2012 NFL Offseason Needs: Jacksonville Jaguars
by Matthew Fairburn on Feb 20, 2012 6:15 PM EST
in Mocking the AFC South
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The Jacksonville Jaguars are in the midst of one of the most important offseasons in franchise history. New owner Shad Khan has changed the culture in the building. Jack Del Rio and much of the coaching staff from last season are gone. Taking their place is a coaching staff headlined by Mike Mularkey, who has the support of his new mustached owner.
Spirits are high in Jacksonville, but results must follow to keep the fan base energized. Mularkey and his staff are stuck with the task of rebuilding an offense that ranked No. 32 in the NFL in passing yards per game. Blaine Gabbert, the team's first round draft pick in 2011, must show substantial improvement over the offseason, but the Jaguars' front office must also surround him with the weapons to succeed.
It sounds crazy to say, but the Jaguars are not far away from competing for a playoff spot. The pieces are in place on defense, and with a improvement in the passing game, this team could show improvement sooner rather than later. Of course, it all hinges on the development of a certain blonde-haired quarterback.
After the jump, we'll take a look at the team needs for the Jacksonville Jaguars this offseason.
Offense
Wide Receiver: Blaine Gabbert may have struggled throughout his rookie season, but it would have been tough for any quarterback to succeed with the talent he had around him. Mike Thomas, who signed a contract extension early in the season, struggled to make plays on the ball and run crisp routes all season long. Meanwhile, Marcedes Lewis, who cashed in on a huge contract during the offseason, dropped balls all season long. Other than those two, there is not much talent on the roster at the pass catching positions. The Jaguars would almost be wise to completely start from scratch. I expect them to upgrade the position both through free agency and the draft.
Right Tackle: Guy Whimper was downright awful last season. The Jaguars will get Ebon Britton back next season, but he has had trouble staying on the field during his brief NFL career. Jacksonville needs to find some depth at the position in case Britton doesn't make it through the season. The offensive line is not a weakness, however, despite some perceiving it as such. The group paved the way for Maurice Jones-Drew to win the rushing title and just needs time to come together as a pass blocking unit.
Defense
Defensive End: While the Jacksonville Jaguars managed to get more pressure on the quarterback this season, the team needs to continue to bolster the defensive line. Jeremy Mincey, who led the Jags with 8 sacks, is a free agent this offseason, and there is no guarantee that he will re-sign with the team. Beyond Mincey, Jacksonville is relying on an aging Aaron Kampman and a handful of unproven commodities. The 2012 NFL Draft class is thin at defensive end, but Mario Williams could become available in free agency. The Jaguars are a dark horse team to land the talented defensive end.
Cornerback: How pressing an issue cornerback is will depend on which Jaguars decide to re-sign. Rashean Mathis is a free agent and coming off a season-ending knee injury. William Middleton, who filled in nicely, is also a free agent this offseason. In addition, Dwight Lowery, who was dominant at times at free safety, will need a new contract. Each of those players was instrumental to the improvement of the secondary last season. Depending on which of the three come back, additions may need to be made to the secondary.
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Great article
I think 2 WR and 1 DE(extending Mincey or they will sign somebody) will arrive via free agency.
I think the Jags will draft an OT(Reiff or Martin)/DE(Coples) or a CB (if we are very lucky Cliaborne if not MAYBE Kirkpatrick) will come in Rd 1.and a WR in Rd 2(and 1 more in the late/middle rounds). And I have a feeling that Josh Norman will end up as a Jaguars as well.
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by Zoltan from Budapest on Feb 20, 2012 6:21 PM EST reply actions
Real nice job
Really nice writeup
"The dictionary is the only place that success comes before work. Hard work is the price we must pay for success. I think you can accomplish anything if you're willing to pay the price." -Vince Lombardi
Twitter: @JWGreenbaum
Blaine Gabbert, the team’s first round draft pick in 2011, must show substantial improvement over the offseason
…and magic unicorns must sprinkle happy dust over EverBank Field.
It could happen!
"How can an idiot be a policeman? Answer me that!"
-Chief Inspector Dreyfus
Really helpful
constructive comment. Thanks for participating.
I’m tired of Texans fans this offseason. Congratulations. You made the playoffs by winning the weakest division in the NFL.
Yeah, I know. I clicked here just to say that, too, and look what I find... >:-(
D’ohhhhhh! 
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Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out because let's be real they always come for the Jews.
Then they came for me, and I did not speak out because they actually came for me back when they came for the nerds."
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by kailuakid9er on Feb 21, 2012 11:34 AM EST up reply actions
if the Jags made a really strong push for Mario Williams
it would benefit them greatly and all of their fans would absolutely love the new owner. They should also take a strong look at someone like Vincent Jackson if they’re not planning on going for a WR with the #1 overall pick
We don't have
the #1 overall pick, but point taken. I doubt we take a WR in the 1st, unless we trade down. Of course, we have been surprised before…
Spot on.
And you really hit the nail on the head with this
the Jaguars are not far away from competing for a playoff spot…it all hinges on the development of a certain blonde-haired quarterback.
We’ll get the receivers and the D will be fine. Gabbert is the storyline to follow.
It was Gabbert's rookie year
Very few GMs would dump their 1st rounder after one year with no offseason, no WR, and suspect pass blocking. But, you are probably correct in thinking top FAs might think twice. I think it just means we will have to show more dollar signs. Luckily, we have the cap space to overspend if it becomes a requirement…
it was a huge mistake to take him in the first round
He was not good in college and his name exploded after the season ended. A team is going to make the same mistake with Ryan Tannehill
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by seton hall and steelers on Feb 21, 2012 8:09 AM EST up reply actions
I'm not saying it was right to take him there...
but you don’t get rid of him yet. We do need a capable backup in case he blows it again.
totally agree with you on that
Juat saying that it was an awful pick
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by seton hall and steelers on Feb 21, 2012 8:47 AM EST up reply actions
You draft players based on potential. Gabbert has potential but it seems like it might take time for him to reach his potential if he does.
JPP was drafted based on potential and measurables. Gabbert was drafted on similar grounds.
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The Problem with our Wide recievers is that they're never wide open and they have trouble receiving the ball...
by TheTealDeal on Feb 21, 2012 3:54 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
i might be in the minority on this
but i agree with seton hall. i didnt really see the “potential” gabbert supposedly had. he has a big arm and confidence. thats about it
Cold Blooded
by Jaggaholic82 on Feb 21, 2012 3:58 PM EST up reply actions
I agree you should draft on potential in the top parts of the draft
but I think a lot of Gabbert’s draft stock was based on hype. I was drastically wrong on JPP but totally right on Gabbert (thus far) lol
where the hell do people come to say this
he was actually quite good in college. That is unless drafting Newton was an even bigger mistake in the first round. Newton had one good college season and looking at the passing numbers alone(since Cam is obviously much more of a “runner” at QB than Gabbert) you cannot say Newton was even THAT much better if better at all in 2010.
"The dictionary is the only place that success comes before work. Hard work is the price we must pay for success. I think you can accomplish anything if you're willing to pay the price." -Vince Lombardi
Twitter: @JWGreenbaum
LOL
You should really go look at Newtons and Gabberts numbers from last year again and you’d see how dumb that last comment was.
I knew he was talking about there last seasons in college
Just replace “last year” with 2010 or “their last seasons in college” or whatever and the point still stands.
Nice. Its the truth.
"You know the new iPhone? It’s faster, more powerful and smarter. It’s revolutionary. Why can’t the quarterback be like that? Why can’t you be a big, tall, fast, quick, strong, smart, mobile quarterback who’s unstoppable?"
-Cam Newton
by carolinapillpusher on Feb 21, 2012 12:07 PM EST up reply actions
last year as in their first NFL season?
I won’t argue that, but last I checked you do not draft people based on stats they are yet to put up.
If you mean their last year of college:
Gabbert had a 63.4 completion percentage for 3186 yards and 16 TDs and 9 INT
Newton had a 66.1 completion percentage(on about 200 fewer pass attempts) for 2854 yards and 30 TDs and 7 INT
The TD/INT numbers definitely favor Newton but to say that the disparity in their numbers is enough to warrant one being a first round selection is idiotic, especially given the fact that Gabbert was not a one year wonder like Newton. Gabbert actually put up 2 consecutive good seasons.
"The dictionary is the only place that success comes before work. Hard work is the price we must pay for success. I think you can accomplish anything if you're willing to pay the price." -Vince Lombardi
Twitter: @JWGreenbaum
The proliferation of spread offenses in college make numbers almost meaningless
Gabbert played in a pass-heavy offense that is geared toward short passes & high completion numbers. Daniel put up far better numbers in the same system. Additionally, to have that poor of a TD:INT ratio in that type of system (and that few TDs period) is not good. Much the same reason I don’t get the love affair with Landry Jones.
"There are few things graven in stone, except that you have to squat or you're a pussy." -Mark Rippetoe
by Brock8144 on Feb 22, 2012 5:02 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
I agree with SH&S (there is a 1st time for everything), some team will reach for Tannenhill. I actually see the Jags making an offer for Wallace from the Steelers, even if they put a 1st round tender on him – He’s that good & is a known talent. That being said, I sure hope that they don’t do it, it would help the Steelers rebuild faster and I don’t want that.
A bargain is something you don't need at a price you can't resist....
If I agreed with you we'd both be wrong!
My mother never saw the irony in calling me a son-of-a-bitch!
Once you start agreeing with TDSH, you know that you're wrong.
nah we arent smart enough to do that
just saying and people view guys like coples, reiff and kirkpatrick more valuable than an all pro wide receiver that will be a big time player for the next 7 to 8 years. but hey nfl teams know better right?
Cold Blooded
by Jaggaholic82 on Feb 21, 2012 3:54 PM EST up reply actions
This
"You know the new iPhone? It’s faster, more powerful and smarter. It’s revolutionary. Why can’t the quarterback be like that? Why can’t you be a big, tall, fast, quick, strong, smart, mobile quarterback who’s unstoppable?"
-Cam Newton
by carolinapillpusher on Feb 21, 2012 12:04 PM EST up reply actions
I really love it
when 49ers fans talk smack about another team’s QB situation
"The dictionary is the only place that success comes before work. Hard work is the price we must pay for success. I think you can accomplish anything if you're willing to pay the price." -Vince Lombardi
Twitter: @JWGreenbaum
by Jagsrok9008 on Feb 21, 2012 9:32 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Recked you for that Jagsrok.
Pretty hilarious that after your team goes 13 and 3, you are still looking to upgrade at QB.
"I’m sorry for all the people who want us to run the ball 40 times a game, but we’re going to put the ball in No. 9’s hands and he’s going to make plays for us like he did today," Lions coach Jim Schwartz said. Amen to that Jim!
Thing is under Harbaugh, Alex Smith migth actually turn into a pretty good QB
but Alex Smith was a candidate for one of the biggest busts of all time just 12 months ago.
Sure Gabbert had a crappy year, but he had a lot going against him and showed flashes of being really good.
"The dictionary is the only place that success comes before work. Hard work is the price we must pay for success. I think you can accomplish anything if you're willing to pay the price." -Vince Lombardi
Twitter: @JWGreenbaum
I really felt like Blaine Gabbert was about the worst decision the Jags made last year.
I do hope he progresses for the Jaguars sake. I love the parity in this league, but that boy needs to have a major improvement over last season otherwise your in big trouble.
Die hard Giants fan since wide Right! I was 6...
I'm down wit JPP
Yea you know me
Win Ugly.
-Eli Manning for MVP
Eli at least showed potential
he was never, ever rattled and had his share of late game comebacks even early in his rookie year (although he only won the Dallas game in week 17). WHen Eli was drafted he was also viewed as a potential HOF guy, his scouting report was off the charts.
Gabbert’s had happy feet since he first started for Missouri. He dinks and dunks all game and runs the rest. He looks the part, but there’s a lot of people that viewed him as a terrible QB prospect. Just the fact that a QB needy team like the Redskins traded out of their spot so you can trade up to get Gabbert should’ve put you all on.
Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows
by Rorschach44 on Feb 21, 2012 10:53 AM EST up reply actions
They weren't needy
they had Grossman and Beck!
I’m not a huge Gabbert apologist. He looked awful this year. Hard to watch as a season ticket holder. But, we simply have to put him in a better situation and give him a real shot. If you look at the tape, Gabbert took shots when his receivers had an inch of separation. They were blanketed all year. And turn to the Thursday night ATL game to see John Abraham absolutely use our backup RT.
Real question – how was Eli’s supporting cast in ’04?
Eli's supporting cast sucked in 2004
a couple loudmouth idiots ruined it for any other talent (Toomer..) they actually had.
Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows
by Rorschach44 on Feb 21, 2012 10:46 PM EST up reply actions
BTW
if the ’Skins end up with Kerrigan and RGIII and we end up with Gabbert and Coples…I think I will be an unhappy camper. So should you be. You guys better keep developing, because that combo will be nasty in 3 or 4 years.
The only way the Skins can get RGIII, is if Cleveland doesn’t want him at 2, 3 or @ there #4 spot. I truely believe that the Skins will make the trade up with Cleveland, they aren’t competition and not in the same league.
A bargain is something you don't need at a price you can't resist....
If I agreed with you we'd both be wrong!
My mother never saw the irony in calling me a son-of-a-bitch!
Once you start agreeing with TDSH, you know that you're wrong.
you obviously have not seen much of Gabbert
He has shown flashes of absolute brilliance, but when you do not have receivers and have a 5 man O-Line that essentially was 3 men and 2 cardboard dummies, it is going to be hard to be all that good all that often.
Manning had an awful rookie year WITH a substantial amount of talent surrounding him.
"The dictionary is the only place that success comes before work. Hard work is the price we must pay for success. I think you can accomplish anything if you're willing to pay the price." -Vince Lombardi
Twitter: @JWGreenbaum
Eli had crap around him
so hide the caps
Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows
by Rorschach44 on Feb 21, 2012 10:44 PM EST up reply actions
lack of talent?
Shockey, Toomer, Hilliard, an overall solid O-Line that to address you comment right below this one enabled Manning to have pocket presence. You do realize that Gabbert essentially has a LT, C and G as his entire O-Line. I do not care how good they are, but they will not be enough to allow Gabbert peace of mind to stay in the pocket and have some pocket presence.
On a totally different note, Eli Manning odes take the cake for picture on wikipeida.
"The dictionary is the only place that success comes before work. Hard work is the price we must pay for success. I think you can accomplish anything if you're willing to pay the price." -Vince Lombardi
Twitter: @JWGreenbaum
The Giants had one of the worst OL in the league that year.
"There are few things graven in stone, except that you have to squat or you're a pussy." -Mark Rippetoe
by Brock8144 on Feb 22, 2012 5:06 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
and Gabbert has the sort of pocket presence that has him out of the league in a few years.
Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows
by Rorschach44 on Feb 21, 2012 10:47 PM EST up reply actions
What flashes of brilliance exactly?
His season high was 221 yards from I’m looking at, he routinely faced stuffed boxes because opposing teams gave him 0 respect and was STILL unable to punish them, and he treated the ball like a hot potato to the point he led the league in fumbles.
He’s the only QB I know of who can come onto a team featuring what most people consider am ideal rookie QB scenario (Good defense, great RB, Pro Bowl TE, weakest division in the NFL) and sink his team.
by Gitaroo_Dude on Feb 21, 2012 11:10 PM EST up reply actions
an ideal rookie QB scenario
1)no talent at WR
2)being thrown into a job after the expected starter gets cut days before the season and the starter chosen bombs in week 2 against the Jets
3)Lockout reduced the offseason and did not give Gabbert the OTAs and full training camp he probably needed.
4)this was not expected, but the Pro-Bowl TE that played awfully this year
5)an offensive line that has a C, LT, and G and two poor excuses for football players at RT and the other G position
explain what is ideal about that.
"The dictionary is the only place that success comes before work. Hard work is the price we must pay for success. I think you can accomplish anything if you're willing to pay the price." -Vince Lombardi
Twitter: @JWGreenbaum
Eli Manning had the worst rookie season that I’ve seen in decades. Hell Colt McCoy looked better.
A bargain is something you don't need at a price you can't resist....
If I agreed with you we'd both be wrong!
My mother never saw the irony in calling me a son-of-a-bitch!
Once you start agreeing with TDSH, you know that you're wrong.
you most likely have not seen it.
Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows
by Rorschach44 on Feb 21, 2012 10:44 PM EST up reply actions
Jags needs...
A whole new team and a move across country
All the way to a Super Bowl victory like a knife through butter
JPP Is hands down the best DE in the NFL right now
Can't spell Elite without ELI
Jerry Reese for President 2012..let's make that happen!
by Shaunthegiant on Feb 21, 2012 5:21 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Excellent joke, Shaun
Really thoughtful and hilarious. I can tell you are really humorous person that everyone wants to be friends with. You should receive respect for coming up with this original and truly unique joke.
sounds about right
Die hard Giants fan since wide Right! I was 6...
I'm down wit JPP
Yea you know me
Win Ugly.
-Eli Manning for MVP
I live in NY
and I will tell you that you are ignorant to the league as a whole like most NY football fans I know. Do me a favor and actually do research before making stupid jokes or claims.
"The dictionary is the only place that success comes before work. Hard work is the price we must pay for success. I think you can accomplish anything if you're willing to pay the price." -Vince Lombardi
Twitter: @JWGreenbaum
as far as "awesomely mustached owners" go
Jags are way ahead of the curve
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