The Jacksonville Jaguars are coming off a surprise appearance in the NFL Divisional Playoffs. Young quarterback Trevor Lawrence took that next step under first-year head coach Doug Pederson. Jacksonville’s defense also held its own.
After an extremely inactive free agent period, it’s vital for general manager Trent Baalke to find some immediate contributors in the 2023 NFL Draft. There are needs along the offensive line and in the defensive secondary. Meanwhile, you can’t have enough weapons for a quarterback of Trevor Lawrence’s ilk.
Before diving into our Jaguars mock draft, here’s a rundown of Jacksonville’s draft picks and needs in the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft.
Related: Sportsnaut’s updated 2023 NFL mock draft
Jacksonville Jaguars draft picks 2023
Here is the list of the Jacksonville Jaguars draft picks in the 2023 NFL Draft.
- Round 1 – 24th overall
- Round 2 – 56th overall
- Round 3 – 88th overall
- Round 4 (via TB) – 121st overall
- Round 4 – 127th overall
- Round 6 (via NYJ) – 185th overall
- Round 6 – 202nd overall
- Round 6 (via PHI) – 208th overall
- Round 7 – 226th overall
Jacksonville Jaguars draft needs 2023
- Offensive tackle
- Guard
- Center
- Safety
- Cornerback
- Wide receiver
Related: Ranking the top wide receivers in the 2023 NFL Draft
Jacksonville Jaguars mock draft: Building a powerhouse
Round 1, 24th overall: Brian Branch, safety, Alabama
Veteran Rayshawn Jenkins had a career-best season in 2022, yielding a mere 78.6 QB rating when targeted. Whether that’s an outlier for the 29-year-old remains to be seen. What we do know is that Andre Cisco did not live up to his end of the bargain. Despite recording three interceptions, the Syracuse product has seen quarterbacks post a 125.6 passer rating when targeting him in two seasons.
This is where Branch comes into play. He’s the unquestioned top safety in the draft class. Last season saw Branch record 90 tackles, seven passes defended and two interceptions. His athleticism and ability to play a true center field position would be absolutely huge in Jacksonville’s defense. He has great ball reaction ability and is fluid in coverage.
Round 2, 56th overall: Jaelyn Duncan, offensive line, Maryland
We don’t blame Jacksonville for now matching the absurd contract right tackle Jawaan Taylor signed with the Kansas City Chiefs. There’s also a darn good chance that Walker Little can step in and perform at a high level. Even then, there’s a need bout on the outside and at guard in Jacksonville.
Duncan would be a value pick at a position of need. The 6-foot-6, 320-pound athletic specimen is extremely athletic and fluid for someone his size. He can line up at both tackle and guard spots, potentially providing Jacksonville with the versatility it needs.
Round 3, 88th overall: Trey Palmer, wide receiver, Nebraska
Acquire ahead of the NFL trade deadline last season, Calvin Ridley was just reinstated by the league after being suspended for an entire season. The former Alabama star recorded 90 receptions for 1,374 yards in his final full season with the Atlanta Falcons back in 2020. He’ll team up with Zay Jones and Christian Kirk to form a solid trio in Jacksonville.
Even then, we love the idea of getting Lawrence more weapons while being able to acquire value in the mid rounds. Simply put, Trey Palmer would be another offensive weapon for Pederson and Co. He’s darn dynamic after the catch, can line up at multiple positions and proved to be a home run threat for Nebraska last season. We love this fit.
Related: Jacksonville Jaguars NFL free agency grade
Jacksonville Jaguars mock draft, full 7 rounds
- Round 1 – 24th overall: Brian Branch, S, Alabama
- Round 2 – 56th overall: Jaelyn Duncan, OL, Maryland
- Round 3 – 88th overall: Trey Palmer, WR, Nebraska
- Round 4 — 121st overall: Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia
- Round 4 – 127th overall: Olusegun Oluwatimi, C, Michigan
- Round 6 – 185th overall: Jake Haener, QB, Fresno State
- Round 6 – 202nd overall: Arquon Bush, CB, Cincinnati
- Round 6 – 208th overall: Deuce Vaughn, RB, Kansas State
- Round 7 – 226th overall: Viliami Fehoko, EDGE, San Jose State
See exclusive Sportsnaut videos on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.