These two men could very well be the faces of the Jaguars for the next decade! Source: Phil Sears-US PRESSWIRE

The Jaguars are in transition.  They are moving from a strong running game to a more conventional balanced game with the pass being a highlight of the offense rather than the red-headed step child of the running game.  Part of that transition is taking Maurice Jones-Drew’s team and making it Blaine Gabbert’s team.  Gabbert has struggled but could use his physical tools to be an effective passer.  Last year he had issues with a receiving corps that wouldn’t make a high school squad.  Enter Justin Blackmon.

Blackmon is not the only new receiver for the Jags.  They also brought in Laurent Robinson (Dallas) and Lee Evans (Baltimore) to help rejuvenate the wide receiver position.  But make no mistake, it will be Blackmon who will challenge to be the face of the franchise.  Blackmon is young, he’s practically synonymous with super star in Oklahoma, and he knows how to take a catch and make it look like some gold medal winning dismount.  He’s got the little bit of je ne sais quoi that so many players simply do not possess.  As his star rises, so will the Jaguars, and so will Blaine Gabbert.

With Jones-Drew holding out, every player in the passing game has an opportunity to make himself a crucial part of the rebuilding of the Jaguars.  Any one of the receivers, Brian Robiskie, Robinson, Kevin Elliott, could be the new face.  Blackmon just has the best shot.  The man has skills that allow him to outplay defenders, he has a smile on his face as he plays, and he comes to town as the best wideout drafted by the Jaguars since Matt Jones (oh wait…).

But seriously, the guy will be a catalyst for better play by the Jaguars receivers.  The team is perceived by some as having a glut at the position this offseason but the offense has still struggled to make the jump thus far.  Blackmon will force the other receivers to be on their game as his elevated play will bring the entire field to new heights.  Blackmon isn’t just a game changer, he’s a roster changer.  His presence changes the way the team will approach practice and approach beating defenses.

- Luke N. Sims

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Getting Blackmon to camp will help the offense as they work to install new schemes and approaches following a dismal performance in 2012.  The team will focus on getting Blackmon the ball and making the revamped receiving corps with Mike Thomas, Cecil Shorts, and Laurent Robinson involved.  Blaine Gabbert needs weapons, and with the signing of Blackmon, he just got one more guaranteed.  He should be worth every single penny the Jaguars give him.

- Luke N. Sims

Ray was part of the Jaguars offseason roster last year before being told to bulk up and give it another go some other time.  He’s back for the 2012 offseason but his shot at a roster spot just became a whole lot shakier with an arrest.  The previous arrest of Justin Blackmon may play a big role in how the team handles other arrests through the year in establishing a new coaching staff and changing the culture of the team with it.  General Manager Gene Smith is still in charge and does not tolerate poor behavior from his players, but with the influx of Mike Mularkey and his new staff we may see a shift toward giving more players some leeway if they have game.

We just don’t know if Mr. Ray has any game to bring.  He may not be around long enough to show it during training camp.

- Luke N. Sims