How the Jacksonville Jaguars Can Make the Playoffs in 2014 – Running Back
By Daniel Lago
Jan 1, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Baylor Bears running back Lache Seastrunk (25) runs the ball in the second quarter against the Central Florida Knights during the Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
With the first weekend of the 2013 playoffs over, one can’t help but wonder if the Jacksonville Jaguars can make the playoffs next year. When David Caldwell was first hired as general manager, the conservative thinking was he would need three years to restore this roster from the dumpster fire Gene Smith assembled.
Early on in the 2013 season, it seemed as if Caldwell would need a lot more time for a team that looked destined for an 0-16 record. Somehow Head Coach Gus Bradley inspired this team to 4 wins and suddenly the outlook of the team in 2014 looked a lot less bleak.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are still going to need a lot of help, specifically from the 2014 NFL draft, to improve to compete for a playoff spot. Here are some of the spots where the Jaguars can improve on offense this offseason and how.
| Position | Need to Improve? | How? (Round) |
|---|---|---|
| Quarterback | Yes | Draft (1,2) |
| Running Back | Yes | Draft (2-7) |
| Wide Receiver | Yes | Draft (3-7) |
| Left Tackle | No | N/A |
| Right Tackle | No | N/A |
| Left Guard | Yes | Draft (4-7) or FA |
| Right Guard | Maybe | Draft (UDFA) |
| Center | Yes | Draft (3-7) or FA |
| Tight End | No | N/A |
| Fullback | No | N/A |
With Maurice Jones-Drew likely gone, the Jacksonville Jaguars have some work to do to assemble a respectable staple of running backs. Jordan Todman has earned the right to compete in training camp and Denard Robinson will get more looks in his second season, but the Jaguars could still use an all-around running back to hang their hat on. Guys like Ka’Deem Carey, Lache Seastrunk, and Bishop Sankey all fit the bill and could be options in the second round.
Running backs are getting drafted more for scheme fit than overall skill set talent nowadays as evidenced by the past few years, so the Jaguars could wait until a later round if they think a guy that will fit their scheme will be there. A guy like Charles Sims could be available in the 3rd or 4th round and would be a nice fit for the Jaguars.
– Daniel Lago
Yell at me on Twitter @dlago89