Jacksonville Jaguars ranked 22nd in ESPN ‘Future Power Rankings’
By Daniel Lago
After numerous big changes to the roster this offseason, the Jaguars’ prospects are starting to look up.
Despite not having much to be encouraged about over the last 3 years in terms of wins, the positivity surrounding the Jacksonville Jaguars heading into 2016 is undeniable. The team showed growth on the offensive side of the ball in 2015 with Blake Bortles, Allen Robinson, and Allen Hurns all establishing themselves as possible stars.
While the offense took a step forward, the defense kept the team from being truly competitive. Without any semblance of a pass rush, the Jaguars couldn’t stop opposing passing attacks. Consequently, the Jaguars spent a lot of money and resources improving the defense. After these additions, more and more people are bullish on the Jaguars heading into 2016 and beyond.
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This optimism has spread to the folks over at the worldwide leader. A handful of ESPN analysts ranked the Jaguars 22nd
in the “future power rankings”
– a projection for the next 3 seasons. While it doesn’t seem that high, this is a big climb considering the Jaguars have annually been ranked in the bottom 2 or 3.
"22. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS2015 record: 5-11 (3rd in AFC South)AFC South future rank: 2nd"
Broken down into a handful of categories, the rankings consider overall roster, quarterback, coaching, draft success, and the front office. Somewhat surprisingly, the Jaguars graded out the highest in the quarterback category.
"High point: While this grade for Blake Bortles isn’t quite as robust as some of the other QBs who had the highest rating for their respective teams, he’s still a promising young signal-caller who took a major leap forward in Year 2. He piled up statistics in 2015 (35 TDs, 18 INTs), but more important were the strides he made as a decision-maker. With a better roster around him, Bortles’ arc of development doesn’t appear to be slowing down any time soon. — Field Yates"
It’s a little bit surprising considering how polarizing Bortles is among analysts, especially those driven by advanced metrics, but it makes sense given just how much Bortles improved in his second season. He’s also the bastion of hope moving forward – the Jaguars are going to go as far as Blake Bortles takes them.
Not at all surprising is coaching being the lowest graded category for the Jaguars. Head coach Gus Bradley hasn’t had a lot to work with in terms of talent, but he hasn’t done much to improve one of the worst defenses in the NFL over the last 3 seasons.
"Low point: In his three seasons in Jacksonville, coach Gus Bradley has a 12-36 overall record and he has won just six of 18 AFC South games. That simply cannot continue. Bradley helped Seattle’s defense vault from the No. 25 scoring unit in 2010 to No. 1 in 2012, but the Jaguars’ defense has actually gotten worse from a points-allowed perspective since he arrived in 2013. There won’t be any excuses going forward: The front office has shelled out significant guaranteed money to big-ticket defensive free agents, while also spending a ton of draft resources on the defense the past two years. As Todd Wash takes over for Bob Babich at defensive coordinator this season, there’s a big bull’s-eye on this coaching staff to produce — quickly. — Louis Riddick"
With easily the most talented group he’s ever had, it’s time for Bradley to show some growth on defense. As Mike Sando mentions in the piece, this season is going to determine whether or not Bradley and general manager David Caldwell get the chance to see their plan all the way through.
"What could change: GM Dave Caldwell and coach Gus Bradley have contracts through the 2017 season, which means they are running out of time to earn extensions. The Jaguars’ record during their tenure (12-36, as Louis mentioned) is tied with Tampa Bay and Tennessee for the NFL’s worst mark. The upcoming season could determine how much longer the Jaguars stay the course. There are some talented young players to build around regardless, but the overall direction could change. — Mike Sando"
If the Jaguars can actually challenge for the AFC South title in 2016, they’ll be significantly higher in these rankings next year.