars were able to fill a lot of holes on the team. That leaves only a few positions that need to be addressed. In the first three rounds of the draft, the Jaguars are expected to shore up the front seven with a defensive tackle and a linebacker. These are the most glaring positions of need. But, they also have others that may need to be addressed sooner rather than later.
Three Positions the Jaguars Should Address in the Draft
Right guard
Patrick Mekari had an up-and-down season in 2026. He allowed 31 total pressures and committed eight penalties. He was graded 68th out of 81 total guards. Mekari brings veteran experience to the team and is affordable in 2026, counting just $7.3 million against the cap. However, he will turn 30 in 2027 and will carry a cap hit of $18.1 million.
If the Jaguars were to cut Mekari after 2026, his dead money would count just $5.1 million against the cap, while saving $18.5 million from 2027 to 2028. The Jaguars will have four picks inside the top 100 and 11 picks in total. Selecting a right guard in 2026 would allow for a developmental period before competing for the starting spot down the line.
Nickel (Slot) Corner
The Jaguars have done a good job shaking up the cornerback room with young talent. Montaric Brown, Travis Hunter, and Jarrian Jones have just a combined seven years of playing experience and are all 26 or younger. Jourdan Lewis is the veteran of the group and will turn 31 at the start of the 2026 season.
Lewis had a respectable 2025 season, allowing a 90.1 passer rating, defending 10 passes, and coming down with two interceptions. However, he played in just twelve games and suffered a season-ending foot injury in Week 16 that required surgery.
His recent injury history, age, and the nature of the position which tends to see a sharp decline are all causes for concern long-term. Much like Mekari, his cap hit in 2026 is justifiable amount at just $6.6 million, but in 2027, it jumps to $12.8 million. Drafting a nickel corner would give the Jaguars more youth and at a cheaper cost going forward.
Tight End
The tight end position is a complicated one for the Jaguars. Brenton Strange had a breakout season in 2025, catching 46 passes for 540 yards and three touchdowns in just 12 games. Strange’s production has steadily increased every season, but he is not a game-changer and plays at a replaceable position.
With Travon Walker receiving a contract extension, along with Parker Washington, Antonio Johnson, and Anton Harrison all waiting in line for extensions, the Jaguars will not have the available cap space to pay everyone. This could leave Strange as the odd man out.
If the Jaguars choose to extend Strange, having a backup pass-catching tight end would still make a ton of sense. In the five games Strange missed, all Jaguars tight ends combined for just 11 catches for 121 yards and zero touchdowns. Having a reliable pass-catching tight end always available would give the Jaguars the needed depth and add an extra element to their offense.
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