Devon Witherspoon. Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

Way-too-early Jacksonville Jaguars NFL Draft preview

By Colum Dell | Last updated 1/11/23

The 2023 NFL Draft is April 27-29 in Kansas City. Here is the projected first-round order, per Tankathon.

2022 record: 9-8 | Projected first-round pick: No. 21 | Team needs: CB, DL, OT, TE

Snapshot: The future looks bright for the Jaguars under HC Doug Pederson, who led them to a division crown in his first year as coach. They’re exciting, but not far removed from being the NFL’s worst team, so there’s work for GM Trent Baalke to do.

Potential first-round picks: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon; Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois; Siaki Ika, DT, Baylor; Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame

The jury’s still out on 2021 No. 1 pick Travon Walker, the outside linebacker from Georgia. Jacksonville might be kicking itself for not pairing Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner (Jets) with its budding star, CB Tyson Campbell. He is Pro Football Focus’ sixth highest-graded cornerback this season (82.1).

Witherspoon, PFF’s highest-graded FBS CB in coverage (92.5), will likely be available late in the first round. He had three interceptions this season, and his 14 pass breakups were the third most in the country.

WHAT A HIT FROM DEVON WITHERSPOON

cc: @IlliniFootball pic.twitter.com/P3CUMdLsMO
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 3, 2022

Adding depth at offensive tackle in the draft wouldn’t be a bad idea, especially with RT Jawaan Taylor set to be a free agent. Walker Little could find himself starting at RT next season; he’s been filling in for LT Cam Robinson, who suffered a season-ending meniscus injury.

Jacksonville might get a head start on its eventual need for a DT later in the draft. Roy Roberston-Harris is eligible to be released after the season, and DaVon Hamilton will be a free agent after next year. Ika, Baylor's 358-pound DT, might be a name to watch but could be a reach in the first round.

Tight ends Evan Engram, Dan Arnold, and Chris Manhertz are scheduled to hit free agency. Engram (766 receiving yards) is in the midst of a career year. Jacksonville hopes to re-sign him, but if it does not, the Jaguars may pivot to the draft to address TE. Mayer is the consensus best tight end in the draft.

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