The Jacksonville Jaguars gear up as the 2018 NFL league year begins on March 14th
By Kathy Clark
The Jacksonville Jaguars looked up from the bottom of the league for many years. Free agency and the draft provided hope for a miracle to turn the franchise around. Now, this year, the team looks for upgrades, depth, and maybe a project instead of an immediate starter. To be honest, a miracle helps too!
Change in attitude
Life is good in big cat country. The 2017 success provides hope for even better success in 2018. The Jacksonville Jaguars‘ moves to improve the team for next season are very different from past seasons. Jacksonville is a real competitive team now with possibilities and wide interest. Sports writers and bloggers care about what Jaguars execs have to say. Not only that, the Jags can make a variety of moves and aren’t limited to one or two options.
Quarterback
The decision made to give Blake Bortles a new contract opens and closes doors. As a result the Jaguars won’t join the Kirk Cousins bidding war. They need an established veteran to provide a back up and possible role model for Bortles. Mike Glennon or a quarterback of similar ability fills that need. Then the Jaguars can draft a later round quarterback as a prospect for the future. This gives them many options in both free agency and the draft.
Coaching and management
The extensions to Doug Marrone, Tom Coughlin, and David Cauldwell solved this area quickly and easily. Prior off seasons spent endlessly discussing and speculating on coaching and management changes are done for now. Continuity breeds success and the Jaguars have continuity. For example…look at the Pittsburg Steelers and New England Patriots as examples of continuity.
Offensive line
The Jaguars and most NFL teams search constantly for quality offensive linemen. Chiefpigskin.com stated sufficiently the value of an offensive line:
"It’s been said that the heart and soul of any football team hinges on their ability to control the line of scrimmage."
The offensive line requires the ability to understand the offense and to work as a unit. Jacksonville’s line is returning and contract options picked up on Tyler Shatley and Josh Wells give the Jaguars a solid core group. However a free agent or draft choice who can start or play valuable minutes would be a huge addition.
Wide Receiver
Draft choices or free agent pick ups depend on decisions not made yet. For example, if Allen Robinson returns the need becomes less critical. The Jaguars have several potential starters in their young receivers such as Dede Westbrook. However it can’t hurt to look closely at free agents and the draft.
My opinion
The Jaguars first round pick isn’t very high but we might get an offensive lineman or a wide receiver. One of the quarterbacks may fall as well. It’s smart to keep options open.
Next free agent’s hit the market on March 14. At that point decisions about who to pursue can be made.
Lastly, franchise tag Allen Robinson and pay Aaron Colvin. Robinson only makes Jacksonville better if free from injury. Aaron Colvin contributes greatly to the defense and needs to return. Also, consider resigning Paul Posluszny. Veteran leadership is valuable for a young team.