If we’re being honest about where the Jacksonville Jaguars still need help, elevating the pass rush remains part of the conversation. That was clear before, and it hasn’t changed. Few would complain if early draft capital was spent in an effort to add an impact player.

The challenge now is positioning. Jacksonville doesn’t own a first-round pick and won’t be on the clock until No. 56 overall. By then, the top tier of prospects at edge rusher, especially versatile disruptors, will likely be long gone.

Names like David Bailey, Rueben Bain Jr., and Keldric Faulk carry first-round value, but trading into that range would likely cost more than it’s worth. Click here for a look at some realistic options, but here's where a smarter approach comes into play.

With 11 total selections, the Jaguars have enough flexibility to move up selectively, maybe not into the top 20, but into that late-first or early-second sweet spot where value and cost can align.

If they’re serious about upgrading the front, these are the types of players worth targeting.

If Jacksonville is going to make a move, this is the name that makes the most sense. Former Miami Hurricanes standout Akheem Mesidor sits right on that late-first/early-second border, which makes him an ideal trade-up candidate.

He brings a blend of power and quickness that translates well to the next level, and more importantly, he’s disruptive. He doesn’t just occupy space. He creates problems. To close his final collegiate season he earned first-team All-ACC and second-team All-American honors. 

T.J. Parker is another intriguing option, though he may require a slightly more aggressive move. Coming out of Clemson's program, he’s battle-tested and brings the kind of physicality you expect from that program.

Parker plays with power, sets a firm edge, and flashes the ability to collapse pockets. While he’s often labeled as an edge defender, his versatility could allow Jacksonville to move him around the front.

A first-team All-SEC nod in 2025, R. Mason Thomas feels like a classic early-Round 2 target. He puts him right in Jacksonville’s trade-up range.

He’s explosive and active. He played with a high motor for Oklahoma. Thomas wins with quickness and effort, and while he may not have the same ceiling as some of the bigger names, his floor is appealing. 

He’s the kind of player who can step into a rotation and immediately raise the energy level of a defensive front. If the Jaguars want to move up without overthinking it, this is a practical, high-value option. 

Derrick Moore might be the most balanced player of this group. A 2023 College Football Playoff national champion, he earned First-Team All-Big Ten honors in his swan song with Michigan last season.    

Coming from Ann Arbor, he’s been developed in a system that emphasizes discipline and physicality in the trenches. He’s strong at the point of attack, reliable against the run, and flashes enough as a pass rusher to stay on the field in multiple situations.

Moore may not carry the same buzz as others, but that could work in Jacksonville’s favor if they decide to show interest. A modest move up the board could be enough to land him.

With 11 picks in hand, the Jaguars don’t have to sit still. Sitting at 56 limits Jacksonville’s access to impact talent up front, but if they truly want to upgrade the pass rush, trading up isn’t just an option. It’s a calculated move that could pay off in a big way.

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