Jaguars select OT in 2023 NFL Mock Draft but they’ll have bigger needs

The Jacksonville Jaguars have invested heavily in their wide receiver corps, so it’s highly unlikely that they continue to pour significant resources next year. They’re currently set to have a top 10 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and if they hadn’t acquired Calvin Ridley before the trade deadline, TCU’s Quentin Johnston would have been an enticing option.

However, Johnston might be an unnecessary luxury with Ridley now in the equation. That’s why Chris Trapasso has the Jags taking Penn State offensive tackle Olumuyiwa Fashanu. Before the Ridley trade, Trappaso had Jacksonville taking Johnston but Fashanu is their choice in his latest mock draft, noting that the Nittany Lion is “a young, high-upside blocker“.

A four-star prospect coming out of high school, Fashanu is arguably the top offensive tackle prospect in next year’s draft and he’ll be routinely projected to go in the top 10. In fact, the Maryland native is the No. 1 offensive lineman in Brandon Thorn’s 2023 big board. Here’s a clip of him holding his own in pass protection sets.

The Jaguars may pass on Olumuyiwa Fashanu in the 2023 NFL Draft

Even though Fashanu is only 19, he’s already shown the athleticism and power to thrive in pass protection, and the fact that he might have reached his ceiling would make him an appealing option in the 2023 Draft.

Having said that, the Jaguars are probably set at offensive tackle for the 2023 season. Cam Robinson is firmly entrenched at left tackle and while right tackle Jawaan Taylor is slated to become a free agent, Walker Little will most likely take his spot in 2023. Unless the team’s brass thinks Fashanu can be better than Little, it might not make much sense to select him.

Moreover, the Jags might have bigger needs to address next season. They could use another pass rusher, with Travon Walker still developing and Dawuane Smoot set to become a free agent. Also, tight ends Evan Engram, Dan Arnold, and Chris Manhertz are slated to hit the open market, so Jacksonville may need to use an early pick on the position.

Fashanu would be an excellent addition to the Jags’ offensive line but unless he’s the best player available on their draft board when they’re on the clock, it’s hard to see him landing in Jacksonville next year.