3 biggest offseason blunders that doomed the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2023

1. Drafting Brenton Strange and Tank Bigsby with back-to-back picks

The Jaguars kept most of their 2022 core together because they thought they had enough pieces in place to take the next step after making the playoffs and winning the AFC South. It turned out to be a crass miscalculation, as they proved they didn't have enough talent to go toe-to-toe with the best teams in the league. Losses to the San Francisco 49ers, the Cincinnati Bengals, and the Cleveland Browns exposed their flaws.

Teams like the Niners themselves kept loading up on talent. Even though they had built a formidable front four, they still traded for Chase Young. Meanwhile, the Jaguars opted to take a conservative approach in the offseason. The fact that they didn't address needs with most of their draft picks didn't help matters. Nobody will deny drafting Anton Harrison 27th overall was a hit, but Jacksonville's second and third-round picks left much to be desired.

Some players need time to develop. The aforementioned Arden Key is proof. However, you expect your early-draft picks to have an impact as soon as possible, and tight end Brenton Strange and running back Tank Bigsby barely moved the needle for the Jaguars in 2023.

Neither Strange nor Bigsby were starters but they saw minimal playing time behind Evan Engram and Travis Etienne, respectively. And when they got chances, they didn't always take advantage of them. Leaving aside their lack of production, the Jaguars could've drafted players that address immediate needs. An interior offensive lineman would've been welcomed. A third pass rusher behind Josh Allen and Travon Walker would've been great.

Rightfully, general manager Trent Baalke has gotten flak for his inactivity last offseason. If he and the Jaguars want to bounce back, they will then need to get to work in the upcoming months, or else, run the risk of missing the playoffs for the second straight year.

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