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

• How does the Jaguars' 2023 draft class look one year later?

By Carlos Sanchez

Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shad Khan, head coach Doug Pederson, first round draft pick Anton
Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shad Khan, head coach Doug Pederson, first round draft pick Anton / Bob Self/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY
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Yasir Abdullah - Round 5, pick 136

Edge rusher Yasir Abdullah was seen as a sleeper pick for a couple reasons. Besides being highly productive at Louisville, the Jaguars needed to bolster their pass-rush rotation. Former first-round pick K'Lavon Chaisson was No. 3 behind Travon Walker and Josh Allen, so it was thought Abdullah could challenge Chaisson and earn playing time.

In the end, Abdullah went on to have an unremarkable rookie year. Despite the fact that he made the 53-man roster, he was a healthy scratch for several games and finished 2023 with just one total tackle. He might need to compete for a roster spot next season.

Grade: F

Antonio Johnson, DB - Round 5, Pick 160

Defensive back Antonio Johnson was a revelation as a rookie and one of the Jaguars' most recent gem in the later rounds of the draft. Right off the bat, the former Texas A&M Aggie impressed the coaching staff. Although the team wanted him to solely play safety, he got lots of reps at nickel in training camp.

Although a hamstring injury forced Johnson to miss four contests to start the 2023 season, he quickly made an impact once he was able to contribute. He progressively got more playing time and finished his rookie year with two interceptions, one forced fumble, and three passes defensed.

Johnson will move back to safety and start next to Andre Cisco in 2024. He should have an even better sophomore campaign under defensive backs coach Kris Richard.

Grade: A

Parker Washington, WR - Round 6

Wide receiver Parker Washington got praise in training camp, but he didn't get many targets once the season started. One reason was that he's best suited to line up in the slot. With Christian Kirk getting most of the workload inside, Washington didn't get much playing time early on. However, he was pressed into action once Kirk suffered a core injury that sent him to Injured Reserve.

Washington ended up hauling in 16 receptions for 132 yards with two touchdowns. He'll need to show out in training camp if he doesn't want to spend the 2024 season on the sidelines.

Grade: C

Christian Braswell, CB - Round 6, pick 202

Cornerback Christian Braswell earned reps at nickel in training camp. He made the 53-man roster but spent a good chunk of the 2023 season on Injured Reserve. He eventually returned but didn't record a single snap.

Braswell will probably compete with Gregory Junior for playing time at nickel behind Darnell Savage in training camp.

Grade: D

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