Quote:The point of this thread is to get your thoughts on how Dave, Gus and Wash will address the LB situation in the coming season.

Defining the current state of affairs:

-The Jags have a very good old school 4-3 MLB in Paul Posluszny. However, he's not getting any younger, has accrued a number of injuries that may (or may not) begin to slow him down soon, and he's proven to be a step too slow when dropping in coverage a few too many times.


-On the weak side, Dave landed a gem in the fifth round in Telvin Smith. He looks to be a long term fixture for the team at the position. While his speed is an asset, his light weight occasionally make him a slight liability vs. the run. The good has greatly outweighed the bad thus far, and I expect that will continue or improve.


- The strong side is being dubbed the OTTO these days in Bradley's scheme and is manned by recent FA signee, Dan Skuta. The slight difference in the position is intended to give the SAM backer more versatility, lining up in different places at times and contributing to third down pass rush. Skuta looks to be solid to good here after several players didn't quite cut it. He was hampered by a groin inury for much of the 2015 season making it hard to accurately measure his potential at the spot. He had surgery in January and should be ready to compete in camp.

What to change?


- A popular theory being tossed about by a few beat reporters and several MB posters involves drafting a speedy young player with the skill set to play inside on passing downs and certain sub packages. This would - in theory- begin to alleviate the impact of Posluszny's coverage liability and potentially groom his replacement that ideally would be more in the mold of a guy like Bobby Wagner in Seattle. Is this a good idea? If so - Who would you draft and in which round?


- Otto. Do you attempt to upgrade during this offseason?


- Depth. There really isn't any outside of a few guys gleaned from scrap heaps and practice squads that may or may not be up to the challenge. Do you use a late round pick? Sign a mid-tier free agent?


Any other thoughts and suggestions welcome, of course. Go Jags.

 

This is what I see happening:

 

The Jaguars will pursue a pass rusher or two in FA (Mario Williams is one).  Maybe they will pursue a C (Mack-though I have been kicking this around and I will share my thoughts on this in another thread.

 

Come draft time, I think the remaining needs will be FS and LB.

 

I think if Ramsey is still on the board at 5 under this scenario, he will be the pick.

 

If Ramsey is gone under this scenario, then they will draft a LB (Jack). I think in either scenario, they will draft a MLB later to groom a year behind Poz, unless they strike gold with the guy they draft and the MLB is an immediate impact guy his rookie year.  Two LBs should be an expectation this offseason, whether two come in the draft, or one comes in free agency (i.e. Trevathan).

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