Jaguars Offseason Predictions

Coaching Staff

Head Coach: Mike Mularkey – If I had to bet, I’d guess he’s Gene’s #1 choice. He will be the primary playcaller. He won’t mess with the running game because he ran out of I-formations a lot with Michael Turner. Greg Jones stays because of this. He also brings a certain nastiness to the offensive line and a high-powered passing attack with Blaine Gabbert being in total control on the field. He had two clear cut starting WRs and a slot WR and TE. The backups didn’t play much, so it’s crucial to get 2 starting caliber WRs to go along with Thomas and Lewis.

Offensive Coordinator/QBs Coach: Tom Clements – Mularkey and Gene would both want Mularkey’s OC from his Buffalo days. He won’t be calling plays, so he can focus on working one on one with Gabbert. But it’s still a promotion for him and one step closer to being a head coach if he so desires. The good/bad news is if Gabbert shows improvement, Clements will be gone soon to be a head coach.

Defensive Coordinator: Mel Tucker – Keeping Tucker for obvious reasons but if he keeps the defense playing at a high level, he’ll be gone soon as well.

I’m not guessing at the other assistant jobs.

Free Agency

Chris Redman, QB, Falcons – Mike and Gene’s first order of business is to bring in Matt Ryan’s backup. Coaches usually bring with them QBs who know their offense (Chudzinski bringing in Derek Anderson to Carolina is an example). Redman happens to be a free agent which is good for us. Redman knows how to operate Mularkey’s offense. Having a guy like that in camp will make things easier for Gabbert

2 years $5 million total, $2 million guaranteed

Marques Colston, WR, Saints – It was recently reported that Colston will not be giving the Saints a hometown discount this offseason. They’ll tag Brees and then work endlessly to lock him up until his retirement. I can’t see them being able to spend more than Gene and Khan would be willing to offer him. At least, they should be able to resign Meacham if they can’t keep Colston. Colston is a veteran WR with a huge frame at 6’4” 225 lbs. He has tremendous hands and can catch passes anywhere near his body. He is a proven #1 WR with consistent production. He is very physical. He is also a very high character person who has no off the field or diva-like issues. When looking at potential free agent WRs before this season started, Colston immediately jumped out to me as the type of person and player that Gene would be willing to sign. Jordy Nelson also fit that bill to a tee but he signed an extension with Green Bay during the season.

5 years $50 million total, $25 million guaranteed

Note: No Harry Douglass? No, with Mike Thomas’ extension and similar numbers to Douglass, there’s no need for him. They would have the same role in the offense.

Re-Signings

Jeremy Mincey

Dwight Lowery

William Middleton

Russell Allen

Josh Scobee

John Chick (not sure what he contract status is)

Leger Douzable

Notable Cuts

Brad Meester

Aaron Kampman

Draft

1.7 Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois 6’4” 265 lbs – I promise you, this will not be seen as a reach on draft day. It doesn’t matter that he’s a one year wonder. He was the best pass rusher in college football this year and those guys don’t fall. They rise. He’s a relentless pass rusher who had 16 sacks and has a knack for forcing fumbles (9 FF on the year). He’s the final piece to our 4 man front.

2.6 Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers 6’2” 215 lbs – Sanu is a big, physical WR who has a commitment to blocking downfield that is similar to Hines Ward. He has great hands, is not afraid to go over the middle, and put up great numbers (115 catches, 1206 yards, 7 TDs) this year despite being the only real playmaker on offense and dealing with a 2 QB system at Rutgers. He is also a very high character individual with no on/off the field issues.

3.7 Ladarius Green, TE, Louisiana Lafayette 6’6” 236 lbs – A big TE who was a WR in high school. He has much more athleticism to offer than Lewis.

4.6 Matt McCants, OT, UAB 6’6” 295 lbs – McCants is a guy who is most popular with scouts. He has an excellent frame and great athleticism to work with. He can backup Eben Britton who will start at RT.

5.7 Duke Ihenacho, SS, San Jose State 6’ 205 lbs – He is a playmaking safety who is a great leader and he will fill in for free agent Courtney Greene.

6.6 Lowery trade (just a guess that this is the pick)

7.7 Brian McNally, DE, New Hampshire 6’3” 265 lbs – Productive pass rusher (21 sacks total the last 2 years)