Jaguars' third-round draft pick has a much deeper meaning behind it
The Jacksonville Jaguars offense got better in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft when the team stayed put in their original pick for the first time in this year's draft. selected running back Tank Bigsby out of Auburn to provide Travis Ettiene with the perfect running mate. At Auburn, Bigsby led the team […]
The Jacksonville Jaguars offense got better in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft when the team stayed put in their original pick for the first time in this year's draft. selected running back Tank Bigsby out of Auburn to provide Travis Ettiene with the perfect running mate.
At Auburn, Bigsby led the team in rushing yards during his three seasons starting there. He scored 62 career touchdowns in SEC play and shot his way up the draft boards thanks to his power and explosiveness.
Now, the former four-star recruit arrives at Jacksonville to join forces with a former first-round pick running back.
The Athletic's Dane Brugler had Bigsby pegged as his sixth-best running back of the class and 87th overall prospect. Essentially suggesting the Jags drafted him right where he deserved to be drafted.
Here's The Athletic's Dane Brugler's scouting report on Bigsby:
"Overall, Bigsby needs to improve his decisiveness and feel for finding creases, but he has playmaking skills thanks to his up-field explosiveness along with his upside as a receiver and blocker. He has NFL starting potential in a gap or zone scheme."
Picking Bigsby has a deeper meaning for the Jaguars
Consider the Jaguars' identity officially chosen. The team arrived at this year's draft with not one but many defensive team needs. And yet, they've taken a full-offense approach to things two days into the event.
Each of the team's first three picks has been designed to put Trevor Lawrence in the best position possible. The team added an offensive tackle, a No. 2 tight end, and a No. 2 running back instead of addressing the clear holes on the defense.
In other words, the Jaguars trust their offense can win them the big games entering the 2023 NFL season. The goal is clear: "Go ahead and score your points on us… We'll score more."
But make no mistake about it. The team's front office is loaded with draft picks for Day 3 and could get a defensive haul if they desire to do so. However, those prospects are unlikely to make a big impact in 2023. The scouting department could really prove its worth with a strong Saturday.
