Jacksonville Jaguars mock draft 2023: Building on last season's momentum

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.

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

Jacksonville Jaguars mock draft: Building a powerhouse

Round 1, 24th overall: Brian Branch, safety, Alabama

jacksonville jaguars mock draft, jaguars draft: brian branch — Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

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.

2023 NFL Draft order: Picks by team, latest order for Day 3 (Rounds 4-7)

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2023 NFL Draft order: Picks by team, Rounds 1-7 and compensatory picks

Round 2, 56th overall: Jaelyn Duncan, offensive line, Maryland

jacksonville jaguars mock draft, jaguars draft — Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

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

NFL: Combine — Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

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.