The Jacksonville Jaguars approached the 2026 NFL Draft with a clear vision: build depth, reinforce physicality, and add versatile pieces that fit head coach Liam Coen’s evolving system. While some selections raised eyebrows, the overall class reflects a team leaning into multiple-tight-end sets, rotational defensive fronts, and competition across the roster.
Round 2, No. 56: Nate Boerkircher, TE, Texas A&M
Jacksonville’s biggest surprise came early on Day 2 with Nate Boerkircher, a pick widely viewed as a reach. Ranked as the sixth-best tight end by Mel Kiper Jr. and outside the top 150 overall prospects, Boerkircher’s selection raised immediate questions.
At 6-foot-5, 245 pounds, Boerkircher is a traditional, in-line blocker with limited production as a receiver—just 38 career catches across five collegiate seasons. His best year came in 2025 with 19 receptions for 198 yards.
The concern? He overlaps heavily with current backups Hunter Long and Quintin Morris—only offering less as a pass catcher. Still, Coen’s preference for multiple tight end formations explains the logic. Boerkircher slots in behind starter Brenton Strange as a run-game enhancer, though his game-day activation may not be guaranteed.
Round 3, No. 81: Albert Regis, DT, Texas A&M
The Jaguars addressed a major need on the interior defensive line with Albert Regis, a versatile 6-foot-1, 295-pound lineman capable of playing both nose and three-technique.
Regis brings toughness and consistency, tallying 116 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and 10 pass breakups in college. While he’s not a high-end pass rusher, his ability to clog lanes and shed blockers should bolster the run defense.
With DaVon Hamilton coming off a strong season and Arik Armstead potentially anchoring the line, Regis will compete for rotational snaps alongside a crowded group.
Round 3, No. 88: Emmanuel Pregnon, G, Oregon
Few players in this class bring more experience than Emmanuel Pregnon. With 51 career starts across three programs, he arrives as one of the most polished offensive linemen in the draft.
A first-team All-American at Oregon, Pregnon excelled in both run and pass blocking, helping power one of college football’s most productive offenses. His versatility—playing both guard spots—makes him a valuable addition to a competitive offensive line room that includes Ezra Cleveland and free-agent addition Patrick Mekari.
Round 3, No. 100: Jalen Huskey, DB, Maryland
Jacksonville continued to build depth in the secondary with Jalen Huskey, a ball-hawking defensive back with 11 interceptions over the past three seasons.
With uncertainty surrounding Caleb Ransaw’s health and veteran Eric Murray aging, Huskey provides long-term insurance. However, immediate playing time could be hard to come by given the presence of Antonio Johnson and a crowded rotation.
Round 4, No. 119: Wesley Williams, LB, Duke
After trading up, the Jaguars finally addressed edge depth with Wesley Williams. Despite a dip in sack production last season, he showed strong run defense and recorded 11 sacks over the previous three years.
He’ll slot in behind star pass rushers Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker while immediately contributing on special teams—an area where he’s excelled with multiple blocked kicks.
Round 5, No. 164: Tanner Koziol, TE, Houston
If Boerkircher represents the blocking side of the tight end equation, Tanner Koziol is the polar opposite.
A former wide receiver, Koziol led all FBS tight ends with 74 catches last season and offers legitimate receiving upside. His ability to line up in the slot gives Jacksonville flexibility in multi-TE sets and could make him an early contributor in passing situations.
Round 6, No. 191: Josh Cameron, WR, Baylor
Josh Cameron brings size, strength, and physicality to the receiver room. With over 1,600 receiving yards and 19 touchdowns across two seasons, he profiles as a boundary receiver who can also block effectively in the run game.
He could fill a role similar to a possession receiver while contributing in the run-heavy looks Coen wants to emphasize.
Round 6, No. 203: CJ Williams, WR, Stanford
CJ Williams offers solid production and size but faces an uphill battle to make the roster. His best chance will come via special teams contributions after bouncing across multiple programs during his college career.
Round 7, No. 233: Zach Durfee, Edge, Washington
Zach Durfee brings intriguing size and production, recording 18 sacks across multiple levels of college football. However, his limited pass-rush repertoire makes him a developmental prospect likely fighting for a roster spot through special teams.
Round 7, No. 240: Parker Hughes, LB, Middle Tennessee
A tackling machine with elite speed (4.39 40-yard dash), Parker Hughes is an intriguing late-round flyer. Still, his most realistic path to sticking with the team is via the practice squad.
This draft class won’t wow on paper, but it tells a clear story. The Jaguars are building a roster tailored to their coaching philosophy—prioritizing physicality, versatility, and depth over flash.
The Boerkircher pick may define how this class is judged early, but players like Pregnon, Koziol, and Regis could quietly become valuable contributors. If even a few of these rotational pieces develop into reliable starters, Jacksonville’s 2026 draft could prove more effective than it initially appears.
