Jacksonville Jaguars projected to look for WR help in 2023 NFL Draft

The Jacksonville Jaguars bolstered their wide receiver corps this offseason but there might still be work to be done next year. That’s why Michael Renner of Pro Football Focus thinks the Jags should target LSU’s Kayshon Boutte in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Renner recently drew up a list of college prospects all 32 teams should be watching and says Jacksonville should keep an eye on Boutte. He argues that the Jaguars still need to add someone who can “get open when he sees man coverage across the board” and believes the Tigers wide receiver fits the profile.

"The Jaguars are still missing that Alpha No. 1 receiver Trevor Lawrence can rely on to get open when he sees man coverage across the board. Boutte is precisely that. The 6-foot, 205-pound receiver has instant acceleration off the line of scrimmage and after the catch. He’s the kind of weapon that strikes fear in defensive coordinators."

Despite the fact that Boutte suffered an ankle injury that forced him to miss six games last season, Dan Bugler of The Athletic projects that he will be a first-round selection in 2023. He finished the 2021 season with 38 passes for 508 yards and nine touchdowns and should have no trouble surpassing that amount in 2022 if he remains healthy.

The Jaguars may indeed need help at wide receiver in 2023

Despite the fact that the Jaguars signed Christian Kirk and Zay Jones in free agency, they may need to fortify their wide receiver corps next year. Marvin Jones Jr. is set to become a free agent and it’s too early to tell if he will be part of the organization’s future. Similarly, Laviska Shenault Jr. is coming off a down year. He’s expected to bounce back this upcoming season but if he doesn’t, the front office could turn to the draft for help.

Now, it’s hard to tell how the Jaguars will fare in 2022. If they once again finish with a top 10 pick, their chances of selecting Boutte will go up. Mat Miller of ESPN currently sees him as the third-best wideout of next year’s class, behind Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Ohio State) and Jordan Addison (USC). And if Jacksonville ends up with a high pick, they will have a shot at landing any of them.

Having said that, there’s a chance the Jaguars’ current wide receiver group will perform well in 2022 and the position won’t be a need next year. If Kirk and Jones live up to their contracts, and Shenault gets back on track, the front office will be able to turn their attention to other units.

The Jaguars got Trevor Lawrence many weapons this offseason but if they still need to fortify their wide receiver corps next year, Boutte could be a solid addition in the first round.