Jaguars’ decision to Trent Baalke not popular, deserves benefit of doubt

Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke deserves the benefit of the doubt.

Again, this wasn’t a popular decision and Balkee’s track record isn’t the best. But he deserves the benefit of the doubt and a legitimate chance to show what he can do. In his first year with the Jags, he wasn’t the one calling the shots. He then had to work with Urban Meyer, who Kahn wanted from the get-go. Baalke will now have the chance to pick a head coach.

The Jags’ 2021 draft could turn out to be a good one. Most general managers would have likely picked Trevor Lawrence, so Baalke gets no credit for selecting the former Clemson Tiger. However, cornerback Tyson Campbell is the real deal and safety Andre Cisco played well in his limited sample. If the team can get more production from offensive tackle Walker Little and running back Travis Etienne, this would have been a pretty good draft and Baalke should be credited for it.

If you think Baalke deserves blame for picking C.J. Henderson and K’Lavon Chaisson even though he wasn’t the Jags general manager, he also deserves credit for selecting linebacker NaVorro Bowman, offensive tackle Anthony Davis, guard Mike Iupati, and wide receiver Glenn Coffe. He wasn’t the 49ers’ general manager at the time but he was the director of player personnel.

Moreover, Baalke did draft some impact players at the end of his stint with the Niners. Defensive end DeForest Buckner has gone on to become an All-Pro. Defensive end Arik Armstead is still going strong and is a starter in San Francisco. The same is true for Jaquiski Tartt. Balke has had his share fair of flops but he’s had hits too. Khan knows that if he wants to land one of his top candidates, Baalke will need to compromise and work as a tandem, so it’s not like he will suddenly have unlimited power and do as he pleases.

You could make the case the Jags shouldn’t have hired Baalke to begin with but he will now have the chance to show what he can do. As long as the Jags start winning, nobody will mind Baalke stayed but if it doesn’t work out, both Khan and Baalke will get the scrutiny they deserve. Also, you can come back to this post and say, “I told you so”.