In the space of 12 months, the Jacksonville Jaguars went from the worst team in the league to the NFL playoffs. This Jaguars NFL Mock Draft aims to take Jacksonville even further forward in the next 12 months as their attention now turns to the 2023 NFL Draft.
In this scenario, simulated trades were active among other teams via the Mock Draft Simulator, but the Jaguars held steady and did not make any moves.
Latest Jacksonville Jaguars 2023 NFL Mock Draft
Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon | Round 1, Pick 24
It’s easy to assume that providing Trevor Lawrence with protection and weaponry might be the way to kick off this Jaguars NFL Mock Draft. However, Jacksonville gave up the fifth-most receiving yards in the NFL this year, allowing the fourth-most yards after the catch.
They need help in the secondary, and if Oregon cornerback Christian Gonzalez is somehow still on the board at pick 24, the Jags have to run the card up to the podium. Gonzalez boasts a freakish mix of size, speed, explosion, physicality, and ball skills, which is exactly what Jacksonville needs.
Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah | Round 2, Pick 56
It’s absolutely no secret, Doug Pederson LOVES tight ends. It’s not by accident that Evan Engram has been one of the most targeted Jaguars this season. Even if Jacksonville brings back the former New York Giant, it shouldn’t deter the Jaguars from adding to their TE room in April.
MORE: Top 10 Tight Ends in the 2023 NFL Draft
Utah’s Dalton Kincaid has consistently been one of the top pass-catching tight ends in college football. Impressive athleticism, decent catch radius, exceptional technique, and strong hands ensure Lawrence a reliable target from this Jaguars NFL Mock Draft. Kincaid’s also an extremely willing blocker.
Matthew Bergeron, OT, Syracuse | Round 3, Pick 88
Jawaan Taylor is out of contract, as are several other offensive tackles on the Jaguars’ depth chart. It would be a surprise if Jacksonville doesn’t add multiple offensive line pieces in the 2023 NFL Draft, and the third round of this Jaguars mock draft seems like a good place to start.
At 6’5″ and 322 pounds, Syracuse offensive tackle Matthew Bergeron is a towering force with impressive strength who can easily manipulate pass rushers. Meanwhile, he’s a bulldozer in the ground game who can drive opponents into the ground while carving open rushing lanes.
Colby Wooden, DT, Auburn | Round 4, Pick 119
Having bolstered the offensive trenches in Round 3, the next two picks focus on the defensive front. Colby Wooden gives Jacksonville a strong and athletic mismatch, who can terrorize offensive lines both from the interior and off the edge. The Auburn DT can be disruptive against the run while possessing an array of pass-rush moves.
K.J. Henry, EDGE, Clemson | Round 4, Pick 125
While Travon Walker and Josh Allen have both shown potential off the edge, you can expect the Jags to bolster their pass-rush attack in the 2023 NFL Draft. While Clemson has a first-round “lock” in Myles Murphy, K.J. Henry is an underrated Tigers pass rusher. An excellent first step, powerful hands, and impressive technical refinement make Henry a dangerous prospect.
Nick Broeker, G, Ole Miss | Round 5, Pick 157
Heading into the fifth round of this Jaguars NFL Mock Draft, it’s time to add some offensive line depth. Ole Miss lineman Nick Broeker has experience at multiple spots but was impressive at guard for the Rebels this season. Broeker brings more than just experience, with an impressive athletic profile headlined by quick footwork, play speed, recovery ability, and lower body strength.
Jayden Reed, WR, Michigan State | Round 6, Pick 166
With a stellar season from Christian Kirk and the addition of Calvin Ridley for next season, wide receiver might not be the first-round priority that some think. Especially if you can snag a talent like Jayden Reed on Day 3 of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Known as a genuine speed merchant, Reed is more impressive at the catch point than his 6’0″, 185-pound frame might suggest.
Ja’Von Hicks, S, Cincinnati | Round 6, Pick 196
The late rounds of the NFL draft are for finding players to develop for the future. And at some point in the future, Jacksonville is going to need a playmaker at safety.
MORE: Jacksonville Jaguars Offseason Preview 2023 — Free Agents, Cut Candidates, Team Needs
Cincinnati’s Ja’Von Hicks is an enforcer in the secondary, routinely trying to separate ball from man. Meanwhile, Hicks has the eyes, length, vertical athleticism, and click-and-close ability in coverage.
Jeremy Lucien, CB, Vanderbilt | Round 7, Pick 205
Closing out this Jaguars NFL Mock Draft, Jacksonville double-dips at the cornerback position.
Vanderbilt’s Jeremy Lucien is an ascending CB prospect who excelled during the Hula Bowl and is attracting attention around the league. Lucien has top-tier intelligence to play zone, the size, length, and athleticism to excel in man, and plays the game with non-stop physicality.