Jaguars too-early team awards for 2023 season, including MVP, and Comeback Player

The 2023 Jacksonville Jaguars feel different in the sense that they can achieve big things. Even last year, there were doubts about whether they were going to be able to bounce back from the Urban Meyer debacle. Similarly, there were questions about Trevor Lawrence's viability as a quarterback after an underwhelming rookie campaign.

The Jags ended up making the playoffs and Lawrence played like a top-10 quarterback. Not surprisingly, expectations have risen for the 2023 season. The good news is that they're in a position to meet them and then some, with Doug Pederson and Lawrence leading the way.

But Lawrence isn't the only difference-maker on the roster. In fact, expect other players to have a huge impact and help the Jaguars win games in 2023. With that in mind, here are a handful of predictions for this upcoming season.

Jaguars Too-Early 2023 Season Awards: Comeback Player of the Year: Calvin Ridley

Calvin Ridley established himself as one of the top receivers in the league early in his career. However, he stepped away from the game in 2021 to focus on his mental health. During his retirement, he was suspended for betting on NFL games.

Although Ridley was serving his suspension last year, the Jaguars recognized his impact and acquired him from the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for draft picks. Ridley was reinstated earlier this year and has been working on — in his own words — returning to greatness.

The Alabama product isn't just talk though. He's been putting in the work to ensure he claims back his place as one of the top wideouts in the league. The Jaguars have a wide array of weapons in the passing game, so he might be able to reel in 90 catches for 1,374 yards with nine touchdowns as he did in 2020. That said, he should have no trouble crossing the 1,000-yard mark.

But regardless of his final statline for the 2023 season, Ridley will successfully come back from his NFL hiatus.