Fantasy Football Offseason Prep: The Jaguars

Dec 24, 2011; Nashville, TN, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew (32) runs with the ball against the Tennessee Titans during the second half at LP Field. The Titans beat the Jaguars 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports

“Luck is what happens when preparation and opportunity meet” -Seneca

Tell that to the guy that lost by a fraction of a point to miss his Fantasy Playoffs. Or how you felt about the guy or girl that took Adrian Peterson in the first round and rode his talents all the way to 1st place. But, the reality is, the ones that constantly win year in and year out are the ones that prepare and know there stuff.

Here we start with the Jacksonville Jaguars current roster and how their draft will affect Fantasy Football.

Quarterback: The reality is, you’re not drafting any Jaguars QB on your Fantasy team this year. With the exception of Matt Scott. And that’s only if you’re in a Dynasty League. The QB play in Jacksonville has got to get get better and has a negative effect on the rest of the team. Not only in reality, but fantasy as well. With the exception of…

Running Back: If you throw out last year’s injury plagued season, Maurice Jones-Drew is an elite Fantasy Stud. With the exception of a playoff spot (let’s be honest, not gonna happen), he has everything to play for. This is a contract year for MJD, and he already stated he won’t be sitting out. I’m sure he knows if he has a solid year this could be his last “big” payday of his career. You add the Jags #1 pick, OT Luke Joeckel, plus poor QB play and you’ve got a man that’ll be given multiple touches behind a solid Offensive line driven to succeed. Justin Forsett and Denard Robinson have the potential to be waiver wire gems if MJD gets hurt. And I’d keep a watchful eye on Robinson during OTAs and preseason. He could make for an intriguing Dynasty prospect.

Wide Receiver: Even with poor QB play, Justin Blackmon (don’t get me started) and Cecil Shorts did well enough to eventually earn an early to mid season Fantasy roster spot. Look for Cecil Shorts to be a decent late round pick up. Blackmon’s 4 game suspension will get him taken off most Fantasy draft boards. If you’re in a league that counts return yardage, Ace Sanders has the explosiveness to be a late round sleeper. Jordan Shipley and Mohamed Massaquoi will likely be non factors from a fantasy perspective.

Tight End: A mere two seasons ago Marcedes Lewis was drafted well before the likes of Jimmy Graham or Rob Gronkowski. My how times have changed. Depending on how the season goes, Lewis will more than likely only be used as a bye week plug and play…maybe.

Defense/Special Teams: While the addition of Johnathan Cyprian and Dwayne Gratz will move us in the right direction, the Jaguars have a ways to go. Gus Bradley’s defensive genius may warrant you to use them in the match up game. But I’d wait to see how the season progresses.

Kicker: Awe yes, the kicker. Remember what Seneca said about planning and opportunity. Yes, it defines luck. Say the guy that lost by a fraction of a point had a solid kicker A solid kicker is often the difference between winning or losing. In reality or fantasy football. Josh Scobee is a good kicker, but not a great kicker worth drafting. As a team, the Jags have to consistently prove they can drive the ball down the field to get Scobee back to greatness.

Feel free to chime in. I’m looking forward to contributing to this Thursday spot. I have a passion for Jaguar and Fantasy Football and will be weighing in on both.

-Jason Abarca