Welcome to the 2023 fantasy football preview of the Jacksonville Jaguars! As the NFL gears up for another exhilarating season, it’s time to dive into the prospects of this young and promising team. The Jaguars have undergone some changes in the offseason, making waves with their draft picks and offseason additions. In this comprehensive guide, we will analyze each fantasy position, shedding light on potential breakout stars, key additions, and the overall outlook for the Jaguars’ players in the world of fantasy football. So, buckle up and get ready to navigate the intriguing landscape of the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Jacksonville Jaguars Fantasy Football Preview
Key Subtractions and Additions
Key players lost in free agency: RT- Jawaan Taylor (Chiefs), WR- Marvin Jones, (Lions), CB- Shaquil Griffin (Texans), Arden Key (Titans)
Notable free agency additions: RB- D’Ernest Johnson (Browns), K- Brandon McManus, LT- Josh Wells (Buccaneers)
Additions via draft: LT- Anton Harrison, RB- Tank Bigsby, TE- Brenton Strange, LB- Ventrell Miller, DE Tyler Lacy
Positional Previews
Quarterback
There have been some notable moves in the Jag’s quarterback room this offseason. While the team waived EJ Perry, they re-signed CJ Beathard to the roster, providing depth and experience. However, the spotlight undoubtedly shines on their prized possession, Trevor Lawrence. As the first overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Lawrence entered the league with immense expectations.
From a fantasy perspective, Lawrence’s potential is amplified by the talented weapons at his disposal. With wide receivers Christian Kirk and the newly acquired Calvin Ridley, the Jaguars’ passing game gains considerable firepower. Ridley’s arrival, fresh off a suspended season, adds a dynamic playmaker who can stretch the field and make tough catches. Paired with the versatile Kirk, who can contribute both as a deep threat and in the slot, the duo presents a formidable receiving corps. Additionally, tight end Evan Engram brings a blend of athleticism and reliable hands (this is new for him), making him a valuable target in the red zone.
With these weapons surrounding him, Lawrence has the potential to deliver week-winning fantasy performances. Fantasy managers should keep a close eye on the respected ADP of Lawrence’s talented receiving options during training camp. When it’s all said and done, one of these guys has the potential to be a massive bargain over the other.
Running Back
When assessing the Jacksonville Jaguars running back room from a fantasy perspective, there have been intriguing additions and developments in the offseason. The team made a notable signing by acquiring D’Ernest Johnson, known for his tough and brutal running style, from the Cleveland Browns. Johnson’s physicality and ability to break tackles could earn him a role as a power back or a complementary option in the Jaguars’ backfield. Additionally, the Jaguars selected Tank Bigsby out of Auburn in the 3rd round (88th overall) of the NFL Draft, adding an exciting young talent to their running back stable. Bigsby brings a combination of size, speed, and agility, making him an intriguing fantasy prospect with the potential for explosive plays.
Considering the current landscape, the primary focus in the Jaguars’ running back room remains Travis Etienne. Etienne burst onto the scene after an injury stole his rookie season, establishing himself as the team’s lead back. His versatility and reliable hands make him a valuable fantasy asset. However, with the addition of Johnson and the selection of Bigsby, there might be a slight reduction in Etienne’s workload, particularly in short-yardage and goal-line situations.
Fantasy managers should monitor the distribution of carries among these running backs during preseason and training camp to gain a better understanding of the Jaguars’ backfield dynamics. Etienne remains the safest and most established fantasy option, while Johnson and Bigsby could offer value as late-round fliers or waiver wire pickups. As the season progresses, keep an eye on how the Jaguars deploy their running backs to maximize their fantasy potential and capitalize on any emerging opportunities within the backfield.
Wide Receiver
The Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver room has seen notable changes that could shape the dynamics of the group. The addition of Calvin Ridley, a proven talent, introduces the potential for a changing of the guards in terms of target distribution. Ridley’s arrival could establish him as Trevor Lawrence’s go-to option, thanks to his impressive route-running ability and knack for creating separation. However, it remains to be seen how quickly Ridley can develop chemistry with Lawrence, considering the existing rapport between Lawrence and Christian Kirk.
Kirk, who possesses versatility and playmaking skills, already shares a connection with Lawrence from the previous season. This familiarity could give Kirk an advantage early on and solidify his role as a trusted target in the passing game. As such, Kirk could continue to be a reliable fantasy option, especially in PPR leagues where his ability to work the intermediate routes and rack up receptions could provide a solid floor.
While the departure of Marvin Jones to the Detroit Lions is a loss for the Jaguars, they still have Zay Jones, who has shown reliability as a pass-catching option. However, Zay Jones is not considered a primary fantasy target and is likely to have a more limited role in the offense. While Zay is a good football player in real life, the statistics he puts up aren’t likely to make him fantasy relevant.
Overall, the dynamics of the Jaguars’ wide receiver room will be intriguing to monitor throughout the preseason and early regular-season games. Calvin Ridley’s addition certainly adds excitement and potential as a top fantasy performer, but the existing rapport between Lawrence and Kirk should not be overlooked. Both Ridley and Kirk have the potential to provide fantasy value, with Ridley offering a higher ceiling and Kirk serving as a reliable option. As the season progresses and Lawrence and Ridley establish their connection, Ridley could emerge as the preferred go-to option, but fantasy managers should keep a close eye on the evolving roles and chemistry within the Jaguars’ wide receiver group.
Tight End
Analyzing the Jacksonville Jaguars’ tight end room from a fantasy perspective is easy. The primary tight end option is Evan Engram. While Engram had struggled with drops in crucial moments in the past, he managed to turn his game around and became a reliable pass-catching option for Trevor Lawrence last season. Engram’s production of 73 receptions for 766 yards and 4 touchdowns showcased his potential as a fantasy asset.
However, the Jaguars made moves that could impact Engram’s role. The team released Dan Arnold, who saw limited playing time, and he subsequently signed with the Philadelphia Eagles. The signing of Chris Manhertz to the roster from the Denver Broncos suggests that the Jaguars may prioritize blocking at the tight end position, potentially signaling a desire to enhance the rushing attack. Manhertz’s role as a blocking tight end makes him undraftable in fantasy, as his contributions primarily come in the form of run-blocking rather than significant involvement in the passing game.
Furthermore, the Jaguars drafted Brenton Strange in the 2nd round (61st overall) out of Penn State. With his size, speed, and impressive leaping ability, Strange presents an intriguing prospect at the tight end position. His natural ability as a pass-catcher and collegiate production indicate that he has the potential to make an impact at the next level.
In terms of fantasy outlook, Evan Engram retains the most established and proven track record among the Jaguars’ tight ends. He has the potential to continue being a reliable target for Lawrence and should be considered a viable option in fantasy drafts. However, the presence of Chris Manhertz as a blocking specialist and the addition of Brenton Strange as a promising rookie could impact Engram’s snap count.
D/ST
When taking a look at the Jacksonville Jaguars defense from a fantasy perspective, several noteworthy additions and changes have taken place during the offseason. The heart of their defense lies in Foyesade Oluokun, who joined the team from the Atlanta Falcons. Oluokun showcased his prowess as a tackling machine by leading the league in solo tackles with an impressive 128. His ability to consistently rack up tackles adds significant value in fantasy football, particularly in formats that reward individual defensive players (IDP).
Joining Oluokun and linebacker Josh Allen is Ventrell Miller, a recently drafted linebacker out of the University of Florida. While Miller’s role and impact in his rookie season remain to be seen, his addition brings depth and potential to the linebacker corps. The collective efforts of Oluokun, Allen, and Miller should solidify the Jaguars’ linebacker group and provide fantasy managers with reliable options for accumulating tackles and making plays on defense.
Shifting the focus to the special teams, the Jaguars made a change at the kicker position. They released Riley Patterson, who struggled with inconsistency and brought in veteran Brandon McManus. McManus brings experience and a proven track record as a reliable kicker in the NFL. Fantasy managers can expect more stability in the kicking game with McManus, which translates to more consistent fantasy points from the Jaguars’ kicker position.
Overall, the Jaguars’ defense offers fantasy potential, particularly with the presence of tackling machine Foyesade Oluokun and the addition of Ventrell Miller. Their ability to generate tackles, create turnovers, and contribute on special teams can provide a steady stream of fantasy points. Additionally, the reliability and experience of Brandon McManus as the team’s kicker offer further consistency in scoring opportunities. Fantasy managers should consider targeting Oluokun and McManus while keeping an eye on the development of Miller and the overall performance of the Jaguars’ defense throughout the season.
Check out the rest of our Team Previews and then head on over to the full Fantrax 2023 Fantasy Football Draft Kit!
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