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Top 5 Prospects For Jacksonville Jaguars In NFL Draft 2023

The Jacksonville Jaguars did an excellent job this off season of restocking their roster. Yet, if they desire to become a true postseason contender, they must keep bringing in new players. The Jaguars have held the #1 pick in the NFL Draft for many years in a row. Although, NFL draft odds can change each season. 

 

The Jaguars could improve pretty much every position outside of quarterback. Thus, we have compiled the top 5 prospects that the Jacksonville Jaguars should keep an eye out for in the NFL draft 2023. 

1. Camerun Peoples

The Jaguars don’t necessarily have a strong running back group going into the draft. Yet, they do have Snoop Conner, Travis Etienne, and JaMycal Hasty, who just signed a multi-year agreement.

The team’s management should think about using a middle- or late-round pick on the position, though. After all, a good running back can always be found in the latter rounds of the draft, and Camerun Peoples of Appalachian State might be a hidden treasure. 

Peoples made waves during Senior Bowl week, much like Tyjae Spears did. Peoples has only 20 carries in total between his first two seasons at Appalachian State (2018 and 2019). Yet the next year, he amassed 168 carries for 1,124 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Despite Peoples’ little involvement in the Mountaineers’ passing game, he possesses the skills to develop into a capable catcher in the backfield. He is large enough at 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds to smash tackles and gain yards quickly.

2. Joey Porter Jr

Given the Jaguars’ cornerback needs, it is not surprising that they have been linked to just about every CB candidate with a first-round ranking heading into the draft. This includes Joey Porter Jr., who could be available at pick number 24.

The former Penn State Nittany Lion, has great height and length to be an excellent press corner player. 

In two games against Ohio State, Porter faced Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, and Marvin Jones Jr. and allowed just 45 yards on 73 covered snaps. Porter may stand out from the crowd if he performs well in the upcoming combine.

3. Justin Shorter

A five-star recruit, Shorter initially attended Penn University before changing to Florida. Here, he played in 32 games and gathered 95 catches for 1,395 yards and eight touchdowns. Shorter was recruited out of high school and signed by Penn State.

Shorter has the build to overcome tackles, produce difficult catches, and develop into a weapon in the end zone thanks to being 6 foot 4 and 225 pounds. Yet, he lacks the vertical speed necessary to make a separation. 

He must do well in the 3-cone drill and the 40-yard dash in scouting season in order to allay worries about his alleged lack of speed. If he performs well, then he could be one of the top NFL draft picks for the Jaguars. 

4. Tucker Kraft

The Jacksonville Jaguars signed Evan Engram to a one-year contract in the off-season of last year, and he proceeded to set career numbers and break numerous team records. He is set to return to the open market.

The Jaguars ought to think about selecting a tight end in the draft, such as South Dakota State’s Tucker Kraft, even if Engram returns. He only managed 27 catches for 348 yards in 2022 because of an ankle injury. However, the year before, he hauled in 65 receptions for 773 yards and six touchdowns.

Tucker Kraft is a capable receiver who has the physical attributes to develop into an all-around tight end inside the NFL. Although Kraft still needs to develop as a player as a whole, his skills and experience are easily transferable to the next level.

5. Andre Carter II

Andre Carter II had 14.5 sacks, 41 total tackles, and 17 tackles for loss the year prior, despite undisclosed issues slowing him down in 2022.

In order to hold up at the point of attack, Carter would need to put on weight, since he might not have the functional strength to take on NFL offensive lineman. 

With this being said, Carter would be a perfect fit for Jaguars defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell’s scheme. This is because Carter is more comfortable lining up in a two-point stance than with his hand on the ground. The drawback of selecting the former Army Black Knight is that it might take him a year or two to adjust to life in the NFL.

Final Thoughts

The Jacksonville Jaguars have plenty of options for the NFL draft in 2023. While they may not need to look for a quarterback, there are many other positions they need to strengthen. Hence, at any of the scouting days, they need to have an open mind on who to pick for the new NFL season.

We hope this article has been informative. Now you should have a better idea on the top 5 prospects that the Jacksonville Jaguars have their eyes on. All of these prospects could give the Jaguars a better chance to win the next NFL season. 

 

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