Jacksonville Jaguars keeping tabs on EDGE prospects ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft

The Jacksonville Jaguars had several important additions to their defense last offseason. However, their pass rush could still use a boost, which is why they've scheduled to meet with several EDGE prospects ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft, including Louisville defensive lineman Yaya Diaby.

Ryan Fowler of The Draft Network reports that Jacksonville, along with the Seattle Seahawks and the San Francisco 49ers, is set to meet with Diaby as part of the draft process. The Atlanta native started his collegiate carer at Georgia Military College before transferring to Lousiville.

At 6'3" and 263 pounds, Diaby ran an impressive 4.51-second 40-yard dash. The former Louisville standout had a breakout season in 2022, appearing in 13 games and registering nine sacks, 37 total tackles, and 14 tackles for a loss. He lined up at multiple spots across the line of scrimmage on the Cardinals' defense but should be able to make the transition to outside linebacker in the NFL.

Even though Diaby needs to increase his number of pass-rush counters, he's got the physical tools to be an effective edge defender in the NFL. Keith Sanchez of The Draft Network assigned him a fifth-round grade value but he could be drafted as early as the third round.

Yaya Diaby one of many EDGE options for the Jacksonville Jaguars in the Draft

Even though there's no guarantee the Jacksonville Jaguars will draft Yaya Diaby, it's clear they've set their sights on giving their pass rush a boost, as Diaby is one of the many EDGE prospects they will have met by the time the NFL Draft starts. The team's brass was also slated to meet with Georgia Nolan Smith and had scheduled a visit with Tennesse's Byron Young.

On top of that, they will have a shot at drafting Clemson edge rusher Myles Murphy with the 24th overall pick and he's likely one of the top prospects on their draft board.

The Jaguars also need to upgrade their cornerback room and revamp their tight end group. But both cornerback and tight end are two of the deepest position, so they could afford to address either need in the later rounds and use their first-round selection on an edge defender.

After all, their front seven could use a hand even though Travon Walker is set to make a leap in Year 2 alongside Josh Allen. Last season, Jacksonville's defense applied pressure at a high rate but struggled to get after the quarterback, registering just 35 sacks, good for 26th in the league.

The Jaguars will face off against some of the top quarterbacks in the NFL next season, so improving their pass rush must be a priority. Whether they take Diaby, Murphy, or someone else, they seemed to be focused on taking the necessary steps to bolster their defense.