Quote:Just how good can the Jaguars running game get next year. It was clear last year they could have used more push from their offensive line, and I see that being a bit of a focus this offseason. With the Jaguars having a boat load of cash to spend this offseason, there's reason to think they might just land Alex Mack at Center. They might also invest in a new LT. Cordy Glenn is probably re-signed by the Bills, however, I can see the Jaguars picking up Kelvin Beachum or Russell Okung knowing that Joekel can still start the season if they're not ready in time. Beachum suffered an ACL last October, and Okung suffered a shoulder injury in the Seahawks recent playoff game. Beadles is likely waived, so picture an offensive line made up of...


 

LT Russell Okung


LG AJ  Cann


C Alex Mack


RG Brandon Linder


RT Jermey Parnell


 

They'd still have Joekel, Shatley, Bowanko and Josh Wells for depth. At this point it's tough to know if Marron is returning as the OL Coach, although if he doesn't I have to think they'd bring in someone even better. At this point there's no reason to think Kelly Skipper, who came over with Olson from the Raiders, won't return as the Jaguars RB coach. Meanwhile, it does look like TE Marcedes Lewis is returning so he can play out his career with the team, and he's still an exceptional run blocker along with Clay Harbor. I never could quite tell if Julius Thomas did much for their running game.


 

With Caldwell not wanting to waste a roster spot on a FB I'm thinking we end up with 5 RBs. Alualu is under contract for one more season so he probably remains in the FB role, although he may face some competition there. At RB, I picture Pierce testing free agency possibly returning if he gets no offers, and I see them team waiving the albino rhino Toby Gerhart. This leaves five guys returning...


 

1. TJ Yeldon


2. Jonas Gray


3. Denard Robinson


4. Corey Grant


5. Joe Banyard


 

That said, I'm picturing a free agent joining the team knocking Banyard off this list. I don't see them looking at the top FA options like Doug Martin or Chris Ivory, but maybe someone like Ronnie Hillman or Bilal Powell.


 

If the Jaguars can intimidate a bit more with their running game, they can really get the play action working, and Bortles does really well when he can use a little play action. Let me know any and all thoughts you may have as it relates to the Jaguars running game including any insights you might have regarding TJ's future as the team's bell cow. While TJ can use more breakout speed to keep DBs from chasing him down, the kid has an uncanny knack for finding holes where there doesn't appear to be any.

After noticing this thread I was hoping to fall upon some really good conversation. Instead, I traveled to what appears to be Fantasy Island. With all due respect because you're a moderator, why even mention Doug Martin or Ivory? If they go "anywhere" it won't be to Jacksonville. As far as Hillman is concerned, he's had a pretty decent year in Denver (that's the team playing for an AFC title) and if you're him......you gonna ponder to the Jags? I think maybe Caldwell has at least learned "something" from the Gerhart debacle. I'd be shocked if he is willing to throw around that kind of money again and besides no really decent RB is going to "want to" come here because A: TJ is thee man unless he got a memo stating otherwise and B: this OL is coming off a nightmare season yet again so what RB in their right mind is going to get excited about packing their FA bags and headin south. IF they decided to stick with what they have (including TG) and made remarkable improvements to their run blocking.........they'd be a really decent running team. No, the RB position doesn't need any more dollars focused there. Assuming they waive TG, that still leaves no rush to go out and shop for another RB in FA. If they have to have another one that bad............get him in the draft on the cheap and hope he is a sleeper pick. 

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