Week 13 Jaguars Three Round NFL Mock Draft

The Jaguars Won't Have The Luxury Of The First Pick Anymore

Sometimes a problem is a good thing, and having to wait for other teams to select before you is only a problem because your team is better. Despite so many close losses early in the season, the Jaguars are currently 11th in the draft order and have shown great strides this year. In my mind, there's no doubt that the Jaguars at least playoff contenders in 2023. Doug Pederson and Trent Baalke will need to reload at some positions on the roster potentially including tight end, offensive line, and secondary to mention some areas needing improvement.

Regardless of need, it's imperative that they choose the best player available regardless of whether there's a huge need or not. This would be a huge argument for someone like Quentin Johnston because although the Jaguars have wide receivers, I'd rather have the problem of splitting playing time among great players than regretting a draft pick that was decided based on need. However, Quentin Johnston was not available in this mock draft along with several other top players.

No. #11 - Peter Skoronski - OT, Northwestern

Even with some of the top options off the board already, Peter Skoronski is very well in the conversation as one of the best players in this draft. He has the pedigree to be a great offensive lineman, has positional versatility across the offensive line, and possesses both the IQ and technical skills to make up for any athletic faults. Skoronski has been one of the highest rated offensive linemen across college football for the past few years and immediately offers a player who can shore up the weakest link in the offensive line. Long-term I would expect Skoronski to move into a starting role at tackle if not immediately. The important thing is that he will immediately elevate the offensive line and improve every element of the offense in doing so. He would be a high-character, disciplined player to add to the Jacksonville Jaguars and even though it's not a sexy pick, it's a smart one.

Other options I considered at this pick include Christian Gonzalez(CB, Oregon) and Bryan Bresee(DT, Clemson). I believe that Christian Gonzalez has a huge argument for going this early in the draft and especially to Jacksonville due to his similarities to Tyson Campbell. Honestly, I would even consider it a toss-up at this pick. However, there's the potential for the Jaguars to move Darious Williams outside and be able to succeed with that lineup. The Rams won a Super Bowl with him playing there, so I don't think it's ridiculous to think he can play well there. In my mind, that's the easiest solution and would simply leave a need for a nickel cornerback which can't go this high. Bryan Bresee is another option I could see the Jaguars selecting, but I'm too worried about his injury issues and the need for development to select him this high. The Jaguars already have an ongoing project in Travon Walker and if they're to add to the defensive interior, they need to choose someone who can assist the pass rush. That leads to the next pick.

No. #41 - Calijah Kancey - DT, Pittsburgh

In 2022, the Jaguars made a long-term gamble when it came to addressing the pass rush by drafting Travon Walker. The verdict is still out on the first overall pick regardless of what is said, but the Jaguars are clearly in need of improvement when it comes to sacking the quarterback. Enter Calijah Kancey, a player who has seven sacks from the interior this season including a three-sack game against the University of Virginia. The Jaguars have already played their cards when it comes to exterior rushers, but ultimately they don't have anyone who can threaten on passing downs from the interior. Folorunso Fatukasi and Davon Hamilton are both excellent run stuffers and don't offer as much on clear passing downs. Calijah Kancey would shore up the interior and help complete a defensive line that needs to reach its high ceiling.

There was ultimately one other option I seriously considered taking at this pick which was Jalin Hyatt(WR, Tennessee). There is a great argument for taking him over Kancey since he would immediately bring a huge speed threat to the Jaguars offense and a cheap long-term option at receiver. However, regardless of need I would value a top interior pass rusher over a speed threat at wide receiver. The Jaguars shouldn't join other teams in drafting receivers too early and rather cash in on a top prospect that's fallen to them and fits a need in the second round.

No. #72 - Christopher Smith - S, Georgia

Do you like Andre Cisco? Well say hello to Christopher Smith, a ball-hawking safety who takes risks to create turnovers. The Jaguars seemingly hit a home run when they drafted Cisco out of Syracuse in 2021, so why not take another shot at a similar player when you're likely moving on from Jenkins to save cap space. Turnovers have been a huge deal for the Jaguars this year and ultimately led to more victories even with some crucial mistakes.

I believe that the Jaguars are going to be forced to improve their secondary going forward which makes Christopher Smith an obvious choice if available as last as the third round. Eliminating open receiving threats will keep the quarterback looking and allow the pass rush more time to get home. So many times this year we've seen quarterbacks be able to complete as the pressure arrives because of a weak or blown coverage. There's a huge step that can be taken by moving Darious Williams back outside, but that leaves a need at nickel cornerback. Christopher Smith has handled duties as a nickel cornerback as well which would gives the Jaguars more flexibility and the option to bring in Andrew Wingard on some plays if needed and available. The Jacksonville Jaguars are going to be presented with some harder decisions than in the past, and ultimately as fans we'll be rooting for our fearless leaders to make the best selections possible. I've been right and wrong in the past from wanting to draft Justin Jefferson in 2020 to being angry about the Tyson Campbell selection. I've actually heard he's pretty good, almost like some people are smarter than me. With that said, these are the selections I would make, but there's a lot of different strategies the team could take next April.

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