What a difference a head coach can make. Just ask the Jacksonville Jaguars, who fired Doug Marrone after a 1-15 season, to let go of Urban Meyer on his way to a 3-14 disaster of a campaign, only to hire Doug Pederson. 

Last year, the Jaguars improved a whopping six games in the standings and earned their first postseason berth in six seasons and second berth since 2007. 

But work is to be done if the Jaguars are to truly compete with the Chiefs, Bills, and Bengals of the AFC world. What the Jaguars know they don’t need is a quarterback. Trevor Lawrence made leaps in his second year, from leading the NFL in interceptions to finishing seventh in NFL MVP voting. 

Bookies.com oddsmaker Adam Thompson has used his resources of NFL contacts developed over 20 years covering the league and the NFL Draft to create his hypothetical NFL futures odds on who gets selected 24th by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2023 NFL Draft. 

Jacksonville Jaguars 1st Round Pick Odds (No. 24)

Who Will The Jaguars Take In 2023 NFL Draft?

The Jaguars spent a ton of free agency money last offseason, acquiring a starting WR (Christian Kirk) and guard (Brandon Scherff) on offense and a starter on each level of the defense (DT Foley Fatukasi, LB Foye Oluokun, CB Darious Williams). This offseason has been much quieter, but the needs are much fewer this time around. 

Tackle, tight end and cornerback are all legit concerns, however. Fortunately, even at Pick 24 the Jaguars will have solid options at each spot.

Depending on the team, Michael Meyer of Notre Dame or Dalton Kincaid of Utah are plug-and-play tight ends, while Darnell Washington of Georgia is just a hair behind. 

All three of them could be starter-worthy as a rookie, and any of them could, or couldn't, be available at No. 24.

The run on the Tier 1 tackles will likely be over before Pick 24 comes up. But there are some solid options that could go later. 

For a Jaguars team that was OK in pass-blocking but ranked dead-last in blocking for the run, mammoth Ohio State tackle Dawand Jones checks important boxes. The 6-foot-8, 374-pound Jones leaned on opponents vs. the run and was a long way to get around vs. the pass as well. He might be the type of tackle Pederson envisions. 

The top need appears to be cornerback, and there could be one or two starter-level men available to grab at this point.

Cam Smith Odds to Join the Jacksonville Jaguars

Cam Smith of South Carolina is known for his instincts but also his penchant for struggling on long balls. With Darious Williams returning and Tyson Campbell entrenched as one of the league’s top corner men, Smith could fill the much-needed slot and nickel roles right away. For a team that ranked 27th vs. the pass, Smith would be a solid addition. 

Deonte Jones of Maryland has decent size at 6-foot, 197 pounds, but his athleticism ranking from the NFL combine put him at the top of the class. He graded out to be a plus-level, long-term starter. Given the need, it would be tough for the Jaguars to pass on Banks if he’s still there. 

RELATED: Tampa Bay Buccaneers NFL Draft Odds: Offensive Line Needs Help

Alabama safety Brian Branch may also be considered here if available. Rayshawn Jenkins was inconsistent and can be cut after 2023 to save $9 million in cap space. Branch could start right away or learn for a season then take over. 

The Field is led by preferred players who probably won’t end up dropping this far – but might. Tennessee tackle Darnell Wright isn’t likely to drop this far, but if he does, the Jaguars will scoop him up. Utah tight end Dalton Kincaid would be a huge addition, but like Wright, the disputed No. 1 tight end in the draft is likely to go sooner. 

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Complete List of Jaguars 2023 Draft Picks

• Round 1 (Pick 24)
• Round 2 (Pick 56)
• Round 3 (Pick 88)
• Round 4 (Pick 121, from TB)
• Round 4 (Pick 127)
• Round 6 (Pick 185, from NYJ)
• Round 6 (Pick 202)
• Round 6 (Pick 208, from PHI)
• Round 7 (Pick 226, from CAR)