Big Cat Country
As the NFL offseason transitions into the dead zone, it felt like the right time to revisit Jacksonville’s recent draft history. The general rule of thumb around the league is that a draft class should be given at least three years to be fairly evaluated. With several Trent Baalke selections now approaching contract extension territory, that window has arrived. Baalke’s 2021 to 2024 tenure in Jacksonville draws mixed reviews from the fanbase, but credit where it’s due, there are day two and day three picks worth acknowledging.
So which one stands above the rest?
Brenton Strange | TE | 2023 | Round 2, Pick 61
The Case For: Strange was one of the safer selections of the Baalke era, a polished, pro-ready tight end out of Penn State who stepped into a developmental role, behind Evan Engram, when selected. While much of the fanbase had, what seemed to be, a lukewarm response to the selection at the time, Strange’s on-field production has caused much of the fanbase to reconsider those early opinions. He has been a reliable chess piece in Jacksonville’s offense, offering dependable hands and the kind of route running that makes him a consistent option in the intermediate passing game. For a second-round pick, the floor he has provided, as both a blocker and reciever, is exactly what teams want from that draft range.
The Case Against: Safe is the operative word. Strange has garnered a league-wide perception as a dominant blocker, while still awaiting that next stage of elevation beyond the role of stable and reliable in the receiving area. For a second-round investment at tight end, a position Jacksonville has continued to address in 2026, the ceiling he has shown still leaves room to question what the final product will be: average, above average, or elite?
Parker Washington | WR | 2023 | Round 6, Pick 185
The Case For: On pure value alone, this one is nearly impossible to beat. Washington was a sixth-round pick on a sub-$4 million rookie deal who turned himself into Jacksonville’s most reliable offensive weapon by the back half of 2025. Fifty-eight receptions, 847 yards, five touchdowns, and a Wild Card performance that announced him to the national audience, all on a contract that barely registers against the cap. When you add in his special team’s prowess as a punt returner, the return on investment is extraordinary.
The Case Against: The sample size is still remarkably small, and Washington’s breakout came largely on the back of opportunity created by injuries. Questions remain about whether he can sustain that production in a healthy, crowded, 2026 receiver room. A sixth-round hit is extremely valuable, and without question, Washington’s name, would likely be near the top of this exercise.
Jarrian Jones | CB | 2024 | Round 3, Pick 96
The Case For: Jones was drafted on day two as a long, rangy cornerback out of FSU, with the athleticism to match up with the NFL’s best receivers. While continuing...
