byJohn Oehser&Bucky Brooks
JACKSONVILLEIt's a strong year for an important defensive position.
The 2026 NFL Draft isn't considered the strongest in recent memory. But it is considered at least good at the top and deep throughout at a few key spots.
Among those spots: Outside linebacker/defensive end.
This story assesses multiple positions on the defensive front seven in the 2026 NFL Draft, and it's sometimes tricky in the modern NFL to separate outside linebackers and defensive ends. It's tricky at times in this particular draft to separate inside and outside linebackers.
Such is the increasingly multiple nature of modern NFL defense. But pass rushing is value whatever the scheme and in what is considered a down year for interior defensive line in the draft, edge defender is very up.
"It's really good and it's really deep," NFL Media Analyst Daniel Jeremiah said of the edge class. "We've had other years where we've had guys carry bigger individual grades. But we have three legit Top 10 players in this draft.
Brooks called the edge group "intriguing."
Two of the draft's top defenders, Arvell Reese of Ohio State and David Bailey of Texas Tech, are both linebackers. Reese is an athletic player who can play "off-ball" linebacker and who also has pass rushing ability, with Bailey considered more of "pure edge rusher."
Many analysts project Reese and Bailey to be selected Nos. 2 and 3 (New York Jets and Arizona Cardinals, respectively). Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles also is projected in the Top 5.
Few analysts feel that way about the defensive interior.
Brooks said while "it's just a bit of a down year" at tackle, "We always say that, and then someone emerges and we're like, 'That guy was a really good player. How do we overlook it?'''
The draft also is considered deep at "off-ball" linebacker, with many analysts projecting early starters available there into and beyond the second round.
"There's a good chunk at linebacker that I think are going to be really good pros and there will be some value there," Jeremiah said of the late second-round linebackers, with Brooks adding that he's "really excited about the linebacker class."
HANDICAPPING THE JAGUARS
These could be areas of serious interest on draft weekend, particularly following the loss of All-Pro outside linebacker Devin Lloyd as an unrestricted free agent last month. The team likes linebackerVentrell Millerand is comfortable if he enters the season as a starter, and veteranFoyesade Oluokunremains a front-line defender and leader at insider/middle linebacker. The team also likes the potential of linebackers such asDennis Gardeck,Yasir Abdullah,Branson Combs,Jack KiserandJalen McLeod. But considering the strength of the position in this draft, it will be a position to watch particularly on Day 2 and early Day 3. While the team could use more interior pass rush, the draft is considered weak overall in that area. A major area to watch early for the Jaguars this weekend: Edge defender, where it wouldn't be surprising if the team was active early to add depth and athleticism at the position behindJosh Hines-AllenandTravon Walker.
CHANCE JAGUARS TAKE A DEFENSIVE LINEMAN/LINEBACKER ON DAYS 1-2 (ROUNDS 1-3)
Very good.
DL ON THE JAGUARS ROSTER
EndJosh Hines-Allen, endTravon Walker, nose tackleDaVon Hamilton, tackleArik Armstead, linemanMatt Dickerson, endB.J. Green II, endDanny Striggow, tackleRuke Orhorhoro, linemanKeivie Rose.
LB ON THE JAGUARS ROSTER
Foyesade Oluokun,Ventrell Miller,Dennis Gardeck,Yasir Abdullah,Branson Combs,Jack Kiser,Jalen McLeod.
BUCKY BROOKS' TOP 5 2026 DEFENSIVE TACKLES
BUCKY BROOKS' TOP 5 2026 DEFENSIVE ENDS
BUCKY BROOKS' TOP 5 2026 OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS
BUCKY BROOKS' TOP 5 2026 INSIDE LINEBACKERS
POSSIBLE FIRST-ROUND DEFENSIVE TACKLES
McDonald, Woods, Banks.
POSSIBLE FIRST-ROUND DEFENSIVE ENDS
Bain, Faulk, Young, Mesidor.
POSSIBLE FIRST-ROUND INSIDE LINEBACKERS
Reese, Styles, Allen.
POSSIBLE FIRST-ROUND OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS
Bailey, Parker, Howell.
