In this post-NFL combine mock draft from ESPN’s Jordan Reid, the Jacksonville Jaguars address arguably one of their biggest needs in the second round.
With the No. 56 pick — the Jaguars’ first since they were without a first-round pick after trading Travis Hunter last April — Reid had Jacksonville select Arkansas cornerback Julian Neal.
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“Montarik Brown may rule out Jacksonville’s plans, so the Jaguars may need another outside corner,” Reid wrote. “Neal is a long, versatile cornerback who brings a pro’s calmness to his outside skills.”
Neal, who is 6-foot-2, 208 pounds, has played 1,446 career snaps on defense, including 771 last season at Arkansas. He lined up outside for nearly all of his playing time.
In 2025, Neal completed just 56 percent of his 48 targets and gained 12.3 yards per catch. He was also good with the ball, with a total of two interceptions and eight tackles.
Neal shouldn’t be overlooked either, as he’s a solid tackler and one of PFF’s higher-graded running backs at the cornerback position.
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As Reid said, the Jaguars need outside cornerback. With Montalik Brown a free agent and Greg Newsome also a free agent, the starting job opposite Hunter is now up for grabs.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: 2026 NFL Combine: Jaguars select Arkansas CB Julian Neal in mock draft
