Sullivan’s passion and results make him a very good coach to retain for 2013.  Source: Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports

After hiring Bob Babich as defensive coordinator and Jedd Fisch as offensive coordinator, the next step in the process was to see which position coaches should be retained.  With some assistants, like ex-QB coach Greg Olson (Oakland’s new OC), leaving the Jauguars, it was crucial to retain some coaches if only for the sake of continuity.  Jerry Sullivan easily topped that list.

Sullivan has had an extensive career in the NFL and specializes in receivers.  Prior to the 2012 season he was coaxed out of retirement by ex-head coach Mike Mularkey to coach the Jags’ wide receiving corps.  A lot of Jaguars Nation had hoped that he would feel invested in the receiving corps he was developing even without Mularkey at the helm, and it turns out we were right.  Sullivan’s influence is obvious with the Jaguars.  Cecil Shorts III had a breakout season and has posted the highest amount of receiving yards since 2005.  Justin Blackmon also had a superb rookie season, leading all rookie receivers with 865 yards.  On the whole, the passing offense moved from 2,179 yards in 2011 to 3,419 in 2012.  The growth at wide receiver (despite massive overturn and turmoil throughout the season) under Sullivan is largely to thank.

Duffner’s retainment is also crucial for the Jaguars.  Despite poor personnel at the linebacker position following the Clint Session concussions and Daryl Smith groin injury, the Jaguars were able to develop younger guys to fill in.  The initial Russell Allen, Paul Posluszny, Kyle Bosworth formation fizzled largely due to inadequate balance because of Bosworth’s play.  As the season went on Duffner was able to develop Julian Stanford into a good enough player to replace the horrific Bosworth and play at a moderately high level.  Allen and Stanford both made leaps in the 2012 season and that is largely due to Duffner.  His ability to promote the talent at linebacker, despite poor personnel, is commendable and warrants his retainment.

The Jaguars are smart to add Duffner and Sullivan to the defensive and offensive staff.  The Jags need some continuity in an era of rejuvenation.  They also need good position coaches.  Sullivan’s coaching is impeccable and Duffner’s ability suggests that the defense will continue to have a strong linebacking unit through 2013.

- Luke N. Sims

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It hasn’t all been you, Chad.  Source: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

When Mike Mularkey became head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars we saw talent come to the Jaguars like we haven’t seen in a long, long time.  Coaching was a big part of that talent influx.  With Mularkey came Bob Bratkowski and Jerry Sullivan.  Sullivan, a very gifted receivers coach, looked like he had his work cut out for him when he got to Jacksonville.  Even while the season flounders, though, his unit is a bright spot for the Jaguars.

While the improved play of Chad Henne can be pointed to for the explosion of offensive production for the Jaguars, getting the ball to some playmakers has been made easier with much better route running and plays on the ball by the receivers.  Even before Henne came in and started lighting things up, Cecil Shorts III was on pace to be the first 1,000 yard receiver for the team since 2005.  Justin Blackmon (definitely still a work in progress) had a monster 236 yard day on only seven receptions in week 11.  That isn’t just pure ability, that’s also the ability to exploit weakness that he is learning at the pro level.

Sullivan should be credited with this development.

Last season Shorts was a fourth round disappointment with only two catches.  Now he’s the team leader in receptions (43), receiving touchdowns (7), and yards (824).  The man is becoming the go-to guy and it has happened in the form of a major jump in his sophomore year.  So much for a slump!

While the coaching doesn’t affect the play calling, Sullivan has also managed to get his receivers more involved even when the play isn’t going their way.  You won’t find a Randy Moss-esque lack of effort from his players.  Kevin Elliott is a good example of this.  While Elliott (seven receptions, 70 yards) isn’t a game changing wide receiver, the effort he puts in when he’s on the field is really something.  Try and keep your eye on him when the play is going on.  He’s still young and knows that the only way he’s staying with this team next year is if he puts in the work.  His effort isn’t yielding much now, but I guarantee that we’re seeing what we should expect from a player who knows he can grow under Sullivan.  Keep your eye on him when he’s on the field.  Who cares if he doesn’t pan out, we’re getting good effort out of our receivers because they buy into their coach.

With all of the potential turmoil that the offseason may bring, we need to look past the general manager and head coach.  They both may be fired after the season, but we need to keep in mind that on the staff are some really good position coaches. They may not all get results (Joe Cullen) but some do.  Sullivan needs to be recognized for his work and if he walks if the Jags cut Mularkey, then that should be a strong con for getting rid of the head coach.  This is the most success a receiving unit has had in Jacksonville in a long time.

No matter what happens this offseason, it’s nice to know that some of our receivers were able to benefit from the good coaching.

- Luke N. Sims

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Blaine Gabbert target Mike Thomas (80)

The wide receiver position was the biggest hole going into last season, so it’s no wonder why it received the spot light this offseason and preseason. Laurent Robinson was signed this offseason, a free agent coming off career highs from the Dallas Cowboys; and Justin Blackmon was drafted fifth overall, as the only two time Fred Biletnikoff award winner for best receiver in College football. Now while these two are locks for receiver going into this season, the rest of of the roster all had something to prove going into the regular season.

Mike Thomas Thomas has the best chance of seeing the most snaps this regular season. While he had a significant drop off from his extension last season, it feels like theres a different Mike Thomas on the field this year, the Thomas the team needed last year. He leads the team in receptions as well as yards, which is a good sign that he can provide Gabbert a good target to get first downs and a few burns this season. While the Jaguars plan on moving around the receivers to provide mismatches, it’s very likely that Thomas will line up in the slot where his size and speed can be used more effectively.

Brian Robiskie Robiskie is a player who has proven some worth this preseason as well catching twelve balls for 137 yards and a touchdown. However, some of those grabs have been against the reserves. It should not be overlooked completely since the preseason is to get a look at who can be productive. His best play came on a tough grab on a slant route, which ended up with a two yard touchdown. I feel like Robiskie will make the team, but as far as time on the field, he may end up as the fourth or fifth receiver on the depth chart.

Cecil Shorts III Shorts seems a bit of a disappointment even if he is a fourth round pick. His mental errors of causing fumbles in preseason games, two this year and one last year, worries me if he gets more playing time. Shorts is currently living off the name Pierre Garcon who attended the same college,Mount Union. He did break Garcons records, but his play has yet to translate on the professional field. While I consider him a project player, this may be his last year to prove his worth or get the boot like numerous receivers before him who never panned out. Consider him fifth on the depth chart who make take Robiskie’s spot at fourth if he can live up anywhere near his hype and stay fumble free, especially if he sees time as a returner.

Will Elliot make the Bubble? I think so

Kevin Elliot The last receiver who should make the opening day roster is Kevin Elliott. The Jaguars should go with six receivers this season considering the woes of seasons past, they need all the help they can get. Elliot is 6’3” and 215 pounds, whats not to like there. As far as production, he has made good use of running with the reserves, acquiring two touchdowns on three receptions for 96 yards. The last reception was against Atlanta which went for 77 yards. With his size and stat line he should latch onto the last slot, but will have to prove he is worth that spot this season because living off the bubble is not worth making a career out of.

Mike Brown The only words I heard of of camp was the comparison of Brown to Wes Welker, by receivers coach Jerry Sullivan. While this is encouraging buzz, this buzz was has also been generated to receivers like Julian Edelman of the Patriots. I understand creating buzz for players who impress you, but comparing one under sized quick receiver to another isn’t always the greatest, especially when they turn that receiver into a defensive back. I would rather have the first Mike Brown then the next Wes Welker, but it looks like Brown won’t make the cut after impressing Sullivan this offseason. With a good word he could be a surprise opening day player, but I think he’s better suited as a practice squad player to build his game up.

Demetrius Williams um….cut?

- Antonio Furgiuele