The Jaguars have depth issues – especially at the secondary

Time to prove why you're worth the money Aaron. Source: US-Presswire

Last year when the team had to patch the defensive backfield with new players and starters basically every week, I though that would mean a pretty deep group for ’12, when the injured players all returning to the field. Well, right now I’m afraid that’s not the case. The Saints and Ravens game showed everybody that this secondary (especially without Derek Cox) is not a very good one. Joe Flacco targeted Aaron Ross often and successfully, which is not a good sign no matter how good a WR Torrey Smith is. Rashean Mathis is still not 100% healed (it seems he will be the nickel corner against the Vikings), and Cox’s return to opening week is, according to Head Coach Mike Mularkey, ‘iffy’. If Cox cannot play, that means the Jaguars will start Ross and either William Middleton or Kevin Rutland. They both showed talent (Rutland looked improved and  promising in training camp), but they are still the 4th and 5th option as outside corners. The health of Mathis and Cox will be a concern all season long.

The depth question is even bigger at safety, where there is not much behind starters Dawan Landry and Dwight Lowery. Chris Pronsinski has played up and down thus far in the preseason (more often down), while Courtney Greene is most likely on the bubble once again before the final preseason game. He was there 2 years ago and he was so good he earned the starter position not much later. Now it would be enough if he’d show that the Jaguars can count on him if something happens to Landry. Behind them is almost nobody. Rod Isaac will most likely never play in a regular season game as a Jaguar, which will make Gene Smith look bad (again). Isaac is sadly not the 1st unknown player that ends up as a pick wasted (like Larry Hart or Scotty McGee, just to name a few). I wonder if the Jaguars might add a new safety around the final roster cuts.

But depth is a problem elsewhere as well. At LB, there is only one backup LB, Kyle Bosworth, who has even played in a regular season game. The Jaguars have to decide which 2 rookies they want to add next to him. Brandon Marshall and Julian Stanford were the leading candidates 2 weeks ago, but Marshall hasn’t showen much and was injured during the preseason. Meanwhile Joshua Jones and JK Schaffer are both starting to make a case for themselves. The LBs will be one area every Jaguars fan must pay attention to against Atlanta!

The team is thin at DE and at the interior offensive line too. At defensive end behind starters Jeremy Mincey and Andre Branch only Aaron Morgan has looked promising. Austen Lane will return at some point, but still the Jaguars are quite thin there right now.

At the middle of the offensive line many backups are now on IR (John Estes, Jason Spitz and Drew Nowak). Eben Britton moved to LG, which means Will Rackley lost his starter position, and now he is the 1st backup guard. Meester’s backup is rookie Mike Brewster who is the only 100% sure UDFA rookie who’ll make the final 53 (Julian Stanford is a close 2nd). 

New trends

It’s safe to say that last year the Jaguars brought in one of their most impressive free agent class in the franchise history. Posluszny, Landry, Lowery, Drew Coleman and poor Clint Session were all major contributors in the defense which jumped from being 31st to 6th overall in only 1 year, with no off-season. Meanwhile I must admit based on how they played their ’11 rookie class was one of the worst. Luckily Blaine Gabbert is playing like a 1st round pick in ’12, but the rest still haven’t justified why they were picked. It appears Will Rackley has now lost (partly because of injury) his staring job. Cecil Shorts is the team’s 4th WR, but I still haven’t seen much from him during the preseason. Prosinski and Isaac have been underwhelming, as previously mentioned.

Legatron my have just been worth that 3rd rounder. Source: US-Presswire

In 2012 I see the opposite. The top drafted rookies are playing really well, while the new free agents are struggling thus far. Top pick WR Justin Blackmon started with a 12 day holdout, and many feared he would be less effective in his rookie season as a result. Guess what, he is now the team’s best receiver…hands down. If he can play in the regular season the way he did in the preseason, Jacksonville has a new star player. Andre Branch proves every week that he is not just a great pass rusher, but he can defend the run as well. And Bryan Anger is having “solid” games with punting averages of 47 yards or better. From the bottom 3 draft picks I saw great run stops by Jeris Pendleton. Brandon Marshall and Mike Harris have not made any big impressions on me yet, but I expect that both will have the chance to prove himself in the regular season.

Meanwhile the high price free agents are having a rough time in the preseason. Chad Henne was a popular pick by experts as the starting QB on opening day (where are these guys now by the way?). Now unless Blaine Gabbert is injured, he had zero chance to take that job away from the 2nd year signal caller. In fact 3rd QB Jordan Palmer looked more impressive in the first 2 preseason games than Henne… Laurent Robinson is slowly starting to become a concern. While Blackmon is shining after a 12 day holdout, Robinson is struggling big time with almost full participation during training camp (he missed some time early with a head injury in camp). Robinson caught 1 ball versus the Saints for 7 yards, and failed to have a single catch despite being targeted 4 times versus the Ravens. He and the other WRs not named Blackmon need to get better, because the Jaguars top pick of ’12 will not be enough to elevate the passing game from last year’s dead last position. The other veteran WR, Lee Evans is not with the team already, and I doubt he’ll ever play again. I mentioned my concern with Aaron Ross based on what I saw in the last 2 preseason games. At least Robinson and Ross must play significantly better during the regular season, because both of them will start on September 9th and beyond. 

Who needs to play well against the Falcons?

QB Chad Henne and Jordan Palmer. This is the game where Henne must prove that he is the 2nd best option at QB. Meanwhile Palmer can earn a roster spot, or with an outstanding performance even more than that…

WR Kevin Elliott. I thought 2 weeks ago he was a lock for the 53. I don’t think so right now. His game winning TD versus the Saints was nice, but he needs to play better at special teams, and he must prove his statement he made earlier this year, “I’ll make the team not because of what I can do as a special teamer, but because of what I do as a receiver.”

RB Richard Murphy and Keith Toston. I don’t know at this point if Toston will play, but I hope he can. He was the 2nd best RB behind Jennings in this preseason, and if he is healthy, I think the Jaguars could use him, especially now with the uncertain situation of Maurice Jones-Drew. Murphy played well versus the Ravens, had a nice TD, and is still on the roster while last year’s preseason sensation DuJuan Harris is not (he was claimed by the Steelers). If the former LSU player has another strong game, he could earn at least a practice squad spot.

TEs Colin Cloherty and Zach Potter. Since Zach Miller is already injured and can’t be on the field this Thursday, this is a huge game for Cloherty. He can earn the 4th TE spot, or with a strong game he might take Miller’s place and role on the team. Zach Potter is the 2nd best blocking TE, so he might be safe since Matt Veldman (on IR) and Miller are ruled out against the Falcons, he could catch a few passes as well.

OT Daniel Baldridge. Guy Whimper is the team’s first backup tackle, but with a good perfomance the gigantic player (6’8″) from Marshall can earn a spot on the roster.

DT Jeris Penleton. Some say the Jaguars don’t need 3 (Knighton, Mosley, Pendleton) run stopping players at the middle. I say they do, but Pendleton can silence everybody with a strong showing Thursday night.

DE Ryan Davis and Corvey Irvin. As I wrote earlier the Jaguars are quite thin at the DE position behind the starters. Austen Lane and George Selvie are banged up, John Chick starts the season on PUP. The UDFA rookies, Davis and the DT turned DE Irvin can make the case for themselves as the 5th DE of the roster (and 4th until Lane is back) with a good game and with 1-2 sacks and QB hits…

The rookie backup LBs (Brandon Marshall, Julian Stanford, Joshua Jones and JK Scheffer). For me this will be the highlight of the 4th game – which rookie will earn his spot behind the starting 3 and (most likely) Kyle Bosworth? Brandon Marshall should be a lock, because he was a 5th round pick, but he hasn’t shown anything special yet. Besides Mike Brewster, Julian Stanford has the best chance among the UDFA rookies to make the final roster. Don’t forget about Jones and Schaffer as both have made a push lately for a roster spot. Most likely 2 of them will earn a spot in the final 53, 1 at the practice squad, and 1 will be a street FA. If I must make a projection, Stanford and Marshall will make the team, Jones will be on the practice squad, and the former heart and soul of the Bearcats defense must find a new team this weekend. But with a strong game from Scheffer this can change. 

Antwon Blake and Antonio Dennard. The rookie UDFA CB from UTEP (Blake) had 2 takeaways on special teams in one preseason game. Since Gene Smith and Mike Mularkey both want players who can contribute in this area, another good performance at ST could earn a surprise roster spot for Blake. Meanwhile Dennard had a pick six against the Ravens last Thrursday. If he plays well against the Falcons, it could earn him a place at the practice squad. 

Greene needs to get back to form if he wants to stay with the team. Source:: Fernando Medina-US PRESSWIRE

Courtney Greene.  Another good special teamer who needs to improve at his position. If Greene had been rated as a saftey alone he might be on trouble. But since plenty of the core special teamers now have bigger roles (Owens, Allen) or are injured (Bolen), he might be safe. He is also the best example that anybody can earn a roster spot with one good game. 2 years ago even I predicted that Greene would be cut after the 4th preseason game. But he had a very strong performance against the Falcons which earned him a place on the 53 men roster first, and 1 week later he even became the starter at the SS position. So even the 4th preseason game can change everything for a player on the bubble.

And finally here’s how I would cut the roster (starters’ names in bold):

(3) QB: Blaine Gabbert, Chad Henne, Jordan Palmer

(6) RB: Rashad Jennings, Montell Owens, Jalen Parmelee, Greg Jones, Keith Toston, Maurice Jones-Drew

(5) WR: Justin Blackmon, Laurent Robinson, Mike Thomas, Cecil Shorts III, Brian Robiskie

(3) TE: Marcedes Lewis, Zach Potter, Colin Cloherty

(8) OL: Eugene Monroe, Eben Britton, Brad Meester, Uche Nwaneri, Cameron Bradfield, Will Rackley, Mike Brewster, Guy Whimper

(5) DT: Terrance Knighton, Tyson Alualu, C.J. Mosley, D’Anthony Smith, Jeris Pendelton

(4) DE: Jeremy Mincey, Andre Branch, Aaron Morgan, Austen Lane

(6) LB: Daryl Smith, Paul Posluszny, Russell Allen, Kyle Bosworth, Jullian Stanford, Brandon Marshall

(6) CB: Derek Cox, Rashean Mathis, Aaron Ross, Kevin Rutland, William Middleton, Mike Harris

(4) S: Dawan Landry, Dwight Lowery, Chris Prosinski, Courtney Greene

(1) K: Josh Scobee

(1) P: Bryan Anger

(1) LS: Jeremy Cain

Practice squad: Kevin Elliott, Richard Murphy, Daniel Baldridge, Corvey Irvin, Joshua Jones, JK Schaffer, Antwan Blake, Rod Isaac

George Selvie might get cut or may go to IR, Zach Miller can be waived or put on  IR, but right now I think he’ll never play again in Black and Teal.

- Zoltan Paksa

Last season, most of the Jags’ improvement came from roster upgrades – even though we got some significant growth from individual players (Derek Cox, Jeremy Mincey), the main source of team improvement came from the players we got in free agency, particularly on the defensive side of the ball (Landry, Poz, etc.).  This year, to make a significant jump from 5-11, we’ll depend on significant individual growth at some key positions, even though we did make some roster upgrades, particularly at WR.  Where might we see (or hope for) such growth?  First up…

Step up to the plate Mr. Thomas. Source: Jerome Miron-US PRESSWIRE

Pass-catchers (WRs/TEs) – I know I just talked about how we made some key additions at WR this offseason, but each of them have their question marks – Laurent Robinson has had one good year, Lee Evans is working against age and injury, and Blackmon is a rookie WR whose game may not translate as perfectly as recent top 10 WRs (usually year three is the biggest year for WR production).  Furthermore, even if these three perform above expectations, we’ll still need some better production from the disappointing group of receivers from last season.  Who are prime “step up” candidates?

-          Mike Thomas – The 4^th year WR took a step back last year, but with a move back to primarily the slot position and a little less attention, he’s primed for a bounce back year.

-          Cecil Shorts – Pretty much a non-factor during the season, Shorts showed some promise in shorts last year.  He’s got nowhere to go but up.

-          Marcedes Lewis – After making a huge leap in production two years ago, Lewis was a real disappointment last year.  He should’ve been the safety valve for a rookie quarterback, but was anything but that last year. Of anyone on this list, he can make the biggest impact on our passing game, as a possession receiver and red zone target.

We want to see more of this from you Mr. Alualu. Source: Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE

Pass-Rush (DEs/DTs) – A top three need that didn’t really get addressed this offseason (besides locking up our own Jeremy Mincey), I think we need to see some serious growth in this area to deal with some of the QBs we’ll be facing this season.

-          Tyson Alualu – Year three needs to be a bounce-back year for Tyson.  We haven’t generated a ton of pass rush from the ends in recent years, so any production we can get from the DT position is huge.  Coming back from an injury, Joe Cullen and the d-line are expecting big things from the Samoan sensation this year.

-          D’Anthony Smith – Injury has caused him to be a big question mark, so any production will be a positive.  But if he can have a rookie Tyson Alualu-type year (probably the zenith of expectations for him this season), the Jaguars will be ecstatic.

-          Austen Lane – Like Cecil Shorts, there were big things expected after last year’s offseason, but injury and probably inexperience derailed the train.  He’s got the size, strength, and speed to make 3-down impact, and he’s got nowhere to go but up.

-          Others: Aaron Kampman, Aaron Morgan, Andre Branch

Less of this, Blaine. Source: Matt Stamey-US PRESSWIRE

Quarterback – This was the focus of the coaching search, free agency, and the offseason. Nothing else really needs to be said here.

Who do you think we’re depending on this season?  Let me know in the comments!

– Zain Gowani

A roster has 53 players, however. During this grueling time of offseason dullness where it seems like everything has come to a standstill, my favorite thing to do is to look at the roster and see what we have. What happens when someone goes down? Do we have an adequate replacement?

It seems to me that Gene Smith likes plucking undiscovered talent from other teams. He trusts his coaching staff to coach these players up and hopefully they develop into something good. When he strikes gold he gets Jeremy Mincey. When he strikes out he gets Guy Whimper.

These players that fill out the middle to lower end of our roster all had different roads to the NFL. You won’t find one, however, that was picked higher than the 2nd round in the draft.

There are players who were UDFAs with other teams and signed with Jacksonville after their tenure with their original team expired. These are players that the Jaguars seems interested in, but some have stayed injured and the front office really doesn’t know what they have yet. Some have made their living on the practice squads. Some have appeared in a few games, but have yet to make a significant impact. These investments can pay off, but it’s still important to know when to cut your losses and move on.

There are also a handful of NFL veterans on the roster right now. They have several years of NFL experience, but they are far from household names. These are players that were cut from their original teams that acquired them via draft or free agency, but have remained in the NFL bouncing from team to team. They are able to make it in the NFL because they know how to cut out a role on each team that has signed them.

Many of these players ended up with the team last season when the Jaguars essentially became the walking wounded. Some performed admirably considering the circumstances while others crashed and burned. Many remain on the training camp roster and will compete for a spot on the team along side the rookies.

Much has been said and analyzed about the new crop of rookies, the players acquired through free agency, and players that are expected to have a big year. I’m going to use this post for a closer look at the other guys: the projects and journeymen.

I became very curious about some of these players and wanted to take a look at their overall NFL career. I took to the Jaguars mothership to gather my information.

Projects:

Russell Allen, LB: Allen was a UDFA in 2009, and stepped up in a big way in 2011 after Sessions went down for the year. He racked up 48 tackles, 2 FF, and one interception. I believe he has a permanent role with this team, and I certainly hope he continues to show improvement in his play as he showed last year that he is able to provide just not solid depth, but quality depth.

Kyle Bosworth, LB: I don’t believe he has the same kind of stability at his position as Allen. He’ll have to work very hard to earn his spot. I see Marshall pushing him for a back up spot.

Cameron Bradfield, OT: UDFA in 2011, one of three rookies to make the gameday roster. Has the ability to play both guard and tackle. Excellent option for a swing tackle in 2012 and could possibly challenge for a starting role if Britton doesn’t work out.

Daniel Baldridge, OT: UDFA 2010, spent majority of his short career on the practice squad. Maybe he could be brought along to eventually be a good back up, but nothing more.

Brock Bolen, FB: UDFA in 2009, Bolen appeared in 12 games in 2011. He has been providing solid depth at the fullback position for a few years now. He also had 12 special teams tackles last year.

John Estes, C: Estes was a UDFA in 2010, but spent his rookie season on IR. He came back last year to become the back up center. He’ll have his hands full with Mike Brewster during training camp.

DuJuan Harris, RB: Harris was signed as an UDFA last season. He saw action in spot duty and served as the team’s punt returner at the end of 2011. I don’t like his chances.

T.J. Heath, CB: Go JSU! As excited as I am to see a fellow JSU alumni on the roster, he only appeared in a handful of games last year and made no tackles. He was signed as an UDFA last season for depth purposes. Maybe he makes the practice squad.

Aaron Morgan, DE: Morgan made the gameday roster in 2010 as an UDFA. He’s a pass rushing specialist who appeared in 7 games his rookie season. He spent 2011 on IR, and it looks as if the team wants to continue with his development. Maybe he could get in on the defensive line rotation.

Richard Murphy, RB: He was a UDFA in 2011 who was injured and put on IR in preseason. He played his college ball at LSU and wore #18. This is a very high honor. I believe the team wants to see what this kid can do in camp.

Kevin Rutland, CB: Made the gameday roster last season as an UDFA. He had 18 tackles, one interception, and 4 passes defended as a rookie. Considering he was an undrafted rookie free agent, that is an amazing rookie season.

Chastin West, WR: First year WR/KR signed as an UDFA with Green Bay in 2010. He spent his entire rookie season on the practice squad. He was signed by Jacksonville to the active roster in 2011. He caught 13 balls last year for 163 yards and 2 TDs. That looks pretty bad, but considering where he was on the depth chart, and how awful the passing game was it’s not bad for a 5th receiver. I’d like to see West stick around.

Colin Cloherty, TE: First year TE who spent his rookie season on Indy, Cleveland, and San Fran’s practice squads. He was signed last year for depth purposes when Miller went down. Now that Miller is healthy, I don’t see Cloherty even pushing Potter for a spot.

Zach Potter, TE: He was signed off the New York Jets practice squad in 2009. He’s a very good blocking #3 TE. He sticks with the team.

Journeymen:

John Chick, DE: Chick is only a journeyman by age. By all other accounts, he’s a project in my eyes. He did a pretty good job last year in the rotation, and I really think the coaching staff wants to see what they have there. I think he can get even better this year.

Chick was an UDFA in 2006 by the Houston Texans. He was waived after camp and then signed with the Colts where he was a practice squad guy. He played in the CFL for a few years before being signed to Jacksonville’s practice squad last season. He was eventually called up to the active roster.

Courtney Greene, SS: He was a 7th round pick of the Seahawks in 2009. He can play both safety spots. His career numbers: 84 tackles, one FF, one FR, one INT, 6 passes defended, one TFL, and 19 special teams tackles. He’s a solid vet and you know exactly what you have in him. He can step in and play free safety or strong safety and assist on special teams.

Corvey Irvin, DL: Drafted by Carolina in the 3rd round of the 2009 draft, Irvin has spent time on Carolina, Detroit, and Jacksonville’s practice squads. He appeared in 4 games for the Jaguars last year.

William Middleton, CB: 5th round pick of the Atlanta Falcon in 2009, Middleton has done time on both Atlanta and Tampa Bay’s practice squads. He’s a 3rd year pro who excels on special teams and the nickel defense. He’s played in 39 games for Jacksonville and provides depth and solid special teams play.

C.J. Mosley, DL: Mosley is a seasoned veteran. Drafted by the Vikings in the 6th round of the 2005 draft, Mosley has bounced around the league. He signed with Jacksonville in 2010. Last year he totaled 24 tackles, 1 FF, and 1 sack. I think we should keep him around if there’s no one who beats him out in camp. He’s just a steady football player.

Taylor Price, WR: 3rd round pick of the Patriots in 2010, he was waived in December of 2011. Jags claimed him off waivers that same month. I remember this kid from Ohio State, and he had a pretty good career there. We’ll see what he can do right?

Brian Robiskie, WR: Taken in the 2nd round by the Browns in the 2009 draft, Robiskie just didn’t pan out in Cleveland. He was picked up by the Jags off waivers last season. Hopefully he and Price will make the battle of wide receivers even more interesting than it already is.

George Selvie, DL: He was drafted in the 2010 draft by the Rams in the 7th round. He’s appeared in 27 career games totaling 27 tackles and 2 sacks. He played in the final 7 games for Jacksonville in 2011.

Morgan Trent, CB: 3rd year pro who has spent time in Cincinatti and Indy. He was drafted in the 6th round by the Bengals in the 2009 draft. He has appeared in 36 NFL games racking up 67 tackles, one sack, 3 interceptions, 2 FR, and 7 passes defended. I’m looking forward to seeing him, Rutland, Middleton, and Harris battle it out for the last few cornerback spots.

Guy Whimper, OG: He was a 4th round pick by the Giants in the 2006 draft. He’s a 6th year pro who has 51 career games with 16 starts. He can play both guard and tackle. Anyone out there a Guy Whimper fan?

Ashton Youboty, CB: He was a 3rd round pick by the Bills in the 2006 draft. He signed with Jacksonville last year, but he played 5 years in Buffalo. He’s appeared in 25 games with 7 starts accumulating 56 tackles, 2 sacks, one INT, one FF, and 7 passes defended. Let’s go ahead and throw Youboty in the cornerback mix.

William Robinson, OT: Danger Will Robinson! Couldn’t help myself. Robinson is a 3rd year pro who has spent time with Seattle, Washington, and New Orleans on both practice squads and active rosters. He has played in one regular season game and one playoff game.

I admire what Gene Smith is attempting to do. Besides wide receiver Laurent Robinson, the Jags aren’t a “splash move” team. They prefer their talent to be home grown. That’s what makes a team. I think some of these guys will create serious competition at their respected positions while others could actually make the team.

OTAs start soon and training camp will be here before you know it. Pretty soon our incumbent starters, the newly signed free agents, rookie draft picks, UDFAs, and these “other guys” will begin battling out for a spot. Competition at every position is key in building a good roster.

Is there anyone on this list you are pulling for to make the team? Let me know in the comments section!

-David R. Johns