Jaguars 2023 NFL Draft: The Tank Bigsby pick gets mixed reviews from CBS Sports

The Jacksonville Jaguars came out of the 2023 NFL Draft with a handful of players that have a chance to have an immediate impact. On the other hand, they made a few selections that were received with a blank stare. One of them was Auburn running back Tank Bigsby, who feels like an unnecessary choice at first sight. However, a closer look might show that the Jags found a potential playmaker.

Travis Etienne is coming off a productive season, racking up 220 carries for 1,1255 yards with five touchdowns. Moreover, the Jags added D'Ernest Johnson in free agency and brought back JaMycal Hasty, a 2020 waiver wire pickup, on a two-year deal.

Given the depth at the running back position, it feels like Jacksonville could have used the 88th overall selection differently. More specifically, they had the chance to add a cornerback or a pass rusher but took Bigsby instead. Then again, there are many reasons to like the former Auburn Tiger.

For starters, Bigsby logged 540 carries for 2,903 yards with 25 touchdowns in three seasons at Auburn. However, it's his ability to keep moving and create years after contact that should get fans hyped up. The Georgia native is a downhill runner with the ability to make lateral cuts that should compete with Johnson for the No. 2 job behind Etienne on the depth chart.

While Damian Parson of The Draft Network doesn't project Bigsby to have a huge role as a pass-catcher, he thinks he can be a "high-volume running back" in the NFL. That makes him the perfect complementary back in the Jaguars' backfield.

What are the Jacksonville Jaguars getting with Tank Bigsby?

Of course, the Jaguars liked Bigsby and think he can have an impact on their offense. Otherwise, they wouldn't have drafted him, right? But if you need reasons to buy into his selection, Ryan Wilson of CBS Sports wrote about his favorite draft picks for every club and Bigsby was his choice for Jacksonville.

"Tank Bigsby is a strong fit. He can set the pace, wear down the defense. Then, Travis Etienne can come in and hit the home run. Bigsby is a straight, down-hill runner. He doesn't waste time getting north and south. That's something the Jaguars needed. It will help prolong Etienne's career, so this is a great fit for the player and the team."

On the other hand, Pete Prisco of CBS Sports was less enthused about the Bigsby pick and went as far as to call it the worst the Jags made in 2023. Prisco says Bigsby is a solid player but thinks general manager Trent Baalke should have used the pick for defense.

It will take a few years to really assess how good the Bigsby pick but if he becomes a playmaker for the Jacksonville Jaguars, it will be hard to disagree with his selection.