Jacksonville Jaguars with Something to Prove in 2016
Some Jacksonville Jaguars players need to step up in 2016 and prove they can be something on a team that is trending upward.
The previous two offseasons general manager David Caldwell kept his cards close to his vest and made calculating moves upgrading the Jacksonville Jaguars. This offseason however has been quite the contrast; the Jaguars were one of the biggest spenders in free agency and with It brought a lot of high quality talent down to north Florida.
With a whirlwind of new additions, some familiar faces are in danger of losing their jobs. This post looks to highlight players who have something to prove in 2016.
A product of the 2013 draft, Gratz was a third round pick out of University of Connecticut. Brought in to fill Gus Bradley’s vision of tall lengthy cornerbacks, Gratz has never quite lived up to that potential.
Over three seasons he has amassed 37 games played, 86 solo tackles and 3 interceptions. With the additions of Davon House, Prince Amukamara, and Jalen Ramsey over the last two seasons, Gratz looks this year to compete for a roster spot. The early four game suspension of Aaron Colvin will only help Gratz make the team but the development needs to finally match his potential.
Entering the final year of his contract, Gratz needs to live up to his third round draft status if he wants to stay a member of the jaguars
Dennard Robinson.
After bringing in running backs T.J. Yeldon and Chris Ivory the last two years, Robinson must find a way to adapt or he is in danger of losing playing time or worse, his job.
When the jaguars selected Robinson in the 5th round of the 2013 draft it was a contentious but exciting pick. Labeled a project coming out of college because of the fact he played quarterback no one was sure what position he would play. His most prolific year was in 2014 when he had two 100 yard games and scored four times.
2015 saw his production decrease with the drafting of T.J. Yeldon. With Chris Ivory joining the team in free agency this year Robinson will maintain the No 3. Running back position on the depth chart and look to compete for playing time returning kicks. As Robinson enters the final year of his contract watch him this season as he tries to work his way up the depth chart and cement himself as a valid option returning kicks.
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The main reason Fowler makes this list is because people (including myself) want to see if he will live up to the hype of being the number three overall pick in the 2015 draft. After sitting out last season with a torn ACL, Fowler looks to use 2016 to validate why the jaguars drafted him so high.
The good news is that defensive linemen are able to make an impact immediately and if fowler can maintain production from his college days, then the Jaguars will be in good shape. The 2016 season has a lot of unknowns but keep an eye for Fowler to prove why he was the best defensive lineman in the 2015 draft.
The 2016 Jaguars look to emerge as contenders in the AFC south. Gratz, Robinson, and Fowler all look to use the upcoming season to validate to themselves and the fans why the Jaguars invested in them. With the season fast approaching look for these Jaguars to prove themselves this year.