(01-01-2019, 04:43 PM)Jagulars Wrote: Hope everyone is having a great New Year's Day. Time to look forward to the offseason
In no particular order, eight positions the Jaguars need to fill in FA/Draft:
Quarterback
Bortles played inconsistent and showed regression from last post-season run. The OL injuries played some role into it and the WRs dropping passes didn't help either. I would think the Jaguars keep him while the rookie sits. As soon as Bortles goes south in play, they will be calling for that new QB to come in. He may likely be released or traded before the deadline next season if he fails to hold the starting spot. Odds aren't in his favor.
Right Guard
A. J. Cann has showed inconsistency throughout his career. The only good thing going for him is his durability. Cann I believe is heading to FA this offseason. This needs to be upgraded. Along with solid depth.
Tackle
I like Parnell. He did very well his first two seasons here. Had a bit of a drop-off in 2018. I would still like to keep him with a pay cut and see if he holds off Richardson and someone else next preseason. However, this is the likely scenario where he is cut . Grab a OT for more competition. Regardless if Parnell stays or not. A little depth never hurt either. Seeing as how that worked out well last season. 
Running Back
The damage is clearly done here. This needs to be blown up for the most part and start anew. Not enough out of Yeldon since being drafted in the 2nd round. Grant is the only one I think stays for depth and an UDFA likely with him. Hyde will be gone. And as for LF... He will likely be gone too. Find a dual-threat back to upgrade here.
Wide Receiver
This has been one of the most disappointing areas of the offense. Cole has taken a step back. Moncrief has been inconsistent on what he was paid for a 1-year deal and will not return. Greene will be gone and probably reunite with Winston in TB. Chark was up and down in his rookie season. Lee cannot stay on the field. Westbrook is stepping up. How much of it played part of the QB play? Some. The drops, however, were inexcusable. Need a true #1 WR here.
Tight End
I know they are still investing in ASJ. The other TEs on the roster are nothing to brag about. Get an upgrade here. Two TE sets could help is WR is lackluster.
Linebacker
Although Poz had great pre-snap adjustments, his play was slowing down. Then, Jack filled in this season. It had a few ups and down early on. But, as the season progressed, it looked like a mess with players out of position. I know one year to judge someone on a position shift seems premature. But, I feel bringing in a solid MLB and putting Jack back outside would be beneficial. But, they will likely keep him at MLB and upgrade at SLB.
Return Specialist
This position has been a huge lackluster for this team the last two seasons. Ranking near the bottom 10 in the league in return yards. The last time the Jaguars had been in the top 5 in return yards was in 2010. Second only to Arizona. We would want that good field position and a couple of home runs along the way.
Bortles is gonzo. They won't be inviting him back. I think the team will be going after Haskins, whatever it takes, but if they don't feel like he's the guy and don't like anyone else, don't force it. Forcing it is how you get Blaine Gabbert and Blake Bortles.
Cann has been consistent throughout his career. Consistently awful, and letting him go will be another sign that Bortles is done. After all, we're taking away his favorite receiver (the back of Cann's helmet).
I'm torn on Parnell. He regressed last year and just looked bad by the end of the season, and at his age that's not a good sign. The scary part of all this is that I think Ereck Flowers would become the front-runner to replace him unless Will Richardson makes a quantum leap this offseason.
I would be very surprised if Hyde wasn't in camp. I would hope Grant is--he's the only real spark we have at the position. If Yeldon's departure wasn't a sure thing before the bench incident, it is now. If the voiding of Fournette's guarantees holds up, I expect the team to trade him. If it doesn't, I think he'll be given one last chance in camp.
The receiver position as a whole was a disappointment, and as much as I loved Keenan as a player, I think the coach should have changed there. Cole was a budding star as recently as week 2 of 2018 and imploded as the season went on. Westbrook might have stud potential and Chark is an unknown. Lee can't stay on the field, and of our 2017 receivers, we kept the wrong one.
Tight end is a position we might not be able to invest heavily in. ASJ should return, but we're going to have to look to either mid-tier free agency or a day 2 or 3 pick to find a young guy with upside. O'Shaughnessey, Bell and Koyack aren't guys to build around.
Jack was at his best in a role where he played Sam in the base set and Mike in passing sets. The team needs a true middle linebacker, and I'd like to see us go after Sean Lee on a prove-it contract, either one year or incentive-laden.
Return specialists are guys you find late in the draft or on the street, for the most part. I don't see this team investing heavily in a return man.
