Cornerback a trendy pick for the Jaguars in 2023 NFL Mock Drafts

The Jacksonville Jaguars did a good job of replenishing their roster in the offseason but they’ll need to go through the process again next year due to the nature of the NFL. The Jags are set to be over the salary cap in 2023 and won’t be able to bring back all their scheduled free agents. Thus, they’ll need to turn to the draft to fill any potential needs. One position they’ll probably need to address is cornerback, which is why it’s become a trendy pick in NFL Mock Drafts.

Trevor Sikkema of Pro Football Focus projects Jacksonville will take South Carolina cornerback Cam Smith. Sikkema argues that Smith had the kind of personality that will help him succeed in the NFL.

"Cam Smith has that edginess and attitude you love from a man coverage outside cornerback. Though he didn’t have the same kind of success as his former teammate Jaycee Horn, Smith is cut from the same cloth."

If he’s the Jaguars’ top-rated player when they’re on the clock,  Smith would be a solid pick. He’s the No. 2 cornerback on Bleacher Report’s big board and is described as a potential impact player. He has the frame and speed to play in the NFL and could give Jacksonville a cornerback opposite Tyson Campbell.

Having said that, Darious Williams, who lined up in the slot earlier this season, has been highly productive well since moving outside. Over the last three games, he’s been targeted 12 times and has allowed just two passes for 22 yards. If he keeps playing well, it’s hard to see him returning to the slot any time soon, which is why cornerback might not be at the top of the Jags’ list of priorities in 2023.

Several cornerbacks have been mocked to the Jaguars in the 2023 NFL Draft

Cam Smith isn’t the only cornerback that has been linked to the Jags in next year’s mock. Ryan Wilson of CBS Sports had them taking Oregon’s Christian Gonzalez. More recently, he changed the pick to Alabama’s Brian Branch but it seems like the consensus agrees cornerback is a position of need for the Jags. But due to the presence of Darious Williams, the Jags might be able to address other positions in the first round.

Tight end has been a popular pick for the Jaguars in the 2023 draft. If they aren’t able to re-sign Evan Engram, Michael Mayer but be a realistic replacement. Before the Jaguars traded for Calvin Ridley, wide receiver was seen as a need. Quentin Johnston was seen as a fit in Jacksonville and Todd McShay of ESPN believes he will be the pick.

Other than possibly tight end and maybe pass rusher, the Jaguars don’t have a clearcut No. 1 need, which could allow them to select the best player available when they’re on the clock. Although they could find a quality slot cornerback in later rounds, they shouldn’t hesitate to take Cam Smith or Christian Gonzales if they’re the top-rated prospects at the time of the pick.