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

Tank Bigsby, RB - Round 3, pick 88

The Jaguars thought they were getting a 1-2 punch at running back when they drafted Tank Bigsby. The plan was to give Bigsby carries and decrease Travis Etienne's workload but it didn't work in practice. Leaving aside that the offensive line couldn't open running lanes, Bigsby made several mental mistakes. A few of them resulted in turnovers.

That might've been justifiable if Bigsby had been productive but that wasn't the case. The former Auburn Tiger averaged less than 3.0 yards per carry as a rookie. By the end of the season, D'Ernest Johnson had got ahead of him on the depth chart. Head coach Doug Pederson says he expects more from Bigsby in 2024 but it's fair to say that the early returns haven't been great.

Grade: D

Ventrell Miller, LB - Round 4, pick 121

Linebacker Ventrell Miller was a playmaker early in his college career. However, a torn bicep and a foot injury in 2022 and 2023, respectively, hurt his draft stock. Miller had foot surgery early in 2023. He managed to stay healthy for most of the offseason but ultimately suffered an Achilles tear in training camp that finished his rookie campaign before it even started.

Miller should be at full strength in 2024. If he is, he could push Chad Muma and even seize the top backup spot at middle linebacker. For the time being, he gets an F, because availability is the most important ability and he's yet to log a snap in the regular season.

Grade: F

Tyler Lacy, DE - Round 4, pick 130

Defensive end Tyler Lacy was expected to crack the defensive line rotation in his rookie year. He did but otherwise failed to make an impact, playing 15 percent of the team's defensive snaps and registering 12 total tackles. He may get a bigger role in defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen's scheme but needs to improve if he doesn't want to enter the preseason on the fringe.

Grade: D