(03-06-2020, 09:53 PM)ATLjag Wrote: It has been such a Jaguar depressing time period as of late, I thought I'd drink some teal Kool-Aid, jump on the Duval Express Section 103 happy train for a moment and prognosticate some of the pleasant surprises of the coming year to look out for, for a few of the guys currently wearing teal...

Chris Conley and Dede Westbrook are each in a contract final year this season, and one will rise as Chark did this past year.  My dollar's on Chris Conley. He came from a run heavy Georgia offense in college and needed time to develop in the NFL.  He is 6'3", burns at a 4.35 pace, and is highly explosive with a 45" vertical and 139" broad jump.  He took a step forward last season with 47 catches and 775 yards, with a 16.5 yards per catch average.  I believe he'll be a gem for this team next season.  (sip more Kool-Aid)

Last year, most believed Dawuane Smoot would not make the 53 man roster, after a disappointing first 2 seasons.  The former 3rd round draft pick surprised most by putting on some weight (to about 6'2 265) and muscle and contributed with 6 sacks.  He had 0 sacks in his first 2 seasons.  Like the gents above, he is entering his final season in his contract.  It would not surprise me to see Smoot shine, in an effort to cash in on next season's free agency or earn the starting spot opposite Josh Allen at strongside DE.  Don't sleep on Smoot.  (sip more Kool-Aid)

Lastly, although a draft pick last year, most seem to be writing off Josh Oliver as the move TE.  Josh was the 5th pick of the 3rd round last year, illustrating how the scout's felt fairly highly of his potential.  He ran a solid 4.6 40, measured 6'5 and 249 pounds, and showed good hands and route running in college.  He was developing good rapport with the QBs in camp, and looked to be a solid move TE with upside.  Unfortunately, he suffered a hamstring injury that caused him to miss the first 6 games of the season. He returned, without the QB rapport or 100% health he had been taking advantage of in camp, and only started 1 game (played in 4).  He sustained a back injury in week 11, and was placed on IR.  With the off season to fully heal, and a part year of NFL experience, I foresee Josh being a surprise story.  It seems most have completely written off the Jag's investment in him...after watching him in camp, I have not.  (oops...ran out of Kool-Aid).

Please feel free to add your own....