Jaguars secure defensive back Jalen Huskey at pick 100. Ball-hawking instincts and versatility aim to bolster Jacksonville's secondary.
The Jacksonville Jaguars selected Maryland defensive back Jalen Huskey with the 100th pick to finish Day 2 of the 2026 NFL draft on Friday night in Pittsburgh.
Jacksonville's selection adds more depth to the defensive back room, and he could battle for a depth spot heading into his rookie campaign.
Huskey spent his freshman and sophomore seasons at Bowling Green, then transferred to Maryland for his final years. Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 201 pounds, Huskey totaled 72 tackles (58 solo), two passes deflections and four interceptions in his senior season.
He finished his collegiate career with 11 interceptions in the last three seasons. Huskey earned second-team All-Big Ten honors and was named Maryland's Defensive Player of the Year to end his Terrapin tenure.
His four interceptions in 2025 tied for first on the team, tied for fourth in the conference and 16th nationally. He started 11 of 12 games for Maryland, playing a crucial role anchoring its defense and helping them finish with the most interceptions since 2020.
After an excellent final campaign in College Park, Huskey posted decent combine numbers with a 74 production score (9th), 66th athleticism score (19th) and a 70 total score (13th).
Huskey finished with a 5.83 prospect grade, projecting him as an average backup or special-teamer and a Day 3 selection who could go in the sixth or seventh round.
"He’s slow to accelerate from transitions and lacks quality make-up speed, so receivers can get open and stay open when he’s forced to match them," NFL analyst Lance Zierlein wrote in Huskey's combine bio.
The limited athletic pop in his game played a role in his Day 3 projection range, but the ball instincts and tackling ability he showcased in college could have influenced Jacksonville to take him early.
With the return of Travis Hunter to a defensive secondary also blessed with Montaric Brown and Jarrion Jones at cornerback, Huskey will likely stay at safety, where he played the majority of his snaps in college.
Huskey has some experience playing nickel corner, providing Jacksonville with versatility if he rises in the ranks.
The Frederick, Maryland, native, will compete with 2025 third-round pick Caleb Ransaw for snaps behind veteran Eric Murray and ball-hawking Antonio Johnson, who led the Jags with five picks last season.
Jacksonville added depth to its defensive back room with Huskey's selection to end Day 3, finishing with two offensive players and two defensive players.
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