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

August 17, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blaine Gabbert (11) talks to his teammated during their preseason football game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-US PRESSWIRE

This week the Jaguars travel to Baltimore for week three of the preseason. What can be expected are a few developing story lines, as the roster will face the most intense analysis to prove who will have a job, as well as who is at the front of the line.

Quarterback

Blaine Gabbert has a firm hold on the position, so examining his play will more likely than not come from the media. After two games, he seems to have better poise and footwork, as well as the ability to step up in the pocket to throw even though he might get hit. While these are preseason games that don’t count, it still matters as it is encouraging to see that Gabbert now looks prepared and focused and not scared and skittish. Playing against the Ravens is a good test to see these skills on display, especially if there are any second half adjustments to be made. As far as Chad Henne and Jordan Palmer are concerned, the Jaguars will make strides at evaluating both, but Henne may ultimately win out this duel as more was invested in him as a backup. Unless the Jags are looking to carry three quarterbacks this season, expect more time for Henne.

Running Back

After all the news about Maurice Jones-Drew this week, it feels a bit exhausting to talk more about him. While MJD is on hiatus, Rashad Jennings has clearly been running on all cylinders, averaging a healthy 5.1 average per carry on 23 attempts. The better he does, the more difficult the MJD situation becomes. However I still don’t see a trade for Jones-Drew, he’s too good. The rest of the lineup includes Montell Owens who will remain on the roster as a special teams monster. The fight for the third slot will be interesting to see as Keith Toston has shown big play ability but currently has a hamstring injury. If Jalen Parmele, DuJuan Harris, or Richard Murphy step it up this week in his absence, the depth chart could easily change.

June 12, 2012; Jacksonville FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Mike Thomas (80) gives a stiff arm to safety Dawan Landry (26) after catching a pass during minicamp at Florida Blue Health

Wide Receiver

Justin Blackmon should get the ball early and often, and it should be time for him to get a deep ball his way sooner or later. Establishing this connection is key, and its easy to see why with his big play ability. Laurent Robinson has experienced an up and down camp, but he won’t b allowed to fail with the amount invested in him. The last thing the Jaguars want is another Jerry Porter. Thomas has been a pleasurable surprise as he seems “ all in” himself. This cast is rounded out by Brian Robiskie (who leads in receptions thus far), Cecil Shorts, and Chastin West who will fight for the remaining spots. Mike Brown and Kevin Elliott might just end up on the practice squad.

Fullback

Greg Jones is a premier fullback, even if its not a premier position. Brock Bolen is his back up but don’t expect this to change at all.

Tight End

Marcedes Lewis had a disappointing 2011 season, but should have a better year this year. He does only have two receptions thus far, but once the season kicks in, he will provide Gabbert a big target as a safety valve. If I was Zach Miller or Zach Potter, I would be afraid…very afraid.  Colin Cloherty has proven he can move the chains and is a good target for Gabbert. All of these players are in their contract year, but Cloherty has not been injured. If Cloherty can rack up some more yards Thursday, consider him on the depth chart.

Offensive Line

The line proved its worth last week against the Saints, giving Gabbert ample amount of time which allowed him to go 13/16 for 112 yards and two touchdowns. The line is still missing Eugene Monroe and Will Rackley but hasn’t been terrible. Cameron Bradfield is currently at left tackle, so watching him against the blitz will determine his stock. During the second half the two’s will take the field. Of these linemen, only half will be taken so it’s important to watch if any of these players allow sacks or pressure to Palmer and Henne.

Defensive line

The defensive line has been reinforced with more meat with 7th round Jeris Pendleton and D’Anthony Smith returning. Tyson Alualu and Terrance Knighton will be the season starters even though C.J. Mosley has started through the preseason. Jeremy Miney has shown he can get to the quarterback, but Andre Branch only has a few pressures to his name. Getting to Joe Flacco will solidify Branch’s role opposite Mincey as he has been stout against the run.

July 27, 2012; Jacksonville FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars punter Bryan Anger (19) punts during the first afternoon of training camp practice at Florida Blue Health

Linebacker

The backer position has experienced a bit of turmoil, but nothing worth worrying about. Clint Session is still suffering concussion symptoms and reserve backer Russell Allen has taken his spot. While the starters are solid, the backups need to show they can provide depth for the team. Julian Stanford has been highly praised this offseason but has not shown it on the field yet. Rookie Brandon Marshall seems to be in the same situation.  The second half will be important for these two players to see who has their name above the other on the depth chart.

Defensive Back

The cornerback group will be interesting to watch as Rashean Mathis will take the field for the first time this season. Seeing if he can perform at a high level will be important in establishing the pecking order for the season. Following his injury he was given a one year “prove it” contract. If he can flash, he will stay as either the left corner or nickel. If he fails, it could cut short his days in teal. While Derek Cox is nursing a hamstring injury, William Middleton will most likely start in his place as he is the best candidate to play against Torrey Smith. With Dwight Lowery and Dawan Landry at locks for safety, the play of Courtney Green, Chris Prosinski and Rod Issac will determine which two stay.

Special Teams

Scobee is a kicking machine, and Bryan Anger is projected to be one as well, even if the Jaguars are the only ones who think he should be a third round pick. A few coffin corner punts would help ease our minds or maybe even a Shane Lechler 80 yard punt would suffice. Either way, every fourth down is another chance to see why the Jaguars covet this player so much.

- Antonio Furgiuele

Here’s my list about what I’ll be focusing during the game:

Justin Blackmon’s Debut

Finally the Jaguars 1st round pick of ’12 will taste the atmosphere of an NFL game. Blackmon has been practicing in full pads since Monday. He struggled early in the week (as expected), but reports came that he looked better and better as the week progressed. I’m not sure how much playtime Blackmon will get against the Saints and at which position (as a Z receiver or in the slot), but I hope he’ll show a little flash with his great talent.  Earlier in OTA’s and minicamp Mularkey said that when Blackmon knew what was going on he performed well, but when he didn’t, he looked lost. It will be interesting to see if this is still the case.

Also it will be interesting to see who’s playing time will be limited in this game. Mike Thomas and Cecil Shorts got the snaps in Blackmon’s absence and Thomas had a great game against the Giants. Some have suggested that Blackmon should play in the slot early in his career, and let Shorts play in the Z receiver position. That would mean a 3 WR set, and I don’t know the Jaguars want to use that often or at this point.

Speaking of wide receiver, after the Gianst game there were a couple roster moves at the position. Lee Evans,  Taylor Price and Charles Gilbert were relased and the Jaguars added Demetrius Williams to the roster. I think the Jaguars have the 5 but more likely 6 receivers almost set for the final  53 men roster. Laurent Robinson, Justin Blackmon and Cecil Shorts III are guaranteed locks. Mike Thomas made a good case for himself at the Ginats game. Kevin Elliott and Brian Robiskie (who also had a good game last Friday) are battling for the final position, but since Ellioott can contribute on special teams as well (and they need some boost there after Kassim Osgood was cut earlier this year), the Jaguars will likely take all 6 players. Mike Brown needs a good game to make for a case for himself as a practice squad player. Meanwhile Chastin West can make this team only if one or two of the 6 WRs I mentioned get hurt.

 Offensive Line Issues

What happened to Guy Whimper? Source: US-Presswire

Many experts said the Jaguars were thin at O-line before camp even started. Now it seems injuries are testing the depth here very early. The injury bug bit the interior very hard as Will Rackley, Jason Spitz, and John Estes all can’t play. Estes could possibly end up on IR. This wek LT Eugene Monroe had a head injury (most likely a concussion) and even Eben Britton was seen limping (luckily only from being dehydration). Still, the Jaguars are now very thin at the left guard position. If the Jaguars don’t move Britton to this position, they have just UDFA rookies here. Mike Brewster, DJ Hall and Drew Nowak (who was a DT 2 weeks ago) seem to be the most likely fits. At tackle the team can take a deep look at Cameron Bradfield if Monroe does not play against the Saints – most likely that will be the case; there is some buzz around the 2nd year OT from Grand Valley Sate, he may even become a starter and not be just some jar on the shelf.  Even with these players I have concerns about how this patchwork O-line will protect Blaine Gabbert or help in the running game. The O-line with Monroe and Estes allowed 8 sacks (six sacks and two fumbles, one recovered) last week.  That is way too much, even if we consider how great the Giants’ pass rush is.  Now Uche Nwaneri & co will face Will Smith, Sedrick Ellis , Curtis Lofton and Cameron Jordan. Their job will not be any easier this week, especially at the Superdome in front of one of the best audiences in the NFL.

The even bigger fear is, who will play during the second half? At tackle there are backups Daniel Baldridge and the totally forgotten Guy Whimper… but who will play at center or guard in the second half? If Meester is benched for rest, Mike Brewster must take over at center. That means Nowak and Hall will get at least a half  or even more playing time at guard. The Jaguars also signed Josh Beekman this week as well. Chad Henne and Jordan Palmer could be in for a very rough night.

The old-new D-line 

Tomorrow Tyson Alualu will play for the first time since his knee surgery in the offseason. Most likely Terrance Knighton will also return to the starting lineup, since he was dominating against the Giants 2nd tier Offensive lineman (which indicates he is ready for more). But maybe the most interesting matchup will be the Jaguars starting DEs(Jeremy Mincey & Andre Branch) vs. the Saints tackles (Zach Streif and Jermon Bushrod).  Bushrod struggled against New England last week and he is considered to be a better OT than Strief. Joe Cullen praises Branch’s development in camp, so it will be interesting to see if that will show in QB hits or sacks. Also Aaron Morgan is continuing to make a strong case for himself as the 3rd best DE  right now. He finished with a team high 1.5 sacks last Friday. Keep your eye on him. D’Anthony Smith also looked promising in his start at DT. It will be interesting if he can dominate the at the level Knighton did last week.

Who will be Jennings’ backup? 

Sadly Maurice Jones Drew is still holding out,  so the Jaguars are now seriously planning for the regular season without their best offensive player. Luckily his backup, Rashad Jennings, plays really well, and it seems the starting RB position is a no brainer even without Jones-Drew. However the next player on the depth chart is the real question.  Jalen Parmele was really good in camp and during the scrimmage, but he looked lost vs the Giants. DuJuan Harris, who backed up Jones-Drew in the final games last season also struggled. So the Jaguars now moved two time Pro Bowler and special teams ace Montell Owens to be the 2nd RB on the depth chart. Owens is a very intelligent player, with great hands and good blocking skills. But as a runner the Jaguars have barely used him in previous seasons.  That is a major concern to me. So the backup RB position is up for grabs still between Owens, Parmele, Harris and Richard Murphy. And let’s not count out Keith Toston who played really well in the 2nd half last week.  So there are plenty of candidates, but the most welcomed development would be if Maurice Jones-Drew ends this standoff and returns to the team. If that happens, all of sudden the Jaguars will have one of the best 1-2 punches on the ground…

QB watch 

I thought Gabbert looked like a totally different player in the opening drive last week. Even the massive crowd of critics accept this.  He was efficient, made good decisions, and converted four 3rd and long situations in the opening drive against the Giants starting defense. Of course the critics found him on the fumble in his 3rd drive and accused him of a “chuck and duck” in a situation when every other QB would act the same. In fact Eli Manning just did the same in that game and nobody noticed… Seriously I wonder what this kid did to the media to earn such one sided criticism…  Anyway he can tone down the criticism with another great performance against the Saints. Sadly, the New Orleans defense kept the Patriots to 7 points last week, and that was in New England. Imagine how fired up the team and fans will be at home…

Also it looks like there will be a QB competition which involves Chad Henne. But instead of challenging  Gabbert he must defend his position against Jordan Palmer, who looked quite good in the 1st preseason game.  If this is the case versus the Saints (and if Palmer even plays, considering that the starters will play the entire first half) that’s not too good a trend for Mr. Henne. If Henne plays above average (and he will play behind a very, very shaky offensive line) things could turn into a QB controversy. At least at the backup QB position….

- Zoltan Paksa