The Jacksonville Jaguars continue to rebuild, however, now it is under the nose of new leadership. While the Jaguars have yet to surpass a win total of six games in the last six seasons, Tom Coughlin and head coach Doug Marrone hope to turn things around.
The Jaguars have “won the offseason” it seems for the last few seasons, so why hasn’t it shown up on the field? My answer: lack of coaching, development, and leadership. With the new leadership changes the Jaguars have made, can we expect a new result?
Four days ago, it was released that cornerbacks Jalen Ramsey and Aaron Colvin were placed on the team’s physically unable to perform list.
Key 2017 Losses:
Johnathan Cyprien (SS) – Tennessee Titans
Julius Thomas (TE) – traded to the Miami Dolphins
Prince Amukamara (CB) – Chicago Bears
Key 2017 Additions:
A.J. Bouye (CB) – from the Houston Texans
Calais Campbell (DL) – from the Arizona Cardinals
Barry Church (SS) – from the Dallas Cowboys
Leonard Fournette (RB) – 2017 NFL Draft (LSU)
Yesterday, the day before the Jaguars begin training camp, the front office made Brandon Linder the highest paid center in league history. Here’s what you should keep up with during the Jaguars training camp.
3 Position Battles to Watch
1. Left Tackle
Early this offseason, the Jaguars traded tight end Julius Thomas to the Miami Dolphins for left tackle Branden Albert. A few months later, they used their early second round pick on a behemoth of a left tackle in Cam Robinson. Can’t have too many left tackles, right? As of now, Albert is listed as the starter but this could change after training camp starts.
2. Wide Receiver
Dede Westbrook was one of the most productive college football wide receivers in the country last season. He is currently listed fifth on the depth chart behind Rashad Greene. Westbrook is extremely dynamic when utilized correctly in space. He has an ample amount of ground to make up if he wants to see the field in his first season.
3. Back-Up Running Back
After being selected at fourth overall, Leonard Fournette showed up ready to rock during minicamp. This doesn’t bode well for the likes of T.J. Yeldon and Chris Ivory. Most every good team has a slew of running backs. Both Yeldon and Ivory will get chances to make plays while Fournette is out, but who will take advantage?
Ready To Break Out: Myles Jack
Myles Jack did not live up to expectation a year ago. While playing in all 17 games, he only saw 239 (14 snaps a game) total snaps; many of them on special teams. After a year under his belt, look for him to take control of this defense. Every player develops on his own terms. It looks like Myles is ready to take the training wheels off.
Fantasy Sleeper: Allen Robinson
Allen Robinson was one of the most sought after wide receiver’s last year in fantasy football. After hauling in 80 receptions for 1,400 yards and 14 touchdowns, Robinson caught 73 passes for 883 yards and only 6 touchdowns. Not exactly WR1 numbers. This year, your friends will sleep on him thinking 2015 was a fluke; don’t buy it. Look for Robinson to have a bounce back year.
Rookie To Watch: Leonard Fournette
How can you not be excited to watch this guy run with the rock? As I said when scouting Leonard Fournette:
Fournette possesses qualities that very few other running backs have. The combination of his size and speed, with how much force he creates at the point of attack, is rare. He additionally runs with insanely fluid hips.
Defensive players better keep their head on a swivel because Fournette will punish you if you don’t.
The Jaguars understand they are rebuilding, but how long until they realize that Blake Bortles has not developed well so far in his career? This upcoming season, the Jaguars will finish at the bottom of the AFC South…again.
