Jaguars boost pass rush in Mel Kiper Jr.'s 2-round 2026 NFL mock draft
In Mel Kiper's latest two-round mock draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars address the defensive end position.
Long-time ESPN NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. has put together his final mock draft of the 2026 draft cycle, and it's a two-rounder, so the Jacksonville Jaguars are included. As Kiper notes, to make these predictions, he is leaning on team needs, his own evaluations, and what he's hearing from conversations with those around the NFL.
Jaguars pick Michigan OLB Jaishawn Barham in mock draft Barham measures in at 6-03 and is a bit on the lighter side for a defensive end, weighing 240 pounds. But with that comes impressive speed and good burst, with Barham posting a 4. 64-second 40-time and 10-03 on the broad jump.
"The Jaguars don't have a first-round pick, but they do have 11 total selections," Kiper wrote. "So, they have the chance to attack some needs. One of them is edge rusher, as they ranked 27th in sacks last season (32).
Barham is an intriguing player to watch on Day 2, and he could be a good fit in Jacksonville. He had four sacks and 23 pressures last season. " Barham is an experienced player, with over 2,000 career defensive snaps.