Four NFL Draft Prospects the Jaguars Must Prioritize

The NFL Draft is an important event for the Jacksonville Jaguars this offseason. With limited salary cap space, general manager James Gladstone doesn't have much room to work with in free agency, meaning the 10 picks in this year's draft will be ample to the team's depth and roster construction.

I have watched many prospects for the last few months, and with just a few weeks to go until the big event, I wanted to share some of my favorite prospects for the Jaguars. They may not be in the range for Gladstone to select at No. 56 overall, but they are certainly players who would be exciting fits, specifically on the defensive side of the ball.

Malachi Lawrence, edge rusher, UCF Knights

Lawrence Jags — Nov 29, 2025; Provo, Utah, USA; BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) throws over the reach of UCF Knights defensive end Malachi Lawrence (51) during the second half at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images | Rob Gray-Imagn Images

The more I have watched Lawrence, the more I want him in Jacksonville to keep him with the best NFL team in the state. The Jaguars need a pass rush skill set that can be near the impact level that Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker already have, and Lawrence has the deepest rush tool bag in the entire draft class.

One thing I would like to see Lawrence add is a better plan of attack, as his first combo could fall stale, and then he stales within his rushes. His run defense could improve, but Lawrence's explosiveness, cornering ability, athleticism, and size make him an exciting pass rusher I would love to have in Duval County.

Josiah Trotter, linebacker, Missouri Tigers

Trotter Jags — Oct 25, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) throws a pass while defended by Missouri Tigers linebacker Josiah Trotter (40) during the first quarter at FirstBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images | Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

As much as I would love to see the Jaguars attack the linebacker position in the draft, I don't know how high a priority level it is, and there is some risk in leaning into Ventrell Miller as somewhat of an unproven starter. Those concerns could be eased by adding Trotter, my favorite linebacker in the NFL Draft, and for good reasons.

Trotter plays furiously with the football, showing urgency, range, and closing speed on the ball carrier. He does have a smaller frame, but makes up for it with pop in his pads, a ceiling in pass coverage, and blitizing ability to be an effective three-down linebacker as a rookie. Trotter hasn't even turned 21 years old yet, making him a high-ceiling prospect to have on this roster.

Chris Johnson, cornerback, San Diego State Aztecs

Johnson Jags — Sep 6, 2025; Pullman, Washington, USA; San Diego State Aztecs cornerback Chris Johnson (1) celebrates after a play against the Washington State Cougars in the first half at Gesa Field at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images | James Snook-Imagn Images

One of the cleanest cornerback prospects I've evaluated this offseason, Johnson is the type of cornerback to have on your football team. He provides special teams value if he doesn't see the field often on defense, and when he is on that side of the ball, his fluidity, mirroring skills, and movements in coverage and the line of scrimmage stand out tremendously.

Johnson may not have an elite trait, but he is very good in most aspects of his game, including zone coverage, which some would say is his biggest weakness. Adding Johnson would provide more depth to the roster at a position that needs it, even with Travis Hunter playing a bigger role on defense next season.

Gracen Halton, defensive tackle, Oklahoma Sooners

Halton Jags — Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Gracen Halton (56) celebrates after a sack during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Auburn Tigers at Gaylord Family Ð Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday,Sept. 20, 2025. Oklahoma won 24-17. | BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Having an attacking-type defensive tackle up front is important for the Jaguars. The room is in serious need of guys who can create pressure and get penetration in the backfield at a high clip. If the Jaguars want to add more juice to their interior defensive front, look no further than Halton.

Halton is such a fun player with ample athletic ability that matches his short-area quickness to win in phone booths against opposing guards who aren't equipped to handle the explosiveness and stress that he may bring to a blocker's inside or outside shoulder. Instantly, Halton becomes the Jaguars top pass-rushing interior lineman who can become a true three-down defender with continued evolution.