(01-23-2024, 10:47 AM)NYC4jags Wrote: It is early in the process and free agency doesn't start for 7 weeks or so, but thought we could speculate a bit on whether or not Nielsen needs different personnel to run his intended scheme in Jax. Specifically in the secondary.

(I think we know he's gonna want some beef on the IDL and some edge depth/rotation as most any DC would - and we have linebackers available to compete in camp for base 4-3 spots) 

That said - current roster:

Campbell:  Really good zone cover guy who has shown some struggles in man. He may still be coachable there yet to some degree, but if there is one guy in the secondary I'm worried about playing 50% of his snaps in press man - it is Campbell. Change may be desired. Or they may try to develop him into the role. 

Williams:  Sort of the same dynamic as Campbell but to a lesser degree. Williams' tape in man coverage is better to me than Campbell's. I think if they are changing things this offseason - they may not make him a priority to move away from just yet - if at all. 

Nickel: We've needed an upgrade here forever and I imagine fresh blood will compete with the recent late rounders to see who rises. 

SS: Another great opportunity to upgrade a position IMO. The better OCs will get this defender isolated from time to time vs a TE or speedy RB and it can get ugly. Both in coverage and open field tackling. Honestly - I don't know what Nielsen wants trait wise here, and I won't speculate, but he will need to be able to man up in coverage. 

FS: I think Cisco has enough upside to be a frontrunner here and chances are good Nielsen and a new DB coach can get him dialed in to the new scheme. I'd be surprised if any capital were spent on a prospect to compete meaningfully for the start there. 

Bottom line:

I think we are likely to see at least two DBs added using some valuable capital via FA and/or draft. 

I don't think this means Campbell is automatically out - it could go a number of ways - but I think he may be the least adaptable to the scheme out of the three assumed starters for next year.