Yes, it’s hard to believe that the Jaguars are approaching their 17^th season in the NFL. The team has had plenty of highs and lows (especially recently), during all of which certain players stood out and entrenched themselves as franchise favorites. With that in mind, I’ve decided to unveil my all-time Jaguars first team offense and defense/special teams.

For this week, I’m just going reveal the offense with a full disclaimer – this is completely my opinion. I’ve been fortunate to have been a fan of the Jaguars since their inception and as such I remember watching all the Jaguar greats. Hopefully this piece will rekindle some great memories and spark a debate. So without further ado…

Quarterback – Mark Brunell

Let’s go ahead and get the easy choices out of the way. Mark Brunell was integral to the Jaguars’ initial success from 1996-2000. He holds all the Jaguars passing records and is responsible for some of the more memorable moments in Jaguars history. Hopefully Blaine Gabbert makes some huge strides, but for now, Brunell’s spot on this list is in good shape.

Running back – Fred Taylor

Maurice Jones-Drew is doing a damn good job of trying to turn this into a debate, but for the time being Fred Taylor is still the best RB in franchise history. When healthy, Taylor was arguably the most gifted running back in the league capable of runs like this.

Fred put da team on his back! Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE

Fred put da team on his back! 

Full back – Greg Jones

I decided to go with a full back instead of a 3^rd WR or 2^nd TE because Greg Jones has been outstanding as a full back since moving to that position. He has performed at a pro bowl level for most of his career as the lead blocker for two of the most productive running backs (Taylor and Mojo) over the last 4 seasons.

I don't want to invoke Greg Jones' wrath if I keep him off this list. Charles LeClaire-USPRESSWIRE

I don’t want to invoke Greg Jones’ wrath if I keep him off this list.

Wide Receiver – Jimmy Smith

Of all the Jaguar players with phenomenal career statistics, Smith and Taylor have the best case for the hall of fame. Jimmy Smith went to 5 pro bowls and is the franchise leader in receptions, career receiving yards and touchdowns, and single season receptions and yards. He was a key player during Jacksonville’s magical run in 1996. You can also make the case that Smith was the best player over the longest period of time (1995-2005) that the Jaguars have had.

Wide Receiver – Keenan McCardell

Keenan made up the “Thunder” side of the Jaguars’ potent “Thunder and Lightning” duo at receiver from 1996 to 2001. While not as much of a playmaker as Smith, McCardell was a notoriously effective route runner and student of the game. He was an unfortunate cap casualty after the 2001 season, but that doesn’t keep him from being the 2^nd best receiver in Jaguars history.

Tight End – Kyle Brady

This was probably the toughest call of all the positions along the offense. While Marcedes Lewis has had one outstanding, pro bowl season, he hasn’t been a consistent part of the offense since he entered the league. Kyle Brady was unspectacular but consistent as both a blocker and a pass catcher. At times, I remember yelling at the television because I felt he was underutilized in the offense. I fully expect Marcedes to take over this spot in a few years, but he has to earn it.

Offensive Tackle – Tony Boselli

The biggest no-brainer on this entire list is at left tackle. Despite his career being shortened by injuries, you could easily make the argument that Boselli is the best player to ever put on a Jaguar uniform. In the golden era for left tackles in the NFL, Boselli was conceivably the most effective. He was named to the All-Pro first-team three years and he went to 5 pro bowls. If he played 12 seasons instead of 7, Boselli would have been the first Jaguar in the hall of fame.

Offensive Tackle – Leon Searcy

The Jaguars boasted one of the best tackle tandems in the NFL when Leon Searcy held up the right side of the line in the late 90s. He only played 5 seasons with the team but he was a star on the offensive line for all of the Jaguars’ playoff runs and he managed to make the pro bowl in 1999.

Offensive Guard – Vince Manuwai

Before getting injured, Manuwai was one of the best run-blocking guards in the NFL. He was a mauler and led the way for great seasons by both Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew.

Offensive Guard – Chris Naeole

From 2002 to 2007, Naeole was a steady force on the offensive line and essentially made guard a position the team didn’t have to worry about. Along with Manuwai, Naeole played a big part in the Jaguars’ success rushing the ball.

Center – Brad Meester

Entering his 13^th season with the team, Meester has solidified himself on this list of all-time Jaguars. He started out as guard, but since moving to center in 2003 his starting spot has never been in question. Meester’s career is likely coming to a close, but his steady presence on the offensive line won’t be forgotten for a long time.

All-Time Offense

Next week I’ll reveal the first team defense, but until then feel free discuss and question who I have on the offense!

-Daniel Lago

The guy is durable.

The guy is reliable.

The guy is a big, big man.

I dig it. Hopefully the Jags do too! Source: Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE

The Jaguars need him desperately.  As good as the Jaguars are in the running game, it’s obvious that the interior line just doesn’t match up well enough against the opposition to protect Blaine Gabbert.  Here’s where Nicks can come into play.  Right now the Jags have Uche Nwaneri, Will Rackley, and Jason Spitz on the roster.  As stoked as I am about Nwaneri’s development and Rackley’s potential, the team just isn’t on track to make sure they can protect their number one investment from last year.

Blaine Gabbert suffers from phantom pressure.  Really, really badly.  With a solid interior line, he won’t have to worry so much about the semi-pervious membrane that acts as a front line for him, instead he knows that he has a wall in front of him that opens up throwing lanes and allows him to get his game elevated.

Nicks provides that stability.

Meester's play has been solid, but how much longer can he keep it up? Source: Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE

With Brad Meester’s ever increasing age, it’s logical to assume that Nwaneri may have to slide over to center for the season if Meester falters.  John Estes could be serviceable at this point in his career, but Nwaneri is a proven commodity who provides exactly what the coaches and the front office expects when he plays center.

But that’s just one situation.  What if Will Rackley isn’t as game ready as we predicted?  We’re not certain how he’ll pan out still, though we have heard good things coming from the front office and the coaches since he was drafted last year.  Besides that, Rackley is also a potential to move to center.

Who would that leave us if Rackley doesn’t develop in his second year?  Even with 14 games started under his belt, there is a possibility for that sophomore slump.

But besides that, we know that the Jags’ interior line needs to improve.  It’s time to start considering that Meester has officially lost a step.  It’s also time to guarantee Gabbert’s protection.  Rackley is fine, Nwaneri is good, but Nicks is great.

And young.

Oh, did I mention big before?

Nicks is 6’5″ 343 pounds.  Nwaneri is 6’3″ 303 lbs, Rackley is 6’3″ 309 lbs.  Put that in your offensive line and you’re golden.  Nicks fits the planet theory (get anybody big in height and in weight) and can provide a brilliant presence in the line for years to come.

Not many defensive linemen are unstoppable forces, and even if they are we’re still not certain who wins when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object.  My money’s on the latter.

While the smaller size of Nwaneri and Rackley is more beneficial for a zone blocking scheme and mobile, outside run plays, but when you’re talking about protecting and developing a young QB, you want the biggest guy you can find.  Nicks is not only the biggest, but he’s also the best.

Bring back the big boys! Source: Fernando Medina-US PRESSWIRE

I think that Mularkey will try to convince Gene Smith to go after Nicks.  The guards on the Falcons’ roster are big guys (including the ex-Jaguar Vince Manuwai).  He’ll want someone who can best help Blaine Gabbert grow, Nicks is that man.

Making sure that Gabbert has an environment to grow should be a high priority for the Jaguars.  In 2011, Gabbert was sacked 40 times.  Having a very skilled lineman in the interior of the offensive line will help Gabbert develop, it will definitely stop him from landing on his rump so many times in a game.  Also, Nicks has experience helping quarterbacks have clear throwing lanes.  With the small stature of Drew Brees, Nicks was very good at understanding where his quarterback was and how to best shift himself and the defenders he was blocking to get them out of the way so Brees had a good line of sight.

All in all, Gabbert and the Jags could use a big boy like Carl Nicks.

If the front office doesn’t make a play for the guard out of New Orleans, I will be shocked and pissed.  Gene Smith needs to realize that as good as it is to build through the draft, it’s just as crucial to bring in outside building blocks that are established and can help now and for years to come.

- Luke N. Sims