Major outlet lists top three Jaguars entering 2023
The 2023 Jacksonville Jaguars are getting a lot of love this offseason. And it's not just because of the 2022 success they found, winning their first division title and playoff game in 5 years. It's also because of the upward trajectory of several young stars along with the addition of a few new talented faces. […]
The 2023 Jacksonville Jaguars are getting a lot of love this offseason. And it's not just because of the 2022 success they found, winning their first division title and playoff game in 5 years. It's also because of the upward trajectory of several young stars along with the addition of a few new talented faces.
With that all being said, Trevor Sikkema of Pro Football Focus put out his list of the top 3 players for each team going into the 2023 season. For Jacksonville, he lists Trevor Lawrence (of course), Josh Allen, and Tyson Campbell, stating the following:
Allen was fantastic last season, improving every year he’s been drafted all the way up to an 84.7 overall grade in 2022. Campbell earned an 82.8 coverage grade last season, a big leap from his 61.8 coverage grade the year prior. And this list wouldn’t be complete without Lawrence, who headlines a lot of young talent on offense. From Week 9 on, only Joe Burrow had a higher passing grade than Lawrence. – Trevor Sikkema, Pro Football Focus
Just below the cut line for Sikkema were Brandon Scherff, Calvin Ridley, and Christian Kirk.
There's little to argue about regarding Lawrence, who's emerged as one of the brightest young offensive starts in the league after a breakout 2022 season. His prospects trajectory should only consider to ascend as he continues to build rapport with one of the better groups of pass catchers in the league in Kirk, Ridley, Zay Jones, and Evan Engram.
Allen's skill and value to the team is also undeniable. His 2022 PFF overall defensive grade of 84.7 is highest of anyone on the team with more than 22 snaps. Despite just 7 sacks in 2022, his pressure rate of 14.3% was strong. He's the anchor of the defense and, entering his final contract year, someone the Jags' front office needs to find a way to keep in Jacksonville for years beyond.
Campbell is an interesting pick given the rest of the mentioned options, but one that is worthy of such consideration. He was PFF's second-highest graded starting Jaguars defender behind Allen with an overall defensive grade of 80.8. The second-year cornerback out of Georgia took a big step forward in 2022, increasing his coverage grade by over 20 points and overall defensive score by 18. If there's a potential area for improvement, it's that his missed tackle percentage could stand to go down a touch (12.2%), but he was still and willing and physical defender in run support.
Many might have thought that Kirk, who surprised many outside of Jacksonville by earning his hefty payday in 2022, or Ridley could have been the pick with Lawrence and Allen. Both have proven more to date in the league, and in Ridley's case in 2020 as a second-team All-Pro, he's proven to be among the best in the NFL. However, Campbell's positional value, his room to grow (which is considerable), and his promising 2022 season make him a logical choice on this list.
Bottom line is that in today's NFL, you have to have excellent quarterback play, a good pass rush, and corners who can cover. The Jags have three players who check those boxes, and they hope will be the ones to help the team take a big step forward in 2023.
Featured image via Bob Self/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK
