Three Potential First-Time Pro Bowl Players for the Jaguars
By David Levin
The Jacksonville Jaguars had six players who were awarded trips to Orlando for the 2017 Pro Bowl. While only five played – with Yannick Ngakoue replacing Calais Campbell – there is a reason to believe the team will be well represented this coming season. Hopefully, some of those selected will be on the offensive side of the ball.
While this is a franchise that will continually get applause for its defensive effort, there are a few players on the other side of the ball who could make it to the Pro Bow for the first time. Here are three players to follow closely this season.
AUSTIN SEFERIAN-JENKINS
When I spoke to Seferian-Jenkins during minicamp and asked him what he thought of playing in Jacksonville, his eyes lit up like a Christmas tree. If there is one person who signed with this team in the offseason who should make a difference, it’s the former New York Jets and Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end.
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One thing that stood out at OTAs and minicamp was Seferian-Jenkins’ route running and his quickness off the snap. He undoubtedly will create mismatch problems for linebackers and safeties in underneath routes and in the red zone. He also gives Jacksonville a little more versatility at the position.
The last tight end to make the Pro Bowl with the Jaguars was Marcedes Lewis. Seferian-Jenkins is trying to replace the veteran starter and make it to Orlando this offseason.
LEONARD FOURNETTE
We thought there might be an outside shot Fournette made the trip to Disney World last year, but he came up short. A full season without injuries and a few hundred more yards could seal an invitation.
The coaching staff, notably offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, wants Fournette to do what he did last season – run through the middle of the defensive line, gaining tough yards and scoring touchdowns. He came to minicamp in better shape than his rookie season. It could mean big things in 2018.
What the former LSU star needs to do is increase his yards per carry average and avoid so many hits at the line of scrimmage. No one faced as many eight-man fronts as No. 27. He needs to show he is as strong a finishing runner as he is a starter at the beginning of the season.
Fournette should be on the short list to make the Pro Bowl.
BRANDON LINDER
Linder walked into camp last season as the team’s best offensive lineman and was rewarded with a contract extension, making him the highest paid center at the time. Now, in his fifth season in the league, Linder must take another step forward if he is going to reach the Pro Bowl.
An illness cost him time during the season last year, but if he is healthy for 16 games and the Jaguars offensive line plays at the same level or better than in 2017, there is a good chance Linder makes the Pro Bowl.
Linder was originally drafted in the third-round out of Miami in 2014 and started out as a guard, but was moved inside in his second season. He has remained at the pivot and become one of the best at his position. With better line play, he could be recognized for his ability this year.