Apologies if this has already been asked, but at this stage, what are our top three needs (in free agency or the draft).
Clearly we still have a few positions that could do with an upgrade, but I’m talking about the main priorities.
And I’m aware this will change as the offseason progresses, but I just wondered what you think they are right now.
I’d probably say OG, TE, WR.
Guard
QB competition/upgrade
TE
(getting a deal done with A-Rob is in there somewhere, but I feel like they will get that done sooner than later)
(01-27-2018, 11:36 AM)NYC4jags Wrote: [ -> ]Guard
QB competition/upgrade
TE
(getting a deal done with A-Rob is in there somewhere, but I feel like they will get that done sooner than later)
One might be tempted to list QB first depending on how they feel about Bortles, but setting that whole against aside I'd say that offensive tackle has to be a concern, too with Parnell's age and injury history considered. He'll be 32 at the start of next season. Also while I think Robinson did well for a rookie a third good tackle is something pretty much every team needs. The running game died after he hurt his shoulder Sunday, which may be coincidental, but I always feel like you can never have enough great offensive linemen.
(01-27-2018, 12:32 PM)SeldomRite Wrote: [ -> ] (01-27-2018, 11:36 AM)NYC4jags Wrote: [ -> ]Guard
QB competition/upgrade
TE
(getting a deal done with A-Rob is in there somewhere, but I feel like they will get that done sooner than later)
One might be tempted to list QB first depending on how they feel about Bortles, but setting that whole against aside I'd say that offensive tackle has to be a concern, too with Parnell's age and injury history considered. He'll be 32 at the start of next season. Also while I think Robinson did well for a rookie a third good table is something pretty much every team needs. The running game died after he hurt his shoulder Sunday, which may be coincidental, but I always feel like you can never have enough great offensive linemen.
I definitely would expect them to sign or draft some tackle depth, hopefully a guy that can take over for Parnell at some point as he gets older. Mentioned this in another thread regarding "needs."
(01-27-2018, 11:36 AM)NYC4jags Wrote: [ -> ]Guard
QB competition/upgrade
TE
(getting a deal done with A-Rob is in there somewhere, but I feel like they will get that done sooner than later)
I have the same 3, just switching TE with QB (if in order).
Isaiah Wynn is getting a lot of steam coming out of the Senior Bowl practices. He played LT and LG at UGA. I think he's good enough to possibly win that LG spot here or move over to RG.
(01-27-2018, 12:59 PM)JagNGeorgia Wrote: [ -> ] (01-27-2018, 11:36 AM)NYC4jags Wrote: [ -> ]Guard
QB competition/upgrade
TE
(getting a deal done with A-Rob is in there somewhere, but I feel like they will get that done sooner than later)
I have the same 3, just switching TE with QB (if in order).
Isaiah Wynn is getting a lot of steam coming out of the Senior Bowl practices. He played LT and LG at UGA. I think he's good enough to possibly win that LG spot here or move over to RG.
He's one of the best run blockers in the draft. I like him a lot.
WR1 (maybe Arob)
TE
G and maybe
WR2
(01-27-2018, 01:23 PM)TheO-LineMatters Wrote: [ -> ] (01-27-2018, 12:59 PM)JagNGeorgia Wrote: [ -> ]I have the same 3, just switching TE with QB (if in order).
Isaiah Wynn is getting a lot of steam coming out of the Senior Bowl practices. He played LT and LG at UGA. I think he's good enough to possibly win that LG spot here or move over to RG.
He's one of the best run blockers in the draft. I like him a lot.
... and it's his pass blocking that's getting love at the moment.
He may have helped himself more than anyone else at the Senior Bowl.
http://gridironnow.com/scouts-raving-geo...nior-bowl/
About to be at the game, gonna keep an eye on the oline and TEs
(01-27-2018, 01:28 PM)JagNGeorgia Wrote: [ -> ] (01-27-2018, 01:23 PM)TheO-LineMatters Wrote: [ -> ]He's one of the best run blockers in the draft. I like him a lot.
... and it's his pass blocking that's getting love at the moment.
He may have helped himself more than anyone else at the Senior Bowl.
http://gridironnow.com/scouts-raving-geo...nior-bowl/
Likely won't make it to pick 29, then.
I'm going to back off the QB as I've always said that even Jags02 could play behind a solid o-line (I have met '02 and that is a huge statement), so I'll say:
OG
OT
TE
Build that wall in front of BB.
(01-27-2018, 02:09 PM)PF* Wrote: [ -> ]I'm going to back off the QB as I've always said that even Jags02 could play behind a solid o-line (I have met '02 and that is a huge statement), so I'll say:
OG
OT
TE
Build that wall in front of BB.
There's some truth to that. Look at the titans, they had an elite offensive line in 2016 and it was good in 2017, too. Some people are still convinced that mariota is going to break out and turn into Tom Brady if they just give him a few more years, and really that belief is founded on playing behind a line that let a mediocre talent like him have a statistically good run of games in 2016.
Blake has made the Jaguars offensive line look better than it is, in my opinion. It's a middling group with multiple weaknesses.
(01-27-2018, 01:28 PM)JagNGeorgia Wrote: [ -> ] (01-27-2018, 01:23 PM)TheO-LineMatters Wrote: [ -> ]He's one of the best run blockers in the draft. I like him a lot.
... and it's his pass blocking that's getting love at the moment.
He may have helped himself more than anyone else at the Senior Bowl.
http://gridironnow.com/scouts-raving-geo...nior-bowl/
IMO, the offensive lineman who helped himself the most this week was OT Tyrell Crosby. The kid went from being about a 3rd round prospect to a high second rounder and I wouldn't even be surprised if he was taken at the bottom of round 1.
This is a tougher question than it appears to be. On the surface, the obvious answers would be offensive line, tight end and quarterback with nickel corner a close 4th. However, I would prefer to look at this from the perspective of:
What would be the positions which need to be addressed in order of importance to get the Jaguars back to the AFC Championship game but win it this time. Let's not kid ourselves how difficult this will be. The Jags had an incredibly easy schedule this year and their lack of significant injuries was very unusual. Obviously, the schedule is very difficult - one of the toughest they have ever had. With all that being said, my answer to this question would be the following:
1. Offensive line: Regardless of who the starting q.b. is, this team's identity under Marrone is to run the ball and play great defense. Our line was extremely inconsistent this season. When they run-blocked well, they won. The Patriots game was a perfect example. If their offensive line performed in the 4th quarter like it did earlier in the game, we'd all be looking forward to the Super Bowl next week. So, how and when should they address this critical area?
Plan A (free agency)- The Jags cannot afford to spend much in free agency, especially after they hopefully pay AROB. However, I'd love to see them pursue one of Coughlin's ex-draft picks. Pugh or Richburg would be immediate upgrades. If it's Richburg, Linder moves back to guard. Pugh would replace Omameh, but be a valuable back-up tackle in case Parnell gets hurt.
Plan B (draft)- I may prefer this option since they should be able to find an excellent run-blocker in round 2. Hernandez, Wynn, Braden Smith, Daniel(s) and Ragnow would all be solid starters and upgrade the position. At least one will
definitely be on the board.
2. Tight End: This position should be easy to upgrade. There are several free agents who would do this including Eifert, Gilmore or Trey Burton, who might have the biggest upside. The draft is also
pretty deep at this position. Problem is, I'm not sure there is someone worthy of a first round pick. If they love Andrews or Gesicki, despite his blocking issues, either are possibilities. If not, someone like Fumagalli,
Herndon or Brennaman should be available in the 3rd or 4th rounds. Maybe Rivera will come back healthy.
3. Nickel Corner- The team must find an adequate replacement for Colvin or opposing teams will constantly pick on that person. Maybe Patmon or Myrick can be that guy, If not, they will need to find someone in the mid-rounds of the
draft.
I left quarterback off this list. No doubt, Bortles' future with this team is uncertain. However, they did make it to the AFC Championship with him and he was throwing mostly to a bunch of rookies or totally un-proven vets. If Blake simply maintains his level of performance next season and the team addresses it's other needs I believe they can go deep into the playoffs again. And yes, I would definitely address this position in the draft. If Rudolph is on the board and they feel he has a similiar skill-set to Big Ben they should run to the podium with pick 29 and call out his name. He can sit behind Blake for a year and they'd have the luxury of seeing if Blake's big improvement from 2016 to 2017 was a fluke. If they don't like anyone enough at the end of the first round at this position, I'm sure there will be another guy that they can pick in the mid to late rounds to develop for the future. My final thought on this position:
DO NOT sign Cousins. He is not worth the money he will command and has the potential to wreck the team's salary cap.
OG
OT
TE
Protect Blake, he's shown he's capable with a solid line.
(01-27-2018, 03:13 PM)jaglou53 Wrote: [ -> ]1. Offensive line: Regardless of who the starting q.b. is, this team's identity under Marrone is to run the ball and play great defense.
I left quarterback off this list. No doubt, Bortles' future with this team is uncertain.
The only reason our identity is to run the ball, is because Marrone doesn't trust Bortles to throw the ball!
I think in the first 3 picks of the draft they need a pass rushing DT.
It's a position of strength right now, but filled with guys on big contracts.
(01-27-2018, 07:51 PM)rocdee Wrote: [ -> ]QB
TE
FS
WR
OL
I've seen several mock drafts having the Jaguars take a wide receiver with the first pick. I can't say I understand this at all. Robinson will be back and in the pre-season he looked like the guy who made the pro-bowl 2 years ago. Westbrook missed much of his rookie season, but he should be a solid number 2 guy and Cole comes out of Kentucky Weslyan and at times looks like a number 1 receiver. Lee and Hurns both had their moments, especially Hurns during his 1st 2 seasons, but neither is worth what the Jags would have to pay them. The 4th and 5th spots will go to an inexpensive free agent( I like John Brown when healthy) and someone who can contribute significantly on special teams. Mickens looked great returning kicks and I wouldn't give up on him because of the one turnover. Benn may also return due to his special teams abilities.
Bottom line, wide receiver does not need to be a top priority during the off-season as there are several more needy position groups.