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Jaguars Rookie Class To Impact and Upgrade The Offense

By Larry Brake

Jan 2, 2017; New Orleans , LA, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Dede Westbrook (11) catches a ball against Auburn Tigers defensive back Javaris Davis (31) in the first quarter at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2017; New Orleans , LA, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Dede Westbrook (11) catches a ball against Auburn Tigers defensive back Javaris Davis (31) in the first quarter at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Jacksonville Jaguars had a very good draft.  The rookie class will impact and upgrade the offense in 2017.

The Jacksonville Jaguars went into the 2017 NFL draft to upgrade several positions.  General manager Dave Caldwell is feeling the pressure to put together a talented roster.  This rookie class is going to improve the Jaguars offense due to good draft picks.

The Jaguars are changing the offensive philosophy and scheme.  As a result, new faces and positions are being added.  The new offense will make quarterback Blake Bortles much better.

Doug Marrone ran the Gus Bradley offense for the last two games while acting as interim head coach.  Bradley ran a west coast offense during his tenure.  The offense needed to be changed.

Since Marrone was named head coach, he has been busy installing his system.  In his two seasons in Buffalo, Marrone ran an Air Coryell hybrid offense.  The 2017 draft reflects the move into that direction.

The Impact And Upgrades That The Jaguars Rookie Class Will Have On The Offense

First of all, Leonard Fournette is the power running back that Jacksonville needs.  He is an upgrade to TJ Yeldon and Chris Ivory because of his strength.  He will definitely be up-the-field type of running back. (Upgrade)

Cam Robinson is the left tackle to anchor Bortles’ blind side.  Caldwell missed in 2013 by drafting Luke Joeckel.  Robinson is the main cog in rebuilding the offense line.  His size, 6’6 and 322 pounds, will help the power run game. (Impact)

Jacksonville needed a receiver to stretch the field vertically.  DeDe Westbrook brings speed to the Jaguars receiving corp.  What role will Westbrook play in his first season?  John Oehser of Jaguars.com reports the following from Marrone.

"Westbrook’s quickness and speed has caused many to believe he will play slot receiver in the NFL. Jaguars Head Coach Doug Marrone said Westbrook worked outside at rookie minicamp. While he may indeed play slot as a rookie, his future could be on the outside. …"

Imagine a four receiver formation that consists of Allen Hurns, Allen Robinson, Marqise Lee and Westbrook. A nightmare for opposing defensive coordinators looking to defend against those four. (Impact)

Finally adding the fullback and drafting one is a huge change from previous seasons.  Marquez Williams will be the lead blocker for Fournette.  He is definitely a goal line back.  His best attribute may be giving Bortles added protection.  Also, expect more under center formations as a result of Williams in the backfield. (Upgrade)

The 2017 Jacksonville Jaguar season looks to be bright and exciting.  It is time for the AFC South champions to reside in North Florida.

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