Jaguars Using Pick No. 56 for Defender a Done Deal?

After trading up to acquire former Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter at No. 2 overall last year, the Jacksonville Jaguars will make their first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft with the No. 56 selection.

Up to this point, almost all mock drafts have Jacksonville going defense, which could make sense after losing All-Pro linebacker Devin Lloyd and longtime safety Andrew Wingard in free agency. 

However, the Jags also took a major hit at the running back position, losing four-year starter Travis Etienne Jr. to the New Orleans Saints. 

The Jaguars' backfield currently comprises Bhayshul Tuten, newly acquired Chris Rodriguez, LeQuint Allen Jr. and DeeJay Dallas, possibly leaving the stage clear for the starting role.

According to the most recent CBS Sports mock draft, as well as the additional mocks depicted in the graphic above, the Jags are going defense. However, they also met with multiple second- to third-round-level running back prospects at the NFL combine last month, begging the question -- should Jacksonville use its first pick of this year's draft for an offensive talent?

According to NFL analyst Daniel Jeremiah, the Jaguars' four picks within the top 100 fall in the "sweet spot" for this year’s draft for value picks. Last season, the Jags used back-to-back third-round picks on converted safety Caleb Ransaw and offensive lineman Wyatt Milum.

Ransaw and Milum dealt with injuries throughout the season, but both project as intriguing sophomores for the 2026 season, according to Roundtable's Tony Thomas.

At No. 56, the Jags will likely have their pick of most of the top running backs in the class, including  Jonah Coleman (Washington) and Mike Washington Jr. (Arkansas), who both met with Jacksonville at the combine.

Roundtable's Jeremy Ballreich did a deep dive into both prospects in early March, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses and projected draft range.

According to the most recent CBS Sports mock, both Coleman and Washington would be available at 56th, providing other options for general manager James Gladstone and coach Liam Coen to try and replace some of the production Etienne had been good for. 

Coleman has seen a large jump in his draft stock following the combine, but most of that rise came from his off-field performance. At combine media day, he was asked about why he emphasizes being a good blocking back, to which he gave perhaps the best answer a front office could hear.

“You’re not gonna play if you can pass pro(tect), it’s simple,” Coleman told reporters. “Can’t play if you ain’t gonna protect the quarterback."

Washington, on the other hand, made waves with his on-field performance at the combine, posting a blazing 4.33 40-time and netting a 92 athleticism score, the highest among tested tailbacks. 

Washington is coming off of a second-team All-SEC season for the Razorbacks, where he ranked ninth in the FBS with 6.4 yards per carry. He led the team with 1,070 rushing yards, while tying for the team high with 8 rushing scores. 

Washington also flashed dual-threat ability, finished 2025 with more than 200 receiving yards, which will be a big need following Etienne's departure. 

Both Coleman and Washington would provide Jacksonville with a complimentary piece for Tuten and the newly acquired Rodriguez while adding high upside.

But, the question remains. Are either of these players worth taking before a defensive selection? 

Following the departure of Etienne, who has built such a familiarity with starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville will need to bring in more than just Rodriguez to fill the void in the backfield. 

With Coleman providing leadership, size and blocking ability, and Washington showcasing his natural talent and raw athleticism, both backs project as difference-makers at the next level. 

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