2023 NFL Draft: Post-Free Agency Jaguars Mock

With the Jaguars making three signings in free agency this week, the focus will now pivot to the draft. Up next, a full post-free agency projection of who makes sense and where.

The Jacksonville Jaguars are putting a lot of pressure on their drafting ability this offseason, but that is just how they want it.

After a free agency period that saw the Jaguars sign three depth pieces, keep a number of carryovers from last year's roster, and lose Jawaan Taylor and Arden Key, it finally appears the Jaguars are close to being set to enter the final stage of the draft process.

So with nine draft picks on the docket for April, here is our full seven-round post-free agency mock draft.

No. 24 overall, 1st Round: DB Brian Branch, Alabama

This feels like a best-case scenario for the Jaguars, even if taking a nickel cornerback in the first-round could be seen as a potential luxury. But the Jaguars are set at several other premium positions and, in this class, there will likely not be a pass-rusher who offers more in the short-term than Brian Branch would. 

The Jaguars have already shown interest in Branch at his pro day, and it makes sense why. He is a productive, tough-nosed player from an elite program who just happens to fit the Jaguars like a glove from a needs and scheme point pf view. Branch would essentially be a starter in the Jaguars' defense as their starting nickel corner, and would help push Tre Herndon down a spot on the depth chart to his likely rightful spot as No. 4 cornerback. 

There are legitimate questions on if the Jaguars are in a position to take a niche role player like Branch at No. 24, but the slot just so happens to be the weakest part of their defensive roster -- even weaker than pass-rusher. As for questions of whether Branch could fall there, the fact that he ran a poor 40 at the combine and is likely a nickel only should help push him down boards and closer to the Jaguars' pick than many believe. 

No. 56 overall, 2nd Round: EDGE Keion White, Georgia Tech

While we try not to repeat picks in our mock drafts, this one just makes sense. A former tight end and Old Dominion transfer, White recorded 11 sacks in his college career, including 7.5 in 2022. Add in the fact that he's 6-foot-5 and 285 pounds with 34-inch arms and the ability to play inside and outside and it isn't hard to see why the Jaguars sent their defensive line coach to Georgia Tech's pro day.

The Jaguars have such a glaring need at pass-rusher that is worth considering taking one at No. 24. But if the Jaguars pass on edge rushers at No. 24, like in this scenario, then getting a high-upside pick like White in the second-round would be a positive win, even if he has a fair amount of red flags as a prospect. The Jaguars need more pass-rushers, and White offers excellent value here.

No. 88 overall, 3rd Round: TE Sam LaPorta, Iowa

This is where the Jaguars can let Doug Pederson do his thing. The Jaguars will need to, once again, devote most of their draft to the defensive side of the ball, but this selection lets them add an athletic pass-catcher for Pederson to deploy. While LaPorta is better than the No. 88 overall pick, he could be pushed down boards due to the strength of the tight end class. If this happens, the Jaguars could land a backup to Evan Engram who could reasonably serve as a replacement in 2024 if the Jaguars do not strike a long-term deal.

No. 121 overall, 4th Round (via TB): S Ji'Ayir Brown, Penn State

The Jaguars have their top three safety spots locked up, but it is never too early to plan for the future. Rayshawn Jenkins, Andre Cisco and Andrew Wingard will play the most important safety roles in 2023, but Ji'Ayir Brown is a physical and productive safety who also has the traits to fill several spots on special teams. Add in 10 interceptions and 4.5 sacks over the last two seasons, and Brown has the ball skills and blitzing traits to fit in well as a developmental piece in the backend. 

No. 127 overall, 4th Round: EDGE K.J. Henry, Clemson

The Jaguars already took one edge rusher in the second round, but they have a big enough need for pass-rush help following the departures of Arden Key and Dawuane Smoot that they can justify taking a second pass-rusher. As things stand today, the Jaguars' edge rushers behind Travon Walker and Josh Allen have a combined three career sacks, so some upgrade is needed in terms of depth.

While K.J. Henry never posted big sack numbers at Clemsom (never eclipsed four sacks in a season), he did prove his worth as a run defender and as a key piece of the Tigers' culture. Henry likely wouldn't be a high-volume pass-rusher, but he would at least give the Jaguars an athlete who can play the run and give them a reason to move past some of their other depth pieces. 

No. 185 overall, 6th Round (VIA NYJ): OL Ryan Hayes, Michigan  

While there will likely be conversations about moving Ryan Hayes inside due to his shorter arms, he performed well at the combine with a 90th percentile three-cone and impressive jumps. Hayes has over 30 career starts at left tackle and could serve as a potential short-term swing tackle, backing up Walker Little and Cam Robinson. Taking an offensive tackle earlier in the draft would have been more ideal, but it just didn't shake out that way. Instead, they land an athletic, experienced backup option.

No. 202 overall, 6th Round: WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton, West Virginia 

This is a complete upside pick. The Jaguars don't really have a need for a wide receiver at any level of the roster, but they could always find an athletic X receiver prospect to develop while they let their veterans take the reins of the offense. The Jaguars carried six receivers on the active roster last year, so there is at least room for Ford-Wheaton to take over, specifically replacing Kendric Pryor. 

Ford-Wheaton had his best season in 2022, catching 62 passes for 675 yards and seven touchdowns, but he is still mostly a project at this point. Still, just look at his physical traits after he dominated at the combine and it is hard to imagine him not being worth the flier at this point.

No. 208 overall, 6th Round (via PHI): OL Richard Gouraige, Florida

A college left tackle, Richard Gouraige makes sense as a guard conversion in the NFL. He offers good foot speed but so-so physical traits means he could slide inside at the next level. The Jaguars need more guard depth, specifically at right guard behind Brandon Scherff. With Ben Bartch coming off injury and Scherff getting banged up throughout the 2022 season, the Jaguars need as many depth pieces as they can find inside. 

No. 226 overall, 7th Round (via CAR): CB Terell Smith, Minnesota

The Jaguars took their starting nickel cornerback earlier in Branch. Here, they take a developmental outside corner to compete with the likes of Gregory Junior, Montaric Brown and Tevaughn Campbell. Smith offers good size (6'0½", 204 pounds), nearly 33-inch arms, and ran a 4.41 40-yard dash. He also recorded four interceptions and 16 pass breakups, showing potential in terms of ball skills.