With 2023 NFL training camps on the horizon, we’re starting to get an idea of how 2023 NFL draft classes will impact each roster this season.
Let's look at the Jacksonville Jaguars, breaking down the most likely instant-impact rookies from each class, while also providing some insight into why certain early picks may not see the field.
These insights are an excerpt from Warren Sharp's 500+ page book “2023 Football Preview” which is now available for download.
In the book, you can find a comprehensive breakdown of the rookie class for all 32 NFL teams by draft guru Ryan McCrystal.
Who are the Jacksonville Jaguars rookies?
- Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma | Round 1, Pick 27
- Brenton Strange, TE, Penn State | Round 2, Pick 61
- Tank Bigsby, RB, Auburn | Round 3, Pick 88
- Ventrell Miller, LB, Florida | Round 4, Pick 121
- Tyler Lacy, EDGE, Oklahoma State | Round 4, Pick 130
- Yasir Abdullah, LB, Louisville | Round 5, Pick 136
- Antonio Johnson, S, Texas A&M | Round 5, Pick 160
- Parker Washington, WR, Penn State | Round 6, Pick 185
- Christian Braswell, CB, Rutgers | Round 6, Pick 202
- Erick Hallett, DB Pittsburgh | Round 6, Pick 208
- Cooper Hodges, OT, Appalachian State | Round 7, Pick 226
- Raymond Vohasek, DT, North Carolina | Round 7, Pick 227
- Derek Parish, EDGE, Houston | Round 7, Pick 240
Jacksonville Jaguars Draft Class Grade:
The Jaguars received a B rookie class draft grade from PFF, a B from ESPN, and a C- from NFL Network.
Which Jaguars Rookies Will Make An Impact?
The Jaguars were smart to trade down twice before selecting Anton Harrison (first round), picking up three extra first-round picks in the process. Harrison is a developmental prospect and a bit of a reach in the first round, so the extra assets lessen the risk.
Harrison was a two-year starter in a gimmick offense at Oklahoma, which puts little stress on the offensive line in pass protection. As a result, Harrison is not fully prepared for an NFL offense, especially considering his struggles in college. He committed 14 penalties over the last two years, including four in the final two games of his college career.
Brenton Strange (second round) had a forgettable career at Penn State but was probably out of place in James Franklin’s offense. Doug Pederson had success with a two-tight-end system in Philadelphia, so Strange should immediately be featured in the offense despite the presence of Evan Engram.
Strange has the athleticism to play a much more explosive role in the Jaguars' offense than he did at Penn State.
Tank Bigsby (third round) is a physical downhill runner who can break tackles as well as anyone in this draft class. However, he has poor vision as a runner and aggressively attacks holes with no ability to adjust if they’re closed.
Bigsby does have home run potential, however, as he averaged an impressive 9.2 yards per carry when crossing the line of scrimmage without contact. If the offensive line can clear space, he’ll be a productive complement to Travis Etienne.
The selection of Ventrell Miller (fourth round) was surprising considering Jacksonville’s overinvestment in the linebacker position in recent years. Between Devin Lloyd, Foye Oluokun, and Chad Muma, there’s no path to the field for Miller. He’ll compete for a spot on the roster via a special teams role.
Yasir Abdullah (fifth round) could also factor into that competition as he will likely play an all-purpose role on defense. Abdullah ranked fourth among Power Five edge rushers with a 19.3% pressure rate last season, so Jacksonville would be foolish to not try him out in that role despite his 6-foot-1, 237-pound frame.
Tyler Lacy (fourth round) is a versatile lineman who should serve as a backup defensive end in Jacksonville’s preferred three-man front.
Antonio Johnson (fifth round) is a box safety who struggles in coverage. When lined up in coverage in the slot or at safety, he made one play on the ball in 190 coverage snaps last season. Despite his limitations, he could compete for a job as Rayshawn Jenkins was unimpressive in that role last year.
The Jaguars added to the depth at receiver with Parker Washington (sixth round). In 2022, Washington averaged a broken or missed tackle forced once every 2.9 receptions, the second-best rate in the Big Ten.
Christian Braswell (sixth round) and Erick Hallett II (sixth round) add some depth to the secondary. Cooper Hodges (seventh round) was a four-year starter at right tackle but has the body of a guard. Raymond Vohasek (seventh round) is an undersized nose tackle with virtually no pass-rush production throughout his career. It was surprising to hear his name called at all.
The Jaguars did not use a fullback in 2022, so the selection of Derek Parish (seventh round) was odd. They are apparently trying out some new formations this offseason. If it sticks, Parish will have a spot on the roster. He’ll play special teams as well and has stated a desire to be a two-way player, which he did at Houston.
Credit Trent Baalke for trading back and stockpiling picks, but the lack of high-end talent raises some concerns. None of these rookies are well positioned to earn a starting spot in 2023, and not because there weren’t positions in need of upgrades.
Neither Harrison nor Strange were considered locks to come off the board before the third round. While both have high upside, they are developmental prospects. A team hoping to build off last year’s playoff berth could have used an impact rookie or two.
