Jacksonville Jaguars 2023 NFL Draft Class
The Jacksonville Jaguars entered the 2023 NFL Draft trying to accomplish two things: Put their best player, Trevor Lawrence, in the best position possible by adding weapons on offense or linemen up front. And defensively, adding just about whatever they can get. They achieved both. The way they went about things was highly intriguing. They […]
The Jacksonville Jaguars entered the 2023 NFL Draft trying to accomplish two things: Put their best player, Trevor Lawrence, in the best position possible by adding weapons on offense or linemen up front. And defensively, adding just about whatever they can get. They achieved both.
The way they went about things was highly intriguing. They kicked off with three consecutive picks for the offense and later fixated on defense with four consecutive selections for that side of the ball. In total, they made THIRTEEN draft picks in 2023.
So, who are the newest Jaguars from the 2023 NFL Draft?
Jacksonville Jaguars 2023 NFL Draft picks
Round 1, No. 27 overall: OT Anton Harrison, Oklahoma

After a couple of trades back that netted them three additional Day 3 draft picks, the Jaguars grabbed a bodyguard for Trevor Lawrence at 27th overall. Harrison lined up at left tackle for Oklahoma for two full seasons. With long arms and impressive athleticism, Harrison should be able to start right away for the Jags.
Round 2, No. 61 overall: TE Brenton Strange, Penn State

The Jaguars got themselves another tight end but don’t get it twisted. As an H-back type player, he’ll complement Evan Engram instead of competing for his role. He can be more of an in-line blocker for Jacksonville and provide serious support in the running and passing game.
Round 3, No. 88 overall: RB Tank Bigsby, Auburn

Some friendly competition for Travis Ettiene. Bigsby produced at a very high level for Auburn, leading the SEC team in rushing yards during his three seasons as the starter of the team.
Round 4, No. 121 overall: LB Ventrell Miller, Florida

The Jaguars’ first defensive pick of the 2023 NFL Draft. Miller is an in-state kid out of Lakeland, Florida. Dane Brugler from The Athletic ranked him as a 6th-7h round prospect but says Miller is a “passionate tone-setter with the run instincts and contact-driven mentality that will speak to NFL defensive coordinators.”
The pick is somewhat surprising considering the team drafted two linebackers last year in Chad Muma and Devin Lloyd. That might speak to how high the Jaguars were on their guy.
Round 4, No. 130 overall: DE Tyler Lacy, Louisville

The Jaguars added additional talent to the defensive line. Lacy is a big guy that will look like he belongs thanks to his height and length. In college, he played defensive end and even three-technique at times.
The Jaguars will be able to figure out where he fits best later.
Round 5, No. 136 overall: LB Yasir Abdullah, Louisville

The Jaguars killed two birds with one stone with this pick. After playing as a pass rusher for Louisville, Abdullah projects as an off-ball linebacker for the NFL. He could earn a significant role early but arrives at a crowded LB room.
Round 6, No. 185 overall: WR Parker Washington, Penn State

Already loaded with weapons, the Jaguars decided to add another wide receiver in Washington. At 5-foot-9, the Penn State product’s height ranks in the ninth percentile among wide receivers and he doesn’t make up for it in length, which ranks in the second percentile.
However, he makes up for it with strength and routes. He'll be a slot receiver in the NFL after spending 87% of his collegiate snaps inside.
Round 6 No. 202 overall: CB Christian Braswell, Rutgers

Braswell is an undersized player at 5’11 and 183 pounds. However, he recorded three interceptions and eight pass breakups in 2022. His explosive play earned could translate well to the NFL.
Round 6, No. 208 overall: CB Erick Hallett II, Pittsburgh

Erick Hallett II is also an undersized DB who played free safety for Pittsburgh. However, his speed and agility testing was great, per his Relative Athletic Score.
Round 7, No. 226 overall: OT Cooper Hodges, Appalachian State

Hodges played right tackle for Appalachian State but is looked at as a guard by many NFL evaluators and media members including The Athletic’s draft analyst Dane Brugler.
"Overall, Hodges is a college tackle with a potential NFL future inside at guard because of his physical hands, play strength, and football IQ," writes Brugler in his draft guide.
Round 7, No. 227 overall: DT Raymond Vohasek, North Carolina

Last but not least, the Jaguars selected Derek Parish out of Houston at No. 240 overall. Parish’s position is something interesting as you might’ve noticed when following on TV. He’s a DL/RB out of college. He had five sacks in four games in 2022 and could earn a role on special teams thanks to his freakish athleticism.
Round 7, No. 240 overall: DL/RB Derek Parish, Houston

Last but not least, the Jaguars selected Derek Parish out of Houston at No. 240 overall. Parish’s position is something interesting as you might’ve noticed when following on TV. He’s a DL/RB out of college. He had five sacks in four games in 2022 and could earn a role on special teams thanks to his freakish athleticism.
- Round 1, No. 27 overall: OT Anton Harrison, Oklahoma
- Round 2, No. 61 overall: TE Brenton Strange, Penn State
- Round 3, No. 88 overall: RB Tank Bigsby, Auburn
- Round 4, No. 121 overall: LB Ventrell Miller, Florida
- Round 4, No. 130 overall: DE Tyler Lacy, Oklahoma State
- Round 5, No. 136 overall: LB Yasir Abdullah, Louisville
- Round 5, No. 160 overall: S Antonio Johnson, Texas A&M
- Round 6, No. 185 overall: WR Parker Washington, Penn State
- Round 6 No. 202 overall: CB Christian Braswell, Rutgers
- Round 6, No. 208 overall: CB Erick Hallett II, Pittsburgh
- Round 7, No. 226 overall: OT Cooper Hodges, Appalachian State
- Round 7, No. 227 overall: DT Raymond Vohasek, North Carolina
- Round 7, No. 240 overall: DL/RB Derek Parish, Houston
The main thing that sticks out about this year's draft class is how long it is. Jaguars GM Trent Baalke was dealing picks as he traded back time and time again. He admitted after Day 2 that the team wanted to trade back into Round 3.
However, since that wasn't possible, it meant the team had 10 selections for Day 3, which they made while also picking up a fourth-rounder for 2024 in one of their trades.
As for players, each of the team's three picks will earn a big role. Anton Harrison could be looking at a starting gig even when Cam Robinson comes back from suspension as a first-round offensive tackle. Strange and Bigsby are likely to be rotational players behind the starters at their respective positions.
As for the defensive picks on Day 3, the Cowboys might've found a couple of steals in LB Yasir Abdullah and S Antonio Johnson. Both had significantly better grades in The Athletic's Draft Guide than where they were picked at. It wouldn't be a surprise if both of them contribute a lot during their rookie seasons.
Now, the 2023 Jaguars' draft class is set and the undrafted free-agent signings will follow. The offseason officially begins.