One DE Target for Jaguars in Each Round of the Draft

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The Jacksonville Jaguars have a few key needs entering next month's draft, but they have 11 picks to address each of them.

While the Jaguars do not have a first-round selection, their near-dozen picks are still scattered across the draft and allows them to flexibility to add a number of key prospects.

Jacksonville Jaguars general manager James Gladstone speaks during a press conference at the Miller Electric Center, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla. | Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

So, with a focus on the Jaguars' defensive end need, who are some prospects who make sense for them in the six rounds in which they have picks? We take a look below.

Round 2: Illinois DE Gabe Jacas

Nov 5, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Payton Thorne (10) passes the ball as Illinois Fighting Illini linebacker Gabe Jacas (17) pressures during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images | Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Gabe Jacas would fit a lot of the traits the Jaguars tend to look for in pass-rushers. He plays a physical brand of football, is strong against the run, can win with power as a pass-rusher, and can play both in three- and two-point stances. Jacas is slotted right around here in terms of the consensus board and was extremely productive as a senior captain.

Round 3: Penn State DE Dani Dennis-Sutton

Oct 4, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton (33) warms up before the game against the UCLA Bruins at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

A two-time captain at Penn State who has four years of experience, Dani Dennis-Sutton makes sense as a top-100 target after a strong showing at the NFL Scouting Combine. He has hit eight sacks in each of the last two seasons and seems to fit what the Jaguars like at defensive end in terms of his power and ability to set the edge in the running game.

Round 4: USC DE Anthony Lucas

Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Southern California defensive lineman Anthony Lucas (DL50) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Anthony Lucas did not record double-digit sacks during his four seasons in college, but he does have some intriguing physical traits and is a willing run defender. He makes sense as a stash and develop guy who might have to first make his mark in pass-only situations. If he hits his ceiling, though, he could be a big hit.

Round 5: Northwestern DE Aidan Hubbard

Aidan Hubbard finished fifth in Northwestern history in sacks this past season, finishing his career with 20.5 sacks after a 7.5 sack season in 2025. Hubbard has at least six sacks in each of the last three seasons and could have some still untapped-upside the Jaguars could develop, similar to what they did for Danny Striggow.

Round 6: Duke DE Vincent Anthony

Jan 28, 2026; Mobile, AL, USA; National Team defensive end Vincent Anthony Jr. (52) of Duke practices during National Senior Bowl practice at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images | Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

A productive senior defender for Duke who was able to appear in plenty of games, Vincent Anthony would give the Jaguars an interesting developmental pass-rusher. He has the length and body type the Jaguars don't really have in their defensive end room right now, and they could stand to add a developmental option.

Round 7: Florida DE George Gumbs Jr.

Sep 6, 2025; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators defensive end George Gumbs Jr. (34) waits for the snap against the South Florida Bulls during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images | Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

The Jaguars have loved drafting Florida Gators for some time, and the Gators once again have a number of prospects to watch as potential fits this year. Defensive end George Gumbs Jr. A Northern Illinois transfer who also used to play tight end, Gumbs may not have much college production but he earned a big role with an SEC program in 2025 and then had a great day at the combine.