The Jacksonville Jaguars got off to a strong start in 2023 but couldn't finish strong. Having missed the playoffs last year, they'll have some work to do if they want to re-claim the AFC South. First, they need to ensure they keep outside linebacker Josh Allen and wide receiver Calvin Ridley, their top two free agents.
Once the team's brass finds a way to keep Allen and Ridley, they'll need to make upgrades across the roster. In particular, they'll need to bolster the next three position groups, ranked in order of priority.
3. Wide receiver
Even if the Jaguars retain Calvin Ridley, they'll need to revamp their wide receiver corps. Zay Jones could be a cap casualty. If he's released, the team's brass would need to address the position in either free agency or the draft. LSU's Brian Thomas Jr. has often been mocked to Jacksonville this offseason. He and Keon Coleman would be a couple names to watch in the draft if the Jags move on from either Ridley or Jones.
Once the Jaguars sort out their starting trio, they should also look for depth at the position. Return specialist Jamal Agnew has routinely gotten playing time as a receiver but he could leave in free agency. Also, Tim Jones is a reliable contributor but his production won't pop off the stat sheet.
Parker Washington and Elijah Cooks could see an increased role in 2024 but that shouldn't stop the front office from adding depth. Grabriel Davis and/or Kendrick Bourne could be a couple of affordable options in the open market.
2. Defensive line
Josh Allen and Travon Walker got lots of praise last year and rightfully so. The duo combined for 27.5 sacks between the two. However, the rest of the defense totaled 12.5. That's not the kind of production you want from your front seven. Similarly, the Jaguars struggled to defend the run late in 2023. Specifically, they allowed Derrick Henry to tally a season-high 153 rushing yards in the finale. If they want to bounce back, Jacksonville cannot let opposing teams run them over.
Having defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen calling the shots should help but the Jaguars' defensive front could also use a boost. Folurunso Fatukasi, last year's starting nose tackle, didn't fill his assignments, and often let running backs get through. Similarly, Davon Hamilton and Roy Robertson-Harris were good but nothing to write home about. Granted, Hamilton suffered a non-football injury in the preseason that forced him to miss time and hindered his performance once he was back.
Both Hamilton and Robertson-Harris should improve under Nielsen. Sophomore Tyler Lacy should also get better but the front office also needs to do their part and fortify the defensive trenches. Taking Texas' Byron Murphy at No. 17 in the first round would be huge but the Jags could prioritize addressing other positions on Day 1 of the draft. Maybe they could add a veteran nose tackle in free agency. Or perhaps they could go after defensive end Bralen Trice in Round 2.
Either way, the Jaguars need to bolster the defensive front. That would allow Allen and Walker to do a better job of containing the edge and getting after the quarterback.
1. Interior offensive line
The Jaguars' biggest need without a doubt is the interior line. Even though they'll probably move on from Cam Robinson for cap purposes, they'll have a pair of bookend offensive tackles in fourth-year pro Walker Little and Anton Harrison, who had a promising rookie campaign. But even if the Jags don't think Little should start in 2024, they could use their first-round pick on the position.
This is to say that Jacksonville has options at offensive tackle but the same isn't true for the interior offensive line. Right guard Brandon Scherff signed a top-market contract in 2022. However, his play hasn't been proportional to his salary.
The team's brass could free up $9 million in space if they release him. That said, there's a chance they'll keep him around if they think he can put it all together next season. Once the Jags decide what route they'll take at right guard, they'll need to turn their attention to the center spot.
Center Luke Fortner was expected to improve last year but ended up regressing. While he may eventually hit his stride. the Jaguars can take a risk and wait for him. They must bring immediate help. Whether they add competition (Aaron Brewer) at the position or sign a proven starter (Andre James) in free agency, center should be at the top of their list. Last but not least is left guard.
The Jaguars traded for Ezra Cleveland at the 2023 deadline. While he was a solid starter during his stint with the Minnesota Vikings, injuries prevented him from making an impact last season. He's now set to become a free agent, and it will be up to the front office to decide if he should come back for another year or dip their toes in free agency or the draft to find his potential replacement.