2023 NFL mock draft: Cowboys, Falcons make massive trades up
24. Jacksonville Jaguars: Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia
player. Scouting Report. EDGE. Georgia. Nolan Smith. 24. 52. Pick Analysis
The Jacksonville Jaguars went from worst to first in 2022 and they were more than just a good story. This team experienced a true resurgence, their young players took huge steps forward under new head coach Doug Pederson and his staff, and the Jaguars came screaming back in the second half of last season not only to win the AFC South, but then win a playoff game at home against the Chargers.
It was truly a sight to behold.
The team ended up getting mixed production out of top overall pick Travon Walker in a year where there really wasn’t a clear no. 1 overall player in the draft. You know who has worked well with Walker in the past? Nolan Smith.
You know who happens to be on the board here? Nolan Smith.
The Jaguars have had some good luck with Georgia guys in recent years, even if it’s a smaller sample. Travon Walker is going to improve. Tyson Campbell at cornerback has taken huge strides.
One loss for this team that cannot be overstated is the loss of Arden Key, who emerged in the second half of the season as a consistent pass rush weapon for the Jaguars defense. Key is now with the Titans. The Jaguars move on from both Key and former first-round pick K’Lavon Chaisson in one fell swoop with this pick.
25. New York Giants: Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina
North Carolina. Josh Downs. player. 31. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. WR. 25
Here’s the scenario for the New York Giants. Maybe they really love this year’s wide receiver class. Specifically, maybe they really love the depth at the top end of this class. For whatever reason, the Giants have been super connected in rumors regarding Denver Broncos receiver Jerry Jeudy, but they apparently won’t part with this pick to get him.
Jeudy has just one year left on his rookie deal and the fifth-year option on top of that, but is it not worth it considering he had his breakout in the second half of last season? Considering he has history with Brian Daboll dating back to their Alabama days?
I don’t know, you tell me if you would trade Josh Downs for Jerry Jeudy. The Giants either apparently wouldn’t, or they think someone else like Jaxon Smith-Njigba or Jordan Addison or Quentin Johnston will be on the board here.
At any rate, that’s not to diminish Downs as a prospect. He’s an exciting playmaker who has elite quickness and burst. He’s not very big, but Downs will be an asset to an NFL offense.