What a difference a year makes. To illuminate, the Jacksonville Jaguars went from the outhouse to the penthouse in 2022. Following the amateur hour drama and antics of Urban Meyer, the Jags hired a real NFL coach for the 2022 campaign. Meyer’s flop wasted the rookie season of QB Trevor Lawrence. But the arrival of coach Doug Pederson flipped the NFL odds script for this long-suffering franchise. Pederson led the Jags to a stunning AFC South Division title. And Lawrence showed everyone why he was the first overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft.
NFL Future Odds Post Draft 2023-24 Jacksonville Jaguars
| Super Bowl Championship SBG Odds: | +2500 |
|---|---|
| AFC Championship SBG Odds: | +1600 |
| AFC South Division Championship SBG Odds: | -160 |
| 2023 Over/Under Win Total: | 9.5 |
Jacksonville Jaguars 2023 NFL Draft Overview
First round draft moves saw the Jacksonville Jaguars trade their No. 24 overall pick to the New York Giants for the Nos. 25, 160, and 240 picks. And then they traded the No. 25 overall pick to the Buffalo Bills for the No. 27 and No. 130. Finally, with the No. 27 pick, the Jaguars selected OT Anton Harrison from Oklahoma.
Anton Harrison Fortifies the Offensive Line
Specifically, Anton Harrison is more about 2024 and beyond than this season. Although Harrison could play a critical role early in this season. Correlate that depends on how long left tackle Cam Robinson gets suspended for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. While it’s likely that Walker Little will step in at left tackle, the expectation is that Harrison will start at right tackle. He would be favored over journeyman Josh Wells, whom the team signed to a one-year deal.
Certainly, Robinson carries a big online betting cap number in 2024 at $22.75 million. Hence, the team saves $17.8 million by releasing him. So it’s likely 2023 is Robinson’s final season in Jacksonville. Next, Harrison can take over as the starter on an affordable contract when the team starts working on an extension for quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
Last season Harrison allowed just two pressures on 406 pass-block snaps. And he allowed only one sack on 772 pass-block snaps in the past two seasons. In turn, the Jaguars were 31st in the NFL in pass block win rate last season. Robinson ranked 59th and right tackle Jawaan Taylor ranked 38th in pass block win rate among tackles. The team needed an NFL betting odds upgrade on the edge, and they got one.
Consider that Harrison played all but one game in his Oklahoma career at left tackle. But GM Trent Baalke said Harrison is versatile enough to play right tackle and guard for the Jaguars if needed. Coach Doug Pederson wants Harrison to concentrate on offensive tackle first.
Brenton Strange Offers Tight End Potential
The Jaguars have only three tight ends on the roster. However, starting TE Evan Engram has yet to sign the franchise tag. Last season, he set career highs in catches and yards. It was his first campaign with the Jaguars. And the team has been trying to work out a new contract, but there has been little movement.
Previously, Penn State used Strange all over the place. And the expectation is the Jaguars will do the same. Hence, it gives the team a chance to have two pass-catching tight ends on the field at the same time. Strange is one of three FBS tight ends since 2020 to run 300 routes from the slot, 150 routes as an in-line TE, and 75 routes split out wide.