Jacksonville Jaguars 2014 Season Preview and Predictions
By Daniel Lago
Key Offseason Moves
Nov 8, 2012; Jacksonville FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blaine Gabbert (11) takes a knee after a sack by Indianapolis Colts free safety Antoine Bethea (not pictured) during the fourth quarter at EverBank Field. Indianapolis defeated Jacksonville 27-10. Mandatory Credit: Douglas Jones-USA TODAY Sports
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Key Additions:
Red Bryant, DE
Chris Clemons, DE
Toby Gerhart, RB
Zane Beadles, G
Blake Bortles, QB
Marqise Lee, WR
Allen Robinson, WR
Key Subtractions:
Blaine Gabbert, QB
Maurice Jones-Drew, RB
Brad Meester, C
Jason Babin, DE
The Jacksonville Jaguars made an earth-shattering trade this offseason when they somehow received compensation in the form of a 6th-round pick for Blaine Gabbert. After 3 horrific years, Gabbert finally showed enough to warrant his departure from the franchise. His replacement, first round pick Blake Bortles, has already shown more as a potential franchise quarterback in 4 preseason games than Gabbert ever did in 3 years.
To help out his new franchise quarterback, David Caldwell double-dipped on wide receivers in the 2nd round of the 2014 NFL Draft. Many thought Marqise Lee out of USC and Allen Robinson out of Penn State would be first round picks, so the Jaguars are probably pretty pleased they snagged both of them.
The most notable loss from the 2013 squad is longtime running back Maurice Jones-Drew. Despite a noticeable drop in his burst and overall production, Jones-Drew was a big part of the offense in 2013. Toby Gerhart was signed in free agency to replace him, and Toby should be an immediate upgrade given the level of play MJD was producing when he left.
Defensively, the Jaguars should benefit from the presence of 2 former Seattle Seahawks in Red Bryant and Chris Clemons. The pair should start immediately thanks to their familiarity with Gus Bradley and his scheme, and both are still capable of playing at a high level.
Next page: Breakout Players