Who will the Jaguars select in Round 2 of the 2026 NFL draft? Comparing projections of top mock drafts reveals potential defensive stars and offensive playmakers.
The Jacksonville Jaguars will not make a selection in the 2026 NFL draft until the second round, with pick No. 56.
The Jaguars gave up this year’s first-round selection, among other draft assets, in the blockbuster trade last year that put them in position to draft Travis Hunter at No. 2 overall.
With pre-draft prognosticating already in high gear, the most credible sources of mock drafts have varied takes on who the Jaguars might or should select with their lone pick in the second round.
Draft analysts say the Jaguars need to focus on bolstering the defense, but that could change at any time as the three-day draft goes on and trades are made, or a "best player available" scenario presents itself. Also, Jacksonville owns a total of 11 picks this year, including four in the top 100.
Here we present the mock-draft simulator from Pro Football Network and compare that to other major outlets using that simulator, to see who the Jaguars might select when they are on the clock in Round 2.
Also, check out how the simulator's comparison of mock drafts for the Jaguars' picks in the third round shake out.
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Pro Football Network
Malik Muhammad, Cornerback, Texas
A second-team All-SEC selection in 2025, Muhammad posted two interceptions, 30 tackles and four pass breakups. He is considered one of the top corners in this draft. Muhammad earned a pass coverage grade of 77.1 and a grade of 66.6 against the run, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF).
Strengths: A tenacious corner with long wingspan. He is recognized for his consistency in pass coverage, his physicality, and as a contributor in various defensive alignments.
Weaknesses: Some scouting reports suggest a need for better coverage technique in the vertical passing game, improved tackling skills (sometimes leads with his shoulder), and improved anticipation in man-to man coverage.
ESPN
Omar Cooper Jr., Receiver, Indiana
Cooper led the national champion Hoosiers with 69 catches for 937 yards and 13 touchdowns. He recorded a season-high 207 yards on 10 catches and four TDs against lowly Indiana State, and this past season earned second-team All-Big Ten honors.
Strengths: Led the 2026 draft class with a 39.1-percent missed tackle rate per catch, breaking tackles and fighting for extra yardage. He is a reliable receiver with only five dropped passes in his career, and a 54.3-percent contested catch rate, with the ability and athleticism capable to make acrobatic catches and high-point the football. Cooper is a proven playmaker with almost 1,800 receiving yards and 22 touchdowns over his three-year career at Indiana.
Weaknesses: Cooper lacks deep-threat speed, often relying on his technique instead of speed to create separation. While a good route runner, his route tree needs refinement for the NFL level.
Pro Football Focus
Christen Miller, Defensive Tackle, Georgia
At 6-foot-4, 310 pounds, Miller registered 23 tackles (10 solo), four tackles for loss and two quarterback pressures in the Bulldogs' 2025 season and postseason.
Strengths: Miller can gain early advantages at the point of attack. He can shed single blocks.
Weaknesses: Lacks the prototypical mass to eat up space. PFF's prospect analysts say Miller will lose his leverage to double teams and strong angle blocks.
The Athletic
Max Iheanachor, Offensive Tackle, Arizona State
A second-team All-Big 12 selection last season, Iheanachor earned a pass-blocking grade of 78.3 and a run grade of 66.8 from PFF. In 484 pass-blocking snaps, Iheanachor allowed zero sacks and 14 quarterback pressures. He made the PFN second-team All-Prospect Team.
Strengths: Elite size (6-foot-6, 330 pounds), and agile. Light on his feet, strong pass protection, and good recovery ability.
Weaknesses: Inconsistent hand placement, plays too high, and has limited experience, making him a developmental project.
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The Jaguars have many draft picks in the later rounds, which could become trade currency for teams looking to make deals to shift positions on their draft board. Lots of things can happen on draft day. It will be interesting to see how general manager James Gladstone and the Jaguars' war room address the team's needs and find the right players to fit into the culture that coach Liam Coen is building going into Year 2.
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