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jaglou53
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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.