David vs. Goliath

An exciting two days or so finally culminated at 4 PM Thursday during David Caldwell’s first press conference as the new General Manager of the Jacksonville Jaguars. While the most publicized sound bite of the press conference revolved around Tim Tebow, the real focus should have been on the birth of a new era in Jaguar football.

Shad Khan has allowed David Caldwell to do what Wayne Weaver should have done multiple times during his ownership – take a full measure to rebuild the franchise. Caldwell said it himself after firing Mike Mularkey – ” I feel it is in everyone’s best interests for an immediate and clean restart.”

One of many steps toward a full measure. Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

One of many steps toward a full measure.

Everyone knows the classic Hebrew story of David versus Goliath. Well, it’s a good thing Khan found himself a David, because the utter mess that is the Jaguars roster is a Goliathan challenge. It’s difficult to find one area where the Jaguars could not use an immediate upgrade. Just analyzing the starters, I see multiple positions where the Jaguars have below-average starters compared to the rest of the league.

Below is an arbitrary assessment of the Jaguars starters as well as a value from 1 to 10 on how important they are relative to other positions. Grades are given relative to an average starter in the league – BA = Below Average, A=Average, AA= Above Average. Where did I get these numbers to value each position? Out of my ass. Because that’s what you can do when you write your own articles.

Seriously though, try not to focus on the actual number but more so on 4 key positions – quarterback, left tackle, pass rusher, and cornerback. Those are by far the most important positions in football today.

Offense

Value

Grade

Defense

Value

Grade

QB

10

BA

LDE

9

BA

WR-1

6

AA

LDT

8

BA

WR-2

6

AA

RDT

8

BA

RB

5

AA

RDE

9

BA

FB

3

AA

OLB – 1

5

AA

TE

5

AA

MLB

6

AA

LT

9

AA

OLB -2

5

BA

LG

6

BA

LCB

10

AA

C

7

BA

SS

7

A

RG

6

A

FS

7

AA

RT

7

BA

RCB

9

BA

Of the four premium positions, the Jaguars have two below average starters (QB, DE) and 2 above average starters. Of the above average starters, one of them (CB) can’t stay healthy (see Derek Cox). In reality, the Jaguars can hang their hat on one above average premium starter – Eugene Monroe. The Jaguars have a handful of above average starters but they reside at low impact positions. While Paul Posluszny, Dwight Lowery, Cecil Shorts, and Greg Jones are good enough to start for numerous other teams, their talents are overshadowed by the more key positions that are underperforming by an egregious margin.

Underperforming? Exhibit A. Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

Underperforming? Exhibit A.

Obviously quarterback is going to be Caldwell’s first and most significant priority, but the entire roster needs a thorough and merciless evaluation. Gene Smith’s “base-hit” philosophy is a thing of the past. The Jaguars are going to have to swing for the fences to get some playmakers.

– Daniel Lago