In this seven-round mock draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars continue to focus on building through the trenches while adding high-upside athletes. With a roster that still has a strong core in place, this mock emphasizes finding immediate contributors while filling out the rest of the roster with developmental depth. In this scenario, Jacksonville is aggressive on Day 2, using multiple trade-ups to secure players viewed as difference-makers rather than waiting for value to fall.
Round 2, Pick 40: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
TRADE: Jaguars receive pick 40, Bengals receive picks 59, 90, and 168
Jacksonville trades up to select Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks, landing the hometown prospect and one of the most physically gifted interior linemen in the draft. Banks brings rare athletic upside at 6’6” and 325 pounds, combining overwhelming power with surprising quickness as a pass rusher. When healthy, he has shown the ability to collapse pockets and create chaos from the interior, an area where the Jaguars have struggled to generate consistent pressure in recent seasons. This move signals a clear emphasis on strengthening the defensive front for the long term.
Banks steps into an ideal developmental environment in Jacksonville. With Arik Armstead anchoring the interior and Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker commanding attention off the edge, Banks will be in a strong position to develop properly. If he can stay healthy, Banks has the ceiling to become one of the premier interior defensive linemen in the NFL and a foundational piece of the Jaguars’ defense.
Round 3, Pick 68: Isaiah World, OT, Oregon
TRADE: Jaguars receive picks 68 and 182, Cardinals receive picks 81, 113, 195, and 231.
With the 68th pick, Jacksonville selects Oregon offensive tackle Isaiah World, a massive blindside protector with significant upside. World stands at 6’8” and 310 pounds, giving him rare length and size that immediately stand out on film. His flashes of dominance are evident when his technique is clean, as he can overwhelm defenders with his reach and strength. The Jaguars view him as a developmental left tackle who could eventually grow into a long-term solution protecting Trevor Lawrence.
World remains a work in progress, particularly with consistency and hand placement, but the traits are undeniable. According to PFSN’s Player OL Impact Rankings, Walker Little is the team’s lowest-graded starter, making the selection of such a talented left tackle in the third round tremendous value. Under Liam Coen’s coaching staff, Jacksonville would have the opportunity to mold World into a high-level starter without rushing him into action. With proper development, his ceiling rivals that of any offensive lineman in the class.
Round 3, Pick 100: Jake Slaughter, IOL, Florida
Jacksonville continues to invest in the offensive line by selecting Florida interior lineman Jake Slaughter with the 100th overall pick. Slaughter is widely regarded as the top center prospect in the draft, bringing intelligence, toughness, and reliability to the interior. Staying close to home, he would enter an offense that values communication and versatility along the line, making him an excellent fit for Jacksonville’s system.
Slaughter provides immediate depth behind Robert Hainsey at center while also offering flexibility to compete for snaps at right guard. With Patrick Mekari dealing with injuries and inconsistent play, Slaughter could push for early playing time. At worst, he becomes the long-term successor at center; at best, he helps solidify what could become one of the strongest offensive lines in the AFC.
Round 5, Pick 167: Daylen Everette, CB, Georgia
The Jaguars address the secondary by selecting Georgia cornerback Daylen Everette with the 167th pick. Everette boasts an impressive athletic profile at 6’1″ and 190 pounds, with elite speed after running a 4.34-second 40-yard dash. He has faced top-tier competition throughout his career at Georgia and has consistently shown the instincts and physicality needed to hold up on the boundary at the next level.
Everette excels in zone coverage, making him a strong scheme fit for defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile. His awareness, quick processing, and willingness to play physically give him a chance to contribute early as a rotational corner. Landing a player with his athletic traits and experience this late in the draft would be a major win for Jacksonville, especially at a position that continues to require depth and long-term solutions.
Round 6, Pick 182: Nyck Harbor, WR, South Carolina
Jacksonville takes a calculated swing on elite upside by selecting South Carolina wide receiver Nyck Harbor. Harbor possesses one of the most remarkable athletic profiles in the draft at 6’5″ and 235 pounds, with an estimated 4.24 speed. With Dyami Brown and Tim Patrick entering free agency, the Jaguars face uncertainty at wide receiver, making the addition of a developmental deep threat with rare physical tools a logical move. Harbor offers immediate mismatch potential simply by stepping on the field.
While Harbor remains raw as a route runner, his growth throughout the season was evident. His deep-ball tracking improved noticeably, and his acceleration allows him to separate vertically in a way few defenders can match. After the catch, his physicality stands out, as he routinely breaks contact and turns short completions into explosive gains. For a late-round pick, Harbor brings game-changing upside that could pay significant dividends with proper development.
Round 7, Pick 245: Anthony Smith, EDGE, Minnesota
With the 245th pick, the Jaguars select Minnesota edge rusher Anthony Smith, adding depth and energy to the pass-rush rotation. Smith has an imposing frame at 6’6″ and 285 pounds, paired with an explosive first step and impressive flexibility for his size. He recorded 10.5 sacks this season while consistently pressuring opposing quarterbacks.
Jacksonville’s pass rush has improved, but additional rotational help remains important behind Hines-Allen and Walker. Smith has the traits to contribute early in a limited role while continuing to refine his technique. If he develops as expected, he could eventually grow into a reliable third edge defender capable of generating pressure in key situations.
Round 7, Pick 247: Xavier Nwankpa, S, Iowa
The Jaguars close out the draft by selecting Iowa safety Xavier Nwankpa. Despite the safety group performing better than expected this season, Jacksonville faces uncertainty with Andrew Wingard set to hit free agency. Nwankpa fits the mold of a late-round upside swing, bringing elite athletic traits that cannot be taught. At 6’2″ and 215 pounds with 4.39 speed, he offers an ideal physical profile for the modern NFL safety.
A former five-star recruit, Nwankpa has flashed high-level ability but has struggled with consistency and technique. Jacksonville would view him as a developmental prospect who can contribute immediately on special teams while refining his fundamentals. If the coaching staff can unlock his potential, Nwankpa could emerge as a legitimate starter and one of the steals of the draft.
