NFL Media ideal top 2 draft picks for Jacksonville Jaguars would bolster the defense

The Jacksonville Jaguars need to make upgrades to their defense in the 2023 NFL Draft. Although there are several paths they could take with their first two rounds, it wouldn't be shocking if the Jags use their first two picks on that side of the ball. Chad Reuter of NFL Media thinks that's precisely what's going to happen.

Reuter recently talked about what he thinks are every team's top two ideal picks in the draft and has Jacksonville going with Maryland cornerback Deonte Banks and Florida defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr.

"Banks' combination of size /6-foot, 197 pounds) and speed (4.35 40 with 1.49 10-yard split) would undoubtedly help him man one side of the field, while Tyson Campbell handles outside duties across the way. Dexter adds size 6-6 pounds) and much-needed athleticism (4.88 40, 7.5-second three-cone drill) to the Jaguars' interior defense."

At 6'0" and 197 pounds, Deonte Banks has the ideal size to jam receivers at the line of scrimmage and the athleticism to stay on top of them. While he can get a bit handsy. On the other hand, he can be overaggressive in press coverage, which can make him miss and lead to grabbing to make up for it. If he can refine his technique and calibrate his aggressiveness, he could develop into a solid starting corner in the NFL.

Meanwhile, Dexter is a huge nose tackle with outstanding power that knows how to use his hands to shed blocks. Against the run, he can beat one-on-one blocks and clog up running games. However, he doesn't have ideal burst and acceleration when he gets off which could limit his impact in pass situations.

Matt Holder of the Bleacher Report scouting department argues that Dexter must work on his get-off and believes he's better suited to be a nose tackle in the NFL.

The Jacksonville Jaguars can fortify the defense in the 2023 NFL Draft

Banks is one of the top cornerback prospects in the draft and is projected to be a late first-round pick or an early second-round selection. The Jags could either take him at No. 24 or maybe trade up from pick 56 to secure him but they must figure out if he can make the transition to nickel. Although he would round out the Jaguars' cornerback group, Darious Williams will tentatively line up opposite Tyson Campbell in 2023, so the Jags need someone to line up in the slot, a position Banks rarely played at Maryland.

On the other hand, there's a good chance they could land Dexter in the third or even fourth round. As strong as he is, his lack of burst and acceleration could limit his impact in the NFL. Moreover, the Jaguars need to bolster their pass rush. The former Florida Gator could spell starting nose tackle DaVon Hamilton from time to time and step into a bigger role as the season progresses. However, he seems like a development project at this point of his career rather than a player that could have an immediate impact.

Overall, Banks would be a solid pickup but taking Dexter in Round 2 seems like a reach. Also, the Jaguars need to add depth to their offensive line and bolster their tight end room, so they could also invest one of their first two draft picks in either position group.

In the end, the Jaguars need to find a handful of playmakers to complement their already talented roster, regardless of the position. If they use their top two (or even three) top picks on defense, it won't matter as long as they come out of the draft in better shape.