2023 NFL Draft: Jacksonville Jaguars an appealing destination for OG O'Cyrus Torrence

Offensive guard isn't at the top of the Jacksonville Jaguars' needs but that shouldn't stop the team's brass from taking one early in the 2023 NFL Draft if they think he can help. Coincidentally, Florida right guard O'Cyrus Torrence says that the Jags are an appealing landing spot.

"It's possible. I like the offensive line coach. I like the scheme they're running, so I wouldn't mind at all", Torrence said about potentially being drafted by Jacksonville, via Talia Baia.

A three-star prospect out of high school, Torrence mostly lined up at right guard during his collegiate career at Florida. If the Jags drafted him, he would most likely have to switch sides, as Brandon Scherff is firmly entrenched on the right side.

Torrence is a mauler in the running game and has the size to take on bull rushers in pass protection. However, he tends to be overaggressive, which can lead to him missing assignments. Similarly, his lateral quickness is far from optimal, and might struggle against speedy pass rushers. Nevertheless, Keith Sanchez of The Draft Network believes the 2022 First-team All-SEC nod can become an effective player in the NFL if the right scheme "highlights his best assets as a player".

Here's the clip of Torrence talking to Baia, which happened during the unveiling of his 2022 First-Team All-American brick outside of Heavener Football Complex.

Should the Jacksonville Jaguars draft O'Cyrus Torrence?

Ben Bartch was the Week 1 starter at left guard in 2022 but a knee injury cut his season prematurely. A fourth-round pick in 2020, the former St. John Johnny has gotten progressively better over the last three years but he's set to become a free agent next offseason. If the team's brass doesn't think he's part of their long-term future, they should then start looking for a potential replacement.

Torrence is one of the top guards in this year's class and he has the tools to become a solid starter. If he's the highest-graded player on the Jaguars' board when they're on the clock at No. 24, they should pick him. However, Jacksonville has bigger needs than offensive guard, including cornerback and pass rusher.

While it's never a good idea to force a pick, many of the top quarterback prospects should be available at No. 24. Similarly, the Jags will be in a position to take an offensive tackle to replace right tackle Jawaan Taylor in the first round, so it's hard to see them taking Terrance unless the front office likes him a lot.

An alternative would be to take O'Torrence in the second round but he might be gone by the time the Jaguars choose again. Then again, they could trade up like they did last year to select linebacker Devin Lloyd. The issue is that they would have to move up from No. 56 and that may take too much draft capital.

In the end, the Jacksonville Jaguars need to come out of the draft with a handful of playmakers and potential building blocks. If they think Torrence can become a mainstay of their offensive line, they should then take him.