Jacksonville Jaguars make odd pick in PFN’s latest 2023 NFL Mock Draft

The Jacksonville Jaguars need to revamp several position groups in the offseason. While the interior offensive line doesn’t seem to be at the top of their priority list, that doesn’t stop them from taking Florida guard O’Cyrus Torrence in Pro Football Network’s 2023 NFL Mock Draft.

James Fragoza of PFN projects the Jags to take Torrence in his latest mock. He argues that Jacksonville needs to find a replacement for Tyler Shatley and believes that the former Gator would bolster their interior offensive line.

"Tyler Shatley has been less than serviceable at guard for the Jags, and Trevor Lawrence has suffered because of it. This offense has already improved by leaps and bounds under Doug Pederson. yet, to solidify their growth, bringing in a mammoth like O’Cyrus Torrence to wall off the interior is a must."

A three-star prospect out of high school, Terrance enrolled at Louisiana before transferring to Florida. He was one of the top guards in college football last season and ranks 27th in Pro Football Focus’ top 100 prospects in 2023.

The Jacksonville Jaguars could take O’Cyrus Torrence if he’s the BPA

Tyler Shatley signed a two-year deal last offseason and went on to make 12 starts in 2022. It’s important to point out that Shatley got a significant amount of playing time because left guard Ben Bartch dislocated his knee in Week 5 and was placed on Injured Reserve. Had he not gotten hurt, Shatley wouldn’t have seen the field.

A fourth-round pick in the 2020 draft, Shatley has gotten progressively better and should be back in the starting lineup, so picking Torrence with the 24th overall selection seems unnecessary. This is especially true when you take into account that defensive tackle, cornerback, and possibly tight end might be more pressing needs for the Jaguars in 2023.

Having said that, if all prospects the Jaguars are targeting are gone by the time they’re on the clock and Torrence remains on the board, it would make sense to pick him. Again, bolstering their interior offensive line in the first round of the draft might not be at the top of Jacksonville’s to-do list but if he’s the best player available, they’re better off taking him than taking someone they’re particularly not high on.

Furthermore, Bartch is set to become a free agent after 2023, so Torrence could be a potential replacement. Sure, you don’t want your first-round pick to redshirt in his rookie season but if they’re high on Torrence and think he can be an upgrade, they should then take him.

You should always expect the unexpected when it comes to the NFL. Drafting Torrence at No. 24 doesn’t look like a likely scenario but it shouldn’t be ruled out either, especially if the Jacksonville Jaguars do take the best player available, regardless of the position.