Jaguars beef up D-Line in CBS Sports’ 2023 NFL Mock Draft

Despite the fact that the Jacksonville Jaguars have aggressively replenished their roster over the last two years, they will enter the offseason with several position needs. One unit that requires an infusion of talent is their defensive front and they check off that box in CBS Sports’ most recent 2023 NFL mock draft.

Josh Edwards of CBS Sports has the Jags taking Clemson defensive lineman Bryan Bresee in his latest mock. Edwards points out that Jacksonville has allocated considerable draft capital to the edge position but that shouldn’t deter them from taking the 2020 ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year next year.

"Jacksonville has invested significant draft capital into the edge rusher position. It continues tossing picks at the frontline with the selection of a second Clemson defender in the top 10."

Bresee, along with fellow Tiger Myles Murphy, is expected to be a top-15 draft pick in 2023. He has the size (6’5/305 pounds) and the lateral quickness to thrive in the pros. Moreover, he uses his hands effectively and possesses a variety of pass rushing moves. The Jags are currently set to hold the No. 9 selection next year, and if they end up keeping it, Bresee could be a realistic option.

Does it make sense for the Jaguars to draft Bryan Bresee in 2023?

The Jags inked defensive end Roy Robertson-Harris in 2021 and defensive tackle Folorunso Fatukasi earlier this year to beef up the trenches. Moreover, they re-signed Dawuane Smoot last offseason. Yet, they have struggled to defend both the pass and the run this season. As of this writing, Jacksonville’s defense ranks 26th in yards allowed and 16th in touchdowns surrendered.

While those aren’t dreadful numbers, that’s not the kind of production you expect after all resources the Jags have invested in their front seven the last two years. Besides signing Fatukasi and Robertson-Harris, the team’s brass gave linebacker Foyesade Oluokun a three-year deal worth $45 million in free agency and used the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s draft on outside linebacker Trevon Walker.

Sacks aren’t the only way to measure a team’s ability to create pressure but it’s certainly important and Jacksonville currently has 19, the third-lowest figure in the league. Simply, they aren’t causing enough disruption upfront, which could lead them to potentially add help in next year’s draft. That’s where Bresee comes in.

It’s hard to tell what pick the Jaguars will ultimately hold in the 2023 draft. Similarly, it’s hard to tell what position will prioritize but if they want to bolster their defensive line, they can’t go wrong with Bresee.