Jacksonville Jaguars: Building through free agency or the draft
By Larry Brake
The Jacksonville Jaguars have struggled to win due to poor draft choices and free agent busts.
The free agent market will open in March with some big names available. Salary cap casualties might produce the opportunity to upgrade at certain positions. The draft offers more for the Jaguars defense than the offense.
Due to the creation of Tom Coughlin’s executive vice president position, Jacksonville will have a new direction toward building the roster. He will have to decide which Jaguars to re-sign or allow to enter the free agent market. Talent evaluation, by the Jaguars, is the true measure of building a playoff contender.
In the four cornerstone positions, Jacksonville has drafted those number one since 2013. Luke Joeckel did not meet expectations as a cornerstone left tackle. There are questions of Blake Bortles being a cornerstone quarterback.
On the defensive side, Jalen Ramsey played like a cornerstone cornerback. Dante Fowler, at times, played like a cornerstone rush end. Yannick Ngakoue is beginning to emerge as a cornerstone player.
There is a suggestion that there are actually six cornerstone positions due to adding wide receiver and running back. Jacksonville appears to be loaded at wide receiver. Running back is where the Jaguars need an upgrade.
Which Road Should Jacksonville Take To Upgrade A Position: The Draft or A Free Agent?
First, left tackle is a glaring deficiency along the Jaguars offensive line. Cam Robinson is going to be available at number four in the draft. Should the Jaguars draft or try to sign a free agent like Terron Armstead?
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Second, Bortles is an average quarterback. Tony Romo, as a cap casualty, would be a good pickup to help develop Brandon Allen. Expect the Jaguars to allow Bortles to fully flop before making a change.
Third, running back is a grave concern for the Jaguars. Neither Chris Ivory nor T.J. Yeldon were worthy to be called cornerstone players. Should Jamaal Charles become a cap casualty, Jacksonville should sign him. Charles would be a great addition due to his speed and receiving ability.
Finally, Jacksonville is in a good position to greatly improve. Remember, talent evaluation is key to filling a position by free agency or the draft. Therefore, Tom Coughlin is able to make the right call.