3. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars made some key additions to their roster in the 2023 NFL draft, which will undoubtedly help quarterback Trevor Lawrence in the upcoming season. The Jaguars added three players who can contribute right away, starting with offensive tackle Anton Harrison.
The team had a major problem with their offensive line last season when it came to pass protection. He played all but one game in his Oklahoma career at left tackle, but he is versatile enough to play right tackle and guard if needed. Harrison will likely start at right tackle over journeyman Josh Wells, who the team signed to a one-year deal. While Cam Robinson is expected to step in at left tackle, Harrison could play a critical role early in the season depending on how long Robinson gets suspended for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy.
The Jaguars added another weapon to their offense in the second round of the draft, selecting tight end Brenton Strange from Penn State. With only three tight ends on the roster, starting TE Evan Engram has yet to sign the franchise tag. Strange is more of an H-back and caught 70 passes for 755 yards and 11 touchdowns at Penn State. The Jaguars can use him all over the field, giving them the chance to have two pass-catching tight ends on the field at the same time.
In the third round, the Jaguars added running back Tank Bigsby from Auburn. Bigsby will be a big help in short-yardage situations, as he is difficult to bring down. Doug Pederson will run the heck out of the ball, and they needed to add depth behind Travis Etienne Jr.
These additions will be a big help for Lawrence, who took a huge step forward in 2022 after having an underwhelming rookie season. The Jaguars’ front office recognized that Lawrence needed more help to showcase his talents, and these additions will undoubtedly contribute to his success. With the upgrades to the offensive line, Lawrence will have more time to make plays. The addition of a pass-catching tight end will give him another reliable target.