NFL Draft Grades 2023: Re-grading the Jaguars' draft one year later

The Jacksonville Jaguars didn't make any splash free-agent signings last year because they wanted to build through the draft. At the time, the strategy made sense. The Jags were coming off a trip to the postseason and had built a solid core. It was fair to assume that they were going to be in a position to make a deep playoff push if they came out of the draft with a handful of building blocks. Unfortunately, things didn't play out the way Jacksonville expected.

The Jags started 8-3 in 2023 but managed to win only one game the rest of the way. Looking back, there were many reasons for their late-season collapse. Not getting meaningful production from their rookie class most definitely played a role.

This begs the question, how does the Jaguars' 2023 draft class look one year later? Here's a grade for each of the 13 picks they made.

Anton Harrison, OT - Round 1, pick 27

The Jags selected Anton Harrison 27th overall after trading back twice on Draft Day. Even though he mostly played left tackle at Oklahoma, Harrison moved to the right side to replace Jawaan Taylor, who signed with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Harrison struggled early in his transition to right tackle, but he had hit his stride by the end of the season. There's a chance he could move back to the left side if the Jags move on from incumbent Cam Robinson. But regardless of where he lines up, Harrison should continue to get better in Year 2.

Grade B

Brenton Strange, TE - Round 2, pick 61

At the time of the draft, Evan Engram's future in Jacksonville was in doubt. He got the franchise tag but hadn't signed his tender, so it made sense to draft a young tight end as insurance. The Jags could've targeted Dalton Kincaid, Luke Musgrave, Michael Mayer, or even Sam LaPorta in the first or second round but instead zeroed in on Brenton Strange.

Strange went on to have an underwhelming rookie season. It's true that Engram was the starter but if he had had the coaches' trust, he would've gotten more playing time. The former Penn State Nittany Lion finished the year with a measly five receptions for 35 yards with one touchdown.

In his defense, Strange fared well as a blocker. Then again, you don't use a second-round pick in a blocking tight end. Maybe Strange will get better down the road but he was most definitely a disappointment in 2023.

Grade D