Quote:This past May, just about every Jaguars fan-at least just about every one on this board-was absolutely stoked about the Jaguars draft class.  The possibility of the team's future passing game being built within the first three picks of the draft, with a big new mobile QB at 3, and steals at WR in the second round with Marqise Lee and Allen Robinson was enough to make the hopes of Jaguars fans soar.  Although we all knew they had to prove it on the field, we couldn't wait to see these guys in uniform.

 

With the start of training camp already behind us and the first preseason games but a few days away, the rubber is beginning to meet the road.  The team has stated they will bring Bortles along slowly.  Lee has dealt with drops and injuries at various points, and Robinson continues to deal with hamstring issues.  The team released a tentative initial depth chart, and as of now, the draft class most of us saw as promising shows only WR Marqise Lee as a rookie starter on either side of the ball.

 

Given this team's woeful performances over the past few years, the desire for immediate positive impact from the rookies is strong.  Given the depth chart at this stage, there may be doubt creeping into some minds about just how strong this draft class is.  Some may be tempted to declare this draft class something of a disappointment because there is only one starter at the moment or to otherwise hit the panic button.

 

If you value reason and sanity...don't.  There are reasons why the draft class is not a disappointment-even if there is only one opening day starter from it.

 

First, it is partially by design.  The team has been steadfast thus far in saying Bortles will not start until 2015.  While we are all in a hurry to see the Jaguars land their first true franchise QB and hope Bortles is that guy, the fact is Bortles will likely need time to develop into that player.  Arguably the greatest pure passer in history, Dan Marino, was known as one of the few QBs to make an impact as a rookie.  But he wasn't an opening day starter.  Neither was another QB known for having a huge rookie impact-Big Ben.  Aaron Rodgers, Steve McNair and Carson Palmer also sat early.  But their failure to be opening day starters their rookie seasons didn't make them missed picks.  Sitting them early wasn't necessarily a mistake, either.  Coaches like Don Shula and Bill Cowher made the decisions to not play their rookie QBs opening day...and the Packers have been a fairly successful franchise over the last 20 years.  It won't be the end of the world-or the Jaguars-to not have Bortles play early.

 

Secondly, it may be a numbers game.  The Jaguars plan to be a predominantly running team.  This will likely mean more 2 back 2 WR sets than a more pass oriented team.  This will likely mean, barring an unusually strong performance by Robinson in the remainder of the preseason once he's healthy, Robinson will be the 3rd WR.  But that doesn't mean he won't be an immediate impact player.  Teams often run 3 WR sets, and if the team struggles early like I believe they will, Robinson will see a lot of action early even if he isn't a starter.

 

Finally, rookies-even non QBs- can often take time to adjust to the game.  Aside from the reams of evidence showing it takes a while for receivers to adjust to the NFL game, rookies develop at different paces.  A rookie not ready to start opening day can be a quality starter by midseason.  Guys we pinned our hopes on like Linder and the Smiths may be situational guys or reserves early, but may find themselves in the starting lineup later and be quality contributors.  Their status as week 1 reserves is not necessarily indicative of an inability to play.

 

I know we all want the team to be better YESTERDAY.  But it is going to take time, and there may be the occasional step back by some of these guys.  So if you are inclined to panic or surrender the season or their careers because they aren't week one starters, do them, the board and yourselves a favor...don't!