Jaguars address line of scrimmage in early 2027 NFL mock drafts

Once the 2026 NFL draft wrapped up, many draft analysts put together their "way-too-early" 2027 mock drafts. Let's take a look at who the Jacksonville Jaguars ended up selecting.

Nearly a year out from the 2027 draft, accurately projecting who the Jaguars will pick is a nearly impossible task. Draft order will change, so will team needs, and prospects will move up and down draft boards.

So this exercise is more so about identifying prospects who should be on our watch list as the upcoming college football season unfolds.

After not having a first-round pick this year, the Jaguars are currently scheduled to pick in Round 1 of the 2027 draft.

Pick 16: KJ Bolden, S, Georgia

Dane Brugler, The Athletic: "The top-ranked safety at this point in the process, Bolden lacks ideal size, but he makes plays in the run game and in coverage (he also had a blocked punt in 2025)."

Takeaways: He's proven to be a very reliable tackler, making 78 of his 82 attempts last season, which contributed to him being one of PFF's highest-graded run defenders at the safety position. In coverage, Bolden allowed only 19 receptions on 37 targets, while forcing two interceptions and six pass breakups. He has experience playing deep safety and down in the box.

Pick 15: David Stone, DL, Oklahoma

Daniel Flick, SI: "Stone has the physical tools to wreak havoc against both the run and pass. At 6' 3" and 310 pounds, Stone turns speed to power off the snap, is a quality run defender and has intriguing pass-rushing traits."

Takeaways: Seeing significant snaps for the first time in 2025, Stone recorded 26 pressures and two sacks as a pass rusher. He was also one of PFF's higher graded defensive tackles against the run.

Pick 18: Ahmad Moten Sr., DL, Miami

Cooper Petagna, CBS Sports: "At 6-foot-3 and 320 pounds, he's a bull in a china shop, pairing an explosive first step with the quickness to disrupt opposing backfields. A versatile piece who can line up across the front, don't be surprised if he comes off the board earlier than expected."

Takeaways: After filling a rotational role for two seasons, Moten moved into a starting role in 2025. He logged 27 pressures and four sacks, while ranking tied for 50th in run-stop rate among tackles.

Pick 18: Carter Smith, OT, Indiana

Daire Carragher, PFF: "Smith is arguably the best offensive tackle in college football entering 2026. However, after deciding to return to Indiana for his fifth season, he will not have the same age advantage as other offensive tackle prospects. Smith won Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year last season while protecting Fernando Mendoza’s blind side."

Takeaways: An already experienced player with over 2,700 career snaps, Smith has spent his career at left tackle. He graded out very well in the run game, while allowing only two sacks and nine pressures over 483 pass-blocking snaps.

Pick 18: Justice Haynes, RB, Georgia Tech

Rob Rang, FOX Sports: "Haynes began his college career at Alabama and has averaged a staggering 6.5 yards per carry over his first three seasons. He ran for 857 yards a year ago before succumbing to a right foot injury which required surgery. If he can remain healthy, he might double those numbers next year and run himself into the first round."

Takeaways: With Michigan in 2025, Haynes played in only seven games but was a big-play threat, totaling 7.1 yards per attempt. On only 121 carries, he totaled 857 yards, while scoring 10 touchdowns. He also had 16 targets in the passing game.

This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: 2027 NFL draft: Defensive line popular picks for Jaguars in early mocks