Jaguars finish 2022 with 12th best rookie class in recent rankings
The Jacksonville Jaguars received some praise for their ability to draft as they ranked high in recent rookie class rankings
The Jacksonville Jaguars had one of their better drafts in recent years, as far as depth and what they were able to get for where they picked. Of course, last offseason was a pretty good draft too, as they snagged Trevor Lawrence and Travis Etienne.
This last draft class saw the Jaguars select number one overall again, and select Travon Walker, who at the time people thought was a reach. But, he definitely showed flashes of being an elite pass rusher.
Even after the selection of Walker, this season showed that the rest of the draft class was a good one too, and I'm not the only one who thinks that. The Jaguars were listed as the 12th-best rookie class after the season was over, a ranking done by Nick Shook of NFL.com.
Here is why he chose Jacksonville at 12:
"Jacksonville's selection of Travon Walker was a long-term play that banked on his rare athleticism and presumably came with the understanding he might struggle early. He wasn't stellar, but there were certainly glimpses of what he could become, even as he adjusted to a move to outside linebacker. Walker can carry the momentum from a strong finish into 2023 when he'll be expected to outpace his debut campaign.
Devin Lloyd had a very strong start before temporarily losing his job to Chad Muma; the two could make for an interesting linebacking combo in the future, with Muma displaying ability as a traditional 'backer against the run.
"Luke Fortner was reliably available, starting all 17 games, but he still has room to grow. As the third back on Jacksonville's depth chart, Snoop Conner didn't see much playing time, logging 12 carries, 42 yards, and one touchdown. Greg Junior didn't make the final 53, spending most of the season on the practice squad before being elevated in mid-December. Montaric Brown saw a handful of defensive snaps, recording six tackles."
Jacksonville is young and super talented, only giving players even more of a reason to become a destination they want to play at. And honestly, the 12th-best rookie class is a ranking that I am fine with, especially considering some of the teams ahead of them on this list.
The Jets, Lions, Seahawks, Chiefs, and Ravens round out the top five which I would say is probably right. They all had rookies play significant roles the entire season, and make plays that ultimately won them games. And it wasn't just a few guys, it was nearly every player they drafted.
The Jaguars were still behind teams like the Steelers, 49ers, Titans, Falcons, Cowboys, and Texans are all listed above the Jaguars, and I can probably agree with those placements as well. When it comes to top to bottom production, they all had more than the Jaguars.
But hey, 12th isn't bad at all. It shows that the franchise is doing something right and staying in the right direction.
To read the rest of the rankings click here.
Featured Image Via Bob Self/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK
