The Jacksonville Jaguars selected a franchise-record 13 rookies in 2023.
So, how would they grade their class after Year 1?
“I really liked our rookie class. I like last year’s rookie class. These guys really stepped up this year, they were asked to do a lot," Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson said on Monday.
Ultimately, the Jaguars drafted one full-time rookie starter in first-round right tackle Anton Harrison. The Jaguars then found depth on Day 2 with second-round tight end Brenton Strange and third-round running back Tank Bigsby.
On Day 3, the Jaguars selected fourth-round linebacker Ventrell Miller and defensive lineman Tyler Lacy; fifth-round linebacker Yasir Abdullah and defensive back Antonio Johnson; sixth-round wide receiver Parker Washington and defensive backs Christian Braswell and Erick Hallett; and seventh-round offensive lineman Cooper Hodges, defensive lineman Raymond Vohasek, and fullback/tight end/linebacker Derek Parish.
The Jaguars' Day 2 picks were relatively unproductive, with Strange catching five passes (No. 13 among rookie tight ends) for 35 yards (No. 14 among rookie tight ends). Meanwhile, Bigsby had 50 carries (No. 10 among rookie running backs) for 132 years (No. 13 among rookie running backs) for 2.6 yards per carry (No. 17 mong rookie running backs) and two rushing touchdowns (No. 4 among rookie running backs).
"I thought Tank [Bigsby] really improved as the season went on and you saw yesterday with the kickoff returns and some of the runs, he’s a bright spot. I’m excited about that," Pederson said. "Brenton [Strange] the same way, I think we can do more to get him involved offensively. That’s something that we’ll look at this spring."
The rookies with the most praise were understandably Harrison and Johnson. Harrison started all 17 games and allowed the lowest pressure rate of all rookie offensive tackles with at least 100 snaps, while Johnson finished the season with a forced fumble and two interceptions despite limited snaps.
Anton [Harrison], heck of a season. He played hurt and banged up and we’ve talked about it in here, he had an edge rusher every week, just about. He held up really well. I know our guys talking about him know that he’s going to be a great player. That’s one we’re excited about," Pederson said.
"Antonio Johnson, we liked him coming out of training camp, he had the setback with the hamstring. It would’ve been interesting to see how a full season would’ve been with him and his growth, but he’s on the right track, as well. It’s been a good class, a lot of contributors there and I’m looking forward to them helping us in the future.”
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