5 positions the Jaguars must address this offseason
The Jacksonville Jaguars have won just 12 games in three seasons under the direction of general manager Dave Caldwell and head coach Gus Bradley, but the team feels 2016 will be the year they're ready to compete in the AFC South.
The roster is in far better shape than it was when Caldwell and Bradley arrived in Jacksonville, but after a 5-11 season in 2015, more pieces are needed. The Jaguars were extremely active in free agency last season and figure to be once again with plenty of cap space to spend. They'll also enter April's NFL draft with eight picks at their disposal.
With plenty of resources available to improve the team, here are five positions Caldwell and the Jaguars should address over the offseason.
1. Defensive end/linebacker
The loss of No. 3 overall pick Dante Fowler Jr. to a torn ACL in May was big blow to a Jacksonville defense that struggled to get to opposing quarterbacks all season. The Jaguars managed 36 sacks on the season, tied for 20th in the league. Veteran Chris Clemons, who the team was counting on for his pass-rushing skills, instead managed just three sacks. Even with the return of Fowler next season, Jacksonville needs to invest significant resources in finding more pass-rushers. Clemons is 34, while fellow defensive end Andre Branch is poised to enter free agency.
2. Free safety
Caldwell said Tuesday finding a competent free safety can be almost as difficult as acquiring a franchise quarterback. Jacksonville has their quarterback in Blake Bortles, but free safety remains an issue. The Jaguars took James Sample in the fifth round last year, but injuries limited him to four games in 2015, preventing him from making much of an impact as a rookie. The team has high hopes for Sample, but he's still a question mark. Sergio Brown, who played in 15 games, isn't the answer at starter either. The Jaguars would benefit by bringing in an older player who can start for a season or two while determining if Sample is the long-term answer at the position.
3. Cornerback
The Jaguars have a pair of solid corners in Davon House and Aaron Colvin, but are in need of depth behind them. Former third-round pick Dwayne Gratz fell out of favor during the season and doesn't appear to be in the team's plans. The fact that undrafted rookie free agent Nick Marshall, who played quarterback college, was playing late in the season tells you this in area the team needs to upgrade. Jacksonville should turn to both free agency and the draft to add more depth at the position. You can never have too many corners in the NFL, particularly in a division where Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck will be back with something to prove after a tough 2015.
4. Center
The Jaguars gave up 51 sacks in 2015, fourth most in the NFL. While that's an improvement over the 71 the team gave up in 2014, the line still needs work. The Jaguars like what they have in right tackle Jermey Parnell, a 2015 free-agent acquisition, as well as rookie left guard A.J. Cann. Veteran right guard Brandon Linder will be back after suffering a torn labrum in October. Despite giving up five sacks in the Week 17 loss to the Houston Texans, the Jaguars maintain they're pleased with the progress left tackle Luke Joeckel has made. Center, though, is one position the team should explore upgrading. Stefen Wisniewski beat out Luke Bowanko in training camp, but struggled with high snaps throughout the season and is a free agent. If Cleveland Browns Pro Bowl center Alex Mack hits the open market, Caldwell should pounce.
5. Running back
T.J. Yeldon showed signs he can be an effective every-down back, but the Jaguars need more depth at the position. Yeldon missed four games due to injuries and Jacksonville's lack of a reliable second back was apparent. Free agent Jonas Gray was signed off the Miami Dolphins' practice squad late in the season and he warrants being brought back for another look in camp. Whether Gray gets the job or not, finding a back capable of spelling Yeldon and able to make the occasional start, if necessary, would be a wise move.
