Friday, February 5, 2010

If I were the GM- Jacksonville

This franchise faces many challenges.  They have trouble selling out their stadium, which leads to local blackouts on the television market.  Plus, Jacksonville itself is a huge, sprawling city with a smaller population.  Thus, they are a potential candidate to move to Los Angeles, especially considering their governor just approved a stadium for that market.  So, as a franchise they are in dire straights.  And management considered removing Coach Jack Del Rio in the offseason, so there's a lot going on there beneath the surface.
The Jaguars had a surprising run in the beginning of the season, but tailed off in the final several games.  Running back Maurice Jones-Drew proved he could be an every down back.  Wide receiver Mike Sims-Walker made some strides this season, and rookie Mike Thomas made some strides this season.  Jacksonville has some interesting tight end prospects, in Earnest Wilford and Zach Miller, especially if they lose Marcedes Lewis in free agency.  They were very young on the offensive line- starting two rookies, their top two picks, at the tackle positions.  John Henderson had another good season at defensive tackle, as did Rashean Mathis at the cornerback spot.
Conversely, this team failed to generate a pass rush, which is by far their greatest need.  Also, with the rookies, they were inconsistent blocking up front.  They need to improve their linebacking corps, and another wide receiver- Torry Holt can't play forever, and may leave as a free agent.  They could use a backup quarterback to groom to eventually replace David Garrard, when he hits the twilight of his career.
Their best move is to keep their pick and take Jason Pierre-Paul.  He fits their pass-rushing need to a tee.  Or they could try and trade back and acquire more picks.  (Notice a trend- so many top-ten pick teams should try and trade back, but only so many teams outside the top ten that should be willing to trade up.  Another note, the Jaguars have a coin flip for this pick with Chicago- who traded their pick to Denver in the Cutler deal- so they could have the 11th pick.)

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