Entering free agency the Jags had a number of needs:

• Defensive End
• Wide Receiver
• Corner Depth
• Right Offensive Tackle
• Safety
• Quarterback (starting caliber #2)

The Jaguars managed to address almost all of those needs during free agency.   The Jags rightly resigned Jeremy Mincey and Dwight Lowery, ensuring that one edge rusher and the tail end of our defense will be stable in 2012.  The recent signing of Aaron Ross, a very good cornerback that got away from New York, can play at either starting cornerback spot and can be effective in nickel and dime packages.  Combined with a health Derek Cox, Rashean Mathis, and Drew Coleman the cornerbacks for the Jaguars may be some of the best in the league.

Seriously.

The Jags also addressed the offensive positions thus far.  Sure, Guy Whimper obviously isn’t the future at right tackle but the Jags are hoping Eben Britton can return to form this year.  Chad Henne was added to push Blaine Gabbert into becoming the man that we know he can be.  Worst case scenario with the Henne signing:  Henne takes over for Gabbert and manages to throw some good balls.  Sounds like last year.  But that’s worst case.  And lastly, the Jaguars landed their #2 receiver for the season in Laurent Robinson.  I personally think that this is a sign that the Jags will pursue Blackmon in the draft (look for Gene Smith to trade up…again) in order to get a true #1 to pair with his other receivers.  I think Robinson will provide a good receiving target for Gabbert that, at a minimum, will take stress off of Mike Thomas and Marcedes Lewis from trying to carry the passing game.

The Jags have set themselves up into a position to go for defensive end talent and wide receiver talent throughout the draft without stress that they need someone right away and that they must become a superstar.  It may not seem like it, but the Jags are already considerably better than they were last year.

On the whole, the Jags looked at almost every position that was a need coming into free agency.  There wasn’t a big splash at any one position, but I think that is a sign that Smith and Mularkey are thinking they can manage a good season with the current roster.

Remember when Harbaugh took the Niners to the playoffs with essentially the same roster from the year before?

Yeah, I think we can dream big too my dear Jags fans!

- Luke N. Sims

It’s the time when the draftniks get shocked at the grab a team made.

It’s the time that Peyton Manning makes his decision.

The time that Randy Moss decides to play again (good work San Fran!).

It’s the time when all of us fans patiently hold our breath, wondering just how open Shahid Khan’s pocket book will be.

It’s the time we snap our computers shut after reading a rival snagged a brilliant player.

It’s also the time we sit at home, avoiding She Who Must Be Obeyed, frantically refreshing ESPN, FOXSports, or NFL.com.

It’s our time.  The fans’ time.

Yet we get no say in what actually occurs during free agency.  Our cries for Mario Williams will not be heard.  Our Vincent Jackson fever will not catch with the Jaguars’ front office.  Our pleas at the feet of Gene Smith will ultimately look like the pathetic grovel that we all know it is.

And yet there is hope.

Hope that the Jags will retain some higher priced players who are testing the waters.

Hope that Blaine Gabbert won’t be weaponless in 2012.

Hope that Maurice Jones-Drew’s massive, solitary star power can attract some more talent.

Hope that Greg Jones continues to wear the Black and Teal.

Sure, it’s kind of depressing, exciting, and anxious all at once.  But us Jags fans have a little secret that other teams overlook.

We’ve got Gene Smith.

He’s our fearless leader.  Our franchise builder.  He isn’t the rock, he’s the guy that made the rock.  He’s the mastermind we’re all counting on.  Hate his hair?  He doesn’t care.  Hate his reaches in early rounds?  Watch them pay dividends.  He’s a BAP master, and he’s got the NFL 2012 draft and free agency in his sites.

It’s shaping up to be a good day!

In Gene we trust!

- Luke N. Sims

After coming into the league in the 7th round of the 2008 draft, Johnson has worked hard to make himself an important part of an anemic offense with the Bills.  Not only has he made himself the primary target of Ryan Fitzpatrick, but he made sure that the offense didn’t skip a beat with the departure of Lee Evans after 2010.

Johnson, while not the perfect #1 receiver, received a lot of attention this past year with the strong opening of the Bills.  Despite the team faltering to a 6-10 season (after starting 4-1), Johnson still posted a respectable 1,004 yards.  Averaging above 13 yards per reception for the second season in a row.

Literally anybody who can make this catch is an improvement for the Jags. Source: Greg M. Cooper-US PRESSWIRE

Johnson’s size 6’2″, 210 pounds make him a solid #2 receiver.  His consistent numbers and ability to catch the balls coming off his route consistently (Something the Jags desperately need) make him reliable.  A reliable receiver is necessary for Gabbert to continue his development and not get down on his game at such an early stage of his career.

Johnson’s play the last two seasons, averaging over 60 yards a game make him a dependable #2.  Nobody debates that he is a good receiver, but teams do debate whether he is worthy of #1 receiver money.  Many people argue that he isn’t, but Johnson argues that he is.  Johnson could be a good pickup for the Jags even if they pay him #1 money and get a solid #2 to start opposite someone like Vincent Jackson (please, please sign him!).

The main points are that Johnson increases the depth for the Jags at the receiving position and sets the team up for success in the future.  Not only did Johnson perform in his contract year, but he has also performed well when given the opportunity to be a bigger part of the offense.  Johnson looks and acts like a strong receiver that can perform in any role given to him.  If the Jags give him a bigger piece of the offense, then I think he’ll fill the void.  He is a hard worker that knows he needs to perform to get paid.  I like his attitude and I like his play.

Coming toward free agency, I think that Steve Johnson would be either the second or third best signing for the Jags at receiver.  Vincent Jackson is a true #1, but Johnson is a true #n (that means anything).  With Mike Thomas in the slot, someone else at #1 or Johnson at #1, the Jags are set for a while.

It helps that Johnson is a mere 25 years old and will only be 26 this coming season.  With Johnson the Jags won’t just be getting a quick fix at wide receiver, they will be getting a staple that they can rely on for years to come.  The upside of Johnson is exponential and the Bills will be greatly hurt by his departure.

Hopefully their loss will be turned into the Jaguars’ gain.

- Luke N. Sims