Jacksonville Jaguars: Can new players change the fortunes of the team?

The Jacksonville Jaguars are disrespected by the national media.  Can new coaches and players help turn the team’s misfortune around?

I was in my car driving along when I heard a discussion on Sirius Radio’s NFL Network about the AFC South.  I didn’t hear the entire commentary, but what I did hear did not mention the Jacksonville Jaguars one time.  Has it become a three-team division?  The Jaguars are already different than the 2019 team but have they changed enough?

Obvious improvements include Jay Gruden, the team’s new offensive coordinator, cornerback C.J. Henderson, edge rusher K’Lavon Chaisson, wide receiver Laviska Shenault, and Joe Schobert the team’s new middle linebacker. But are there more surprises in store for Jaguars fans? Let’s look at them a little closer.

I’ll start with Ben McAdoo, the Jacksonville Jaguars new quarterbacks coach. He has been out of football for two years. That can either help or hurt. On the positive side, he has head coaching experience, albeit not a star, but he knows the ins and outs of what it takes to succeed.

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He has been the quarterbacks coach for both Eli Manning and Aaron Rodgers so he knows what it takes to be a successful quarterback in the NFL. Here are some comments about McAdoo by Brad Harvin from Last Word on Pro Football.

"“As the offensive coordinator for the Giants, McAdoo increased the team’s scoring in 2014 and 2015. In just two short years, the Giants went from the 28th ranked scoring offense (2013) to the sixth in 2015. This turnaround was due to the preparation and vision implemented by McAdoo throughout the season.”"

McAdoo followed Tom Coughlin as the New York Giants head coach in 2016 and was fired in 2017. He was a much better position coach than head coach and this job might be the last chance for him. I think he will do everything he can to be a success.

I believe rookie defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton from Ohio State, who has a chance to shine in a critical area of need for the Jaguars.

The middle of our defensive line was a sieve last season. Hamilton, who was drafted in the third round, helped himself at the Combine with a very good performance. He has the additional advantage of coming to the NFL from a winning college program.

He is said to be better in the run game than the passing game, but he also has pass-rushing potential as well. He has the physical skills and a work ethic to be an immediate impact player.

My final, I like safety J.R. Reed who is an undrafted rookie free agent from Georgia. He played in a top college program against SEC opponents. He was a four-year starter and said to be a solid fit here in Jacksonville.

"“Former Georgia safety J.R. Reed was picked up by the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent after the conclusion of the NFL draft on April 25,” writes Gillian McIntyre of The Black and Red. “Reed will now have the opportunity to play at the next level in the same stadium where he went 3-0 with the Bulldogs against rival Florida.”"

Reed’s main asset is his speed, which helped him specialize as a run defender for the Bulldogs.  He could be an excellent partner with Ronnie Harrison in the defensive backfield.

My original intent was to find a drafted rookie, undrafted rookie, free agent, and coaching staff member.  Other than Schobert, none of our free agents were very noteworthy.  They will be solid players but lack the potential I was looking to find.

The Jacksonville Jaguars need solid back-ups as well as starters and our free agents should add depth to the team.

Finally, it is my hope is that McAdoo can help Gardner Minshew progress as a quarterback. Hamilton shores up the middle of the defensive line, and Reed becomes a worthy partner for Ronnie Harrison.

Along with our more prominent draft choices, this should make the Jacksonville Jaguars a much better team.