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Jaguars Draft Strategy: Move Down for Talent?
22 Apr
Summary
- Jaguars hold pick No. 56 in the upcoming NFL Draft.
- Potential trade-down scenarios focus on injured top defenders.
- Teams needing edge rushers could drive trade-up demand.
As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, the Jacksonville Jaguars, currently slated to pick 56th, are considering trade-down scenarios. This strategy could involve targeting top defensive prospects who have slipped due to injury concerns, such as Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks or Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy. Banks, despite past foot injuries, is considered a potential top-12 talent, while McCoy's injury history with his knee could present a similar opportunity.
General manager James Gladstone, who successfully executed a trade-down last year, may look to replicate that success. Teams with coaches or general managers under pressure, like the New York Giants' Joe Schoen, could be prime trade partners. Furthermore, the draft's deep edge rusher class might lead to a run on these prospects, encouraging teams to trade up. This could position the Jaguars to move down, collecting additional draft picks.
The Jaguars hold the 56th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. A potential trade down could target injured top defenders like Caleb Banks or Jermod McCoy. A deep edge rusher class may drive trade-up demand from other teams.
