Jacksonville Jaguars

2012 Team Needs

Key Notes

• 25 Jaguars ended the season on injured reserve
• Jacksonville ranked 6^th in the league in total defense (313 yds/gm)
• They finished 9^th in the NFL with a +5 turnover ratio
• The team ended the season ranked 29^th in points per game (15.9)
• Maurice Jones-Drew won the rushing title (1,606 yards) as the Jaguars finished 12^th in the league in rushing (123.1 ypg)
• Pick 7^th in the 2012 NFL Draft

 

Offense

Positions of Need:  WR, RB, 3^rd OT

Potential Free Agents: 

QB Luke McCown, RB Brock Bolen, TE Zach Potter, TE Martin Rucker, PK Josh Scobey, OT Guy Whimper

 

Quarterbacks

Rookie Blaine Gabbert struggled to pull the trigger at times, but he would have been much more effective if he had someone to stretch the field.  His biggest issue may have been simply holding on to the football (14 fumbles).

A dependable backup -either in free agency or in the draft- could be a consideration.

Wide Receiver/Tight Ends

Their top receiver from a year ago -Mike Thomas- would be much more effective with a vertical threat roaming outside the hashmarks.  Cecil Shorts needs more time and veteran Jason Hill remains more of a backup option.

Gabbert is at his best when throwing between the hashmarks, which means TE Marcedes Lewis should return to his Pro Bowl form after an off-year.  He remains one of the league’s better blocking TEs, but a #2 TE such as Louisiana Lafayette's Ledarius Green would present matchup problems when displaced in unfamiliar spots.

Mularkey’s offense is at its best when he has big, strong physical receivers (Plaxico Burress, Hines Ward-Pittsburgh, Julio Jones, Roddy White-Atlanta).  Depending on who’s available at pick #7, they could wait for athletic, big targets like Arizona State’s Gerell Robinson, Ohio State’s DeVier Posey or Arizona’s Juron Criner in the mid-rounds. 

The problem with that strategy is that none of the aforementioned are true #1 receivers, but more of a fit as #2s.  Free agency is filled with wideouts like Indianapolis' Reggie Wayne and NY Giants' WR Mario Manningham. Wayne still has mileage left in the tank and would be a better fit.  

Running backs

Strong interior line play opened holes consistently in 2011 NFL rushing champ Maurice Jones-Drew’s 1,606-yard season.  He would possibly be even more effective if he had a more effective relief valve.  While Deji Kerim is adequate returning kickoffs, he’s yet to distinguish himself as a runner. 

A strong backup to compliment Jones-Drew's workload is something the team could consider.  He's beginning to get a lot of mileage on his tires.  Louisiana Tech's Lennon Creer offers third down potential in pass protection and a burst running between the tackles.

Offensive Line

The offensive line needs some security with the back issues of promising OT Eben Britton.  While he should return to full strength, there’s no guarantee that OT Guy Whimper will be back in the fold.  Even if he does, an upgrade could be needed at the third OT spot. 

OGs Uche Nwaneri and Will Rackley look like a promising duo for years to come.  Veteran OC Brad Meester provides comfort and dependability in the middle of the offensive line. 

Defense

Positions of Need: CB, DE, S

Potential Free Agents:  DT Nate Collins, DL Leger Douzable, DE Jeremy Mincey, DL C.J. Mosley, DE Matt Roth, CB Rashean Mathis, CB William Middleton, SS Courtney Green, SS Dwight Lowery

Secondary

Last season, the Jaguars went into the offseason with the goal of improving its safety and cornerback spots.  Through a combination of players –due to a rash of injuries- the team got decent results.  In fact, DC Melvin Tucker's unit finished 6^th in the league in total defense and allowed just 208 yds/game in the air. 

Starting CB Rashean Mathis ended up on injured reserve, as did 5^th round pick Rod Isaac.  Isaac was eventually cut and placed on the practice squad.  Last season’s lockout may have hurt him more than any rookie, as the team hoped he would vie for playing time.  He was not ready. William Middleton is best as a backup, while Morgan Trent has his moments.  

Mathis’ ACL catastrophe happened in November, so it should be around August when he’s ready to go.  His rehab needs to be monitored, because if they let him walk, this becomes a decision of priority at some point in free agency or the draft.  His consistency and veteran presence would be missed. 

Two former Jets –S Dwight Lowery and  Nickel Drew Coleman- were solid in the back end.  Lowery has ball-hawking potential and he brings versatility to the unit with his coverage experience.  It’s important for the defense’s continuity to get him re-signed.  If not, then 2^nd year man Chris Prosinski –who ended the season on IR- could get an opportunity.   

Perhaps a dual-threat speedy, big combo S/CB with some return ability would be a good fit.  Montana CB-S Trumaine Johnson (6’2, 210) could get looks if he’s around late on Day Two.

Linebackers

While Paul Posluszny doesn’t always elicit excitement among the masses, he simply produces (149 tackles, 2 INTs, 9 PDs and 2 QB sacks).  Along with Daryl Smith (107 tackles, 3.5 sacks), the Jaguars received above average play from their LBs.

A coverage LB with range and special teams potential such as Nebraska’s Lavonte David could round out the unit.

Defensive Line

After registering just 25 sacks, the defense will be in the market for an edge rusher again.  Kampman’s knees remain a concern and Matt Roth’s season ended early due to a concussion.   Jeremy Mincey had perhaps his best year, but in order for the defense to take the next step another exterior pass rush threat could be used. 

Someone such as UNC DE Quinton Coples may not provide that, but at least he could excel on first and second downs at LDE, then possibly shift inside to a nickel DT position on 3^rd Downs for added pass rush presence. Coples has experience playing inside during his junior season in Chapel Hill.

When injuries savaged the front four, the interior line fared well against the run, getting solid contributions from veteran C.J. Mosley.  DE Leger Douzable came through when asked to fill in as well.  One or both will need to be retained.  If not, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the team look for inside DT depth in the middle portion of the draft or early in free agency.

Special Teams

It won’t matter if the team decides to re-sign P Nick Harris because it may still seek increased competition after his sub-par season.  After he lost his job in Detroit to rookie Ryan Donahue, the team signed him to replace the ineffective Matt Turk.  He didn’t fare much better. 

PK Josh Scobey missed just two field goals, but even he might leave via free agency.  For a team that relies on its defense and running game, Scobey is a big factor.

In the return game, nobody could get going. Rookie Cecil Shorts doesn't have the burst to be much of a factor in this capacity.  If Mike Thomas could return solely to a third receiver again, he would provide more energy in this facet.  Someone such as Arkansas’ Joe Adams would add a dynamic element to both the receiving corps and special teams.