If you’re being honest about where the Jacksonville Jaguars still have work to do, the conversation can’t just live on the edge (or along the offensive line). Games are just as often won or lost in the trenches between the tackles.

Yes, getting after the quarterback from the outside is fun, but if the most recent Jaguars season didn't teach us anything else, it taught us this. The interior of the defensive line also deserves attention. 

Veterans Arik Armstead and DaVon Hamilton provide a steady, physical presence. Both are dependable run defenders. Both help set the tone early in games. They also need help, especially as an 18-week, 17-game schedule saunters on and the snaps pile up.

That’s why adding rotational help at defensive tackle should be near the top of Jacksonville’s draft-day priorities. Fresh legs inside aren’t a luxury. They're a necessity, but as it stands right now, Jacksonville's first pick in the coming NFL Draft won't be until the 56th overall selection in Round 2. 

With 11 draft choices in total, they could package picks to move up, but if they stand pat at 56, there should still be intriguing interior defenders on the board. Here are three that come to mind. 

Here's an educated guess. Assume Peter Woods (Clemson Tigers), Caleb Banks (Florida Gators),  Kayden McDonald (Ohio State Buckeyes),  Lee Hunter (Texas Tech Red Raiders),  L.T. Overton (Alabama Crimson Tide), and  Darrell Jackson Jr., (Florida State Seminoles) are seen as the top defensive tackles in this draft class. You should also assume that they'll be off the board when Jacksonville is on the clock with the 56th selection. 

That potentially makes Gracen Halton the best player at the position. He's exciting though. He brings a different flavor to the table. He’s not the biggest body you’ll find inside, but what he lacks in size, he makes up for with burst and quickness.

He showed during his time with the Oklahoma Sooners that he is disruptive in ways that don’t always show up in traditional stat lines. He shoots gaps. He gets his hands up in the passing lanes to knock attempts down. He forces quarterbacks off their spots. In a rotation, that skill set becomes even more valuable, especially on passing downs where interior pressure can wreck an entire play design.

If you’re looking for the most balanced and productive option of the group, Chris McClellan might be your guy. He’s shown during his days with the Missouri Tigers that he can consistently impact games. He does so both as a run defender and as a pass rusher.

There’s less projection here compared to some other prospects and a sturdier frame than Halton, which gives him a relatively higher floor. Plug him into a rotation early, and there’s a good chance he contributes right away.

Don’t overlook Domonique Orange, formerly of the Iowa State Cyclones, when stacking realistic Day 2 options. He may not carry the same buzz as some of the bigger names in this class, but there’s something to be said for steady production and dependable effort in the middle of a defensive front.

A Third-Team All-Big 12 selection in 2025, he built his reputation on doing the dirty work and holding his ground versus the run. He occupies blockers and flashes just enough to cause disruption and keep opposing offenses honest in their play calling.

Christian Miller is a classic 'traits over production guy'. He looks the part of an NFL defensive tackle. There's just one problem. He didn't always play like one during his time with the Georgia Bulldogs.

It would be unwise to spend a second-round selection on him, but guys like this are why teams hire position coaches. If he can find the right fit, the right atmosphere and coaching staff might help him develop to his full potential.

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