The Jaguars spent big in free agency once again after a disappointing year and it will be a make-it or break-it year for young quarterback Blake Bortles. The defence is stacked with young talent and should make a big leap with the addition of Calais Campbell and AJ Bouye. The offence added power back Leonard Fournette in the draft to help take the pressure off of Bortles which should improve the offence.
Arrivals/Departures:
Arrivals: Branden Albert, AJ Bouye, Calais Campbell, Barry Church, Mychal Rivera, Earl Watford
Departures: Tyson Alualu, Kelvin Beachum, Davon House, Luke Joeckel, Sen'Derrick Marks, Roy Miller, Jared Odrick
Offence:
Blake Bortles has not lived up to his potential and enters what could be his last season in Jacksonville if he does not improve his game. Bortles has shown flashes but they have been too infrequent and as a result not been enough to give him the quarterback spot long term. The Jaguars tried to help Bortles drafting Leonard Fournette who should dominate the run game in Jacksonville for the next decade. Behind Fournette is TJ Yeldon, who has disappointed, and former elite power back Chris Ivory. who can still play in a limited role giving them great depth. After breakout years, both Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns took big steps back and they should be able to improve with a more steady offence. Marqise Lee played good last year and will work mainly out of the slot; Rashad Greene, Dede Westbrook and Arrelious Benn will back them up. Marcedes Lewis specializes in blocking at the tight end position so the Jags don't have a good receiving tight end to add to their offence as backup Ben Koyack is unproven. Brandon Linder was the offensive line's best player last year and he should continue in that role. AJ Cann and Jermey Parnell remain on the right side of the line but Earl Watford and Branden Albert will take over the left side after coming over from Arizona and Miami.
Defence:
Calais Campbell was the big add this off season as the towering lineman comes over from Arizona to control the trenches and joins an already good defensive line. Malik Jackson was the add last year and he stuffs the run game from the defensive tackle spot with Sheldon Day beside him. Dante Fowler disappointed after missing his rookie season last year but it is hard to come back from a year off football so he should improve. Yannick Ngakoue was a pleasant rookie surprise as he led the team in sacks; if Fowler underperforms he will get more time. Telvin Smith is one of the most underrated linebackers in the league as he leads the middle of the defence for the Jaguars alongside Paul Posluszny and Myles Jack with Audie Cole and Lerentee McCray serving as reliable backups. AJ Bouye was the other big free agent acquisition after a breakout campaign in Houston and he will now form a great cornerback duo for years to come with youngster Jalen Ramsey who shut down good receivers in his rookie season. Aaron Colvin will serve as the nickel back in three cornerback sets. The safety spots will be manned by veterans Tashaun Gipson and Barry Church to help the young corners grow.
Special Teams:
Former arena league football kicker Jason Myers will return after a good season in Jacksonville as will Brad Nortman who was average after coming over from the Panthers. Marqise Lee will be given the chance to return punts while Corey Grant gets the opportunity on kickoffs.
Starters:
Offence
|
Defence
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Allen Robinson
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Dante Fowler
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Allen Hurns
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Malik Jackson
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Marqise Lee
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Sheldon Day
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Branden Albert
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Calais Campbell
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Earl Watford
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Telvin Smith
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Brandon Linder
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Myles Jack
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AJ Cann
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Paul Posluszny
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Jermey Parnell
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AJ Bouye
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Marcedes Lewis
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Barry Church
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Blake Bortles
|
Tashaun Gipson
|
Leonard Fournette
|
Jalen Ramsey
|
2017 Draft:
4. Leonard Fournette
34. Cam Robinson
68. Dawuane Smoot
110. Dede Westbrook
148. Blair Brown
222. Jalen Myrick
240. Marquez Williams
Top 10 Players:
10. Blake Bortles
9. Leonard Fournette
8. Malik Jackson
7. Allen Hurns
6. Paul Posluszny
5. AJ Bouye
4. Jalen Ramsey
3. Telvin Smith
2. Allen Robinson
1. Calais Campbell
Season Prediction: 7-9 (3rd in AFC South)
Last Year: 3-13
Photo credit for Calais Campbell goes to http://www.azcardinals.com/. Leonard Fournette goes to https://www.si.com/. Telvin Smith goes to http://www.jaguars.com/. Jalen Ramsey goes to http://www.baltimoreravens.com/.
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