2023 NFL Mock Draft: Jaguars address key needs in top 2 rounds

After months of grinding tape, meeting with prospects, and talking to scouts, the Jacksonville Jaguars will have the chance to put all that knowledge to work in the 2023 NFL Draft. Coming off a highly successful season, the Jags must fortify a handful of position groups if they want to keep up with the AFC heavyweights.

The Jags enter the draft with nine selections, which should be plenty enough to restock their roster. So how will they use all their picks? Here's a mock draft with a trade in the second round.

Final Jaguars 7-round mock draft: Round 1, pick 24: O'Cyrus Torrence

Cornerback has been seen as the team's need throughout the offseason but it feels like they can address it in Round 2 and bolster another position group with the 24th overall pick. While the Jags could take an offensive tackle (Dawand Jones, Anton Harrison, or Darnell Wright to compete with Walker Little for the right tackle job, going with Florida offensive guard O'Cyrus Torrence makes more sense when you take into account that: a) Ben Bartch, the incumbent at left guard, is coming off a season-ending injury and might not be ready for training camp. And b) He's set to become a free agent next year.

By taking Torrence in the first round, the Jaguars ensure they have stability at left guard for years to come and Trevor Lawrence remains protected. Going with the Louisiana native might not be an overly popular decision but planning ahead and not having to worry about one guard slot is a reasonable move.