Jaguars trade up, boost pass rush in 2026 NFL mock draft
· Yahoo Sports
After running through a 2026 NFL mock draft that featured the Jacksonville Jaguars trading down in Round 2, how might things turn out on Day 2 if GM James Gladstone is aggressive and looks to trade up?
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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.
Using Pro Football Focus' mock draft simulator and the Rich Hill trade value chart to ensure that all trades are fair, here is how a three-round mock draft turned out for the Jaguars when trading up from pick No. 56.
Jaguars trade up in 2026 NFL mock draft
Let's say that the Jaguars wanted to make a good-sized jump and get up to pick No. 40 in a deal with the Kansas City Chiefs. According to the Rich Hill trade value chart, the Jaguars would trade away picks 56 (340), 88 (150), 203 (9.8), and 233 (1) in exchange for pick 40 (500).
This leaves the Jaguars with picks 40, 81, and 100 in the top 100 and eight selections overall.
Pick 40: Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri
Depth and improved pass-rush consistency behind Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen are needed. Young is getting some first-round buzz with the draft approaching. Young had a breakout year in 2025, recording 56 pressures and eight sacks. Out of 100 eligible defensive ends, Young ranked 19th in pass rush win rate. He also graded out as one of PFF's better 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, while averaging 11.1 yards per catch. The tight end being able to hold their own as a blocker in the run game is a key part of playing in the Liam Coen offense. ESPN's Jordan Reid wrote that tight end is one of the positions that the Jaguars are "expected to target right away on Day 2."
Pick 100: Rayshaun Benny, IDL, Michigan
Benny has played 1,209 career snaps, most of which have come lined up in the B-gap. He logged 18 pressures last season -- 20 the year before -- and was a top-graded run defender from the interior. Benny's impact won't always show up on the stat sheet, but his ability to occupy 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 good-sized jump in mock trade