JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The 2022 NFL draft was barely a week ago, but it’s already obvious that the Jacksonville JaguarsThe 2023 offseason will see quarterbacks be the focus of the team. Trevor LawrenceMore help.
That was done by the Jaguars in free agency signing two receivers and a tight endAfter going to defense with five of their seven draft picksOnly one skill-position player will be selected (a fifth round running back), so offense will be their first priority for next year.
General manager Trent Baalke stated that the free-agent period gave us the freedom to view the draft in a different way than we might have before-free agency. “Again, dealing avec [Head]Coach [Doug Pederson]and working together with the coaching staff. It’s all in the development of the best roster, the most 53. This is how we approached free agency and how we approached draft.
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“Obviously, it is important to address the needs. We felt that we did this.”
Adding receivers Christian KirkAnd Zay JonesEnds that are tight Evan EngramIn free agency, the Jaguars received a major upgrade in their passing game for 2022. With leading receiver Marvin Jones Jr. Returned, receiver Laviska Shenault Jr.Returning back and tightening up Dan ArnoldLawrence, who has been able to recover from the MCL tear in his right knee that forced him to miss six games of 2021’s season, now has a good group of pass-catchers.
Things are not as bright as they seem beyond the next season.
Marvin Jones and Marvin Jones are the receivers Laquon TreadwellThis is not the case for Corey, who led the Jaguars in receiving yards with 416 over the last eight games of 2021. Engram, Arnold, and other tight ends are not under contract. Chris ManhertzHe is a blocker.
Kirk, Jones, Shenault are now out of the picture. Shenault was tied for second with eight NFL drops and also had issues running the wrong routes. Jamal AgnewThe only veteran receiver under contract in 2023 is a converted defensive back who has only been a receiver two seasons. Only one tight end remains under contract for the Jaguars beyond this season. Luke FarrellLast season, he threw seven passes for 56 yards.
Marvin Jones, Manhertz, and Shenault are unlikely to return. Shenault has had a great impact on Shenault’s quick throws which allow him to break tackles. The Jaguars will need to sign a receiver either in free agency, or more likely, in the draft.
It is quite possible to get free agents in 2023 from a good group of receivers: Deebo SamuelIf he isn’t traded, Terry McLaurin, JuJu Smith-Schuster, DK Metcalf, Mecole HardmanAnd Diontae Johnson. However, the pool will shrink as franchise tags are used by teams and players sign extensions.
A look at potential receivers in the 2023 draft class — including Ohio State’s Jaxon Smith-NjigbaIt is No. Overall, 4 ESPN NFL analyst Todd McShay’s early 2023 mock draft. — not as impressive as the 2022 class receivers.
Engram signed a one year deal. The Jaguars hope Engram will have a great year and resign. But, if not, there are many good tight ends who could become free agents. Mike Gesicki, Dalton Schultz, David Njoku, Dawson KnoxAnd Maxx Williams. Notre Dame’s Michael Mayer, Clemson’s Davis Allen, Miami’s Will MalloryAlabama’s Cameron LatuThey are one of the top draft prospects in 2023.
This was the 14th year in 15 years that the Jaguars had picked in the top 10, and the second consecutive year they were ranked first overall. Because the franchise missed on so many of those first-round picksThe roster has many holes as it continues to make mistakes. Although it’s impossible for every need to be addressed in one offseason of football, the Jaguars’ new regime under Baalke/Pederson addressed key spots this offseason: offensive and defensive line. Brandon ScherffAnd the center Luke Fortner), pass rush (defensive end Travon Walker), linebacker (Devin LloydAnd Chad Muma) and cornerback (Darious Williams).
Kirk, Zay Jones and Engram, as well as the return to healthy running back Travis Etienne Jr. Lawrence should find it easier in his second season.
Baalke said that the team is liked and appreciated by them. However, he added, “We love this team and we like the group that’s here, obviously, but I’ve always maintained that you should never stop looking and never stop trying to improve each room and make it as competitive and as enjoyable as possible.”
This is particularly true for 2023.