2013 Recap:
I think the Jags would appreciate no-one mentioning the first half of their season (0-8), and I don't think it's terribly relevant other than to measure the growth the team has shown since then. That score isn't reflective of the team, and their record in the second half of the season (4-4) is a strong indication of how they can continue.2014 Prospects:
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| Blackmon played so little, this is the best picture I found. |
- Justin Blackmon: At the request of the bankroll (Shad Khan), Justin Blackmon is going to get another chance. If he can rejoin the team, while reigning in his “wild” side then he has the potential to be one of the best receivers in the game.
- John Cyprien: The rookie safety had his share of standout games last season, and as long as he can show a little more consistency he can become a leader of this secondary.
- Paul Posluzny: The veritable veteran of the Jaguars defense at the ripe old age of 29. Posluzny is the rock that guide the defense, with another batch of rookies about to be dropped in his lap this is his year to make a difference. He has to be a true leader on the field if this team is to continue it’s upward trajectory.
- Chad Henne: In my view, Henne still has the potential to be a long term starter in Jacksonville. Sure, they’re going to bring in a rookie QB but as long as he’s not a first round acquisition there’s no necessity to start him right out the gates.
Missing Pieces:
Quarterback: As I’ve already discussed, Henne is serviceable but isn’t the long term solution for Jacksonville. He can continue to be a solid backup for the team going forward, and he’s proven that he has the ability to play at this level, but consistency is key and for that the Jags have to look elsewhere.
Offensive Line: Sometimes Chad Henne looked good, sometimes he looked bad, but most of the time he was being pressured. This was particularly evident in games against the Texans and the Bills, where Jacksonville’s line couldn’t keep anyone out. There were several occasions where linemen were unblocked, which just cannot happen if you truly want to work out whether Henne is the man for you. So OL is piece’s 2-4 in the missing ranks, and I reckon half will come through the draft, and half will come through free agency. The difficult part will be putting it all together.
Defensive Line: Sen’Derrick Marks is your constant nose tackle, Posluzny is your general and Jason Babin has had some solid performances. After that the front seven looks soft (definitely malleable), and most importantly changeable. I doubt they’ll be looking to pick up Jadeveon Clowney right out the gate, but a pass rusher will be priority number two in the draft.
How They Improve:
Continue down the same path. Jacksonville are on the road towards respectability after several years scraping the bottom of the barrell. They have a young squad comprised of some very gifted players, who will become a force to be reckoned with over the next year or two. Experts always extol the virtues of drafting smart, and that’s what Jacksonville need to do. Sure, you want the best athlete possible, but a football team should be built around a culture instead of a player and if he doesn’t fit your scheme he’s never worth it, and Jacksonville need to know that.