Jaguars coach Gus Bradley always talks about opportunity. Every play, every drive and every game is an opportunity to get better and for players to challenge each other.
It's why he kept the Jaguars' offense pushing toward the goal line in the final minutes against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 17. It's why he's made a point to not emphasize the score and used the word "improvement" constantly in press conferences.
The week of Jan. 20, the Jaguars will have another opportunity. On Thursday, the Senior Bowl announced that Jacksonville's coaching staff will coach the South team at the 2014 Senior Bowl. For the week of practice, Bradley and his staff will get a closer look at the prospects in Mobile, Ala. than any other team. This offseason is an opportunity for the Jaguars to upgrade their roster, and it starts at the Senior Bowl.
Here are a few prospects the Jaguars should pay close attention to in Mobile.
Jeremiah Attaochu, LEO, Georgia Tech
Throughout Bradley's season-ending press conference, he mentioned the pass rush as a point of emphasis this offseason. The Jaguars improved in that area in 2013, but the combination of Andre Branch and Jason Babin won't cut it moving forward. Georgia Tech defensive end Jeremiah Attaochu will be working closely with the Jaguars coaches at the Senior Bowl and could be an ideal fit for the LEO spot in Jacksonville's defense. Attaochu plays best in a wide alignment, which is exactly how the Jaguars would use him. He has a great first step off the line of scrimmage and has shown off a variety of pass rush moves in his dominant senior season. Few players fit with the Jaguars better than Attaochu, and he may be available at the top of the second round.
Telvin Smith, Linebacker, Florida State
Look around the Jaguars' roster and chances are you will find an area that can be upgraded. Linebacker is one of those spots. General manager Dave Caldwell won't be able to address every need in this draft, but it stands to reason the Jaguars can find some more talent at linebacker. Florida State's Telvin Smith will need to add size, but he flashes positive traits in coverage. His length and change of direction ability along with his speed make him a tough matchup for any tight end. He can also get after the passer with first step quickness on the edge. He would be a welcome addition to the Jaguars' front seven.
Gabe Jackson, Guard, Mississippi State
The interior of the Jaguars' offensive line was atrocious in 2013. WIth Luke Joeckel back, the Jaguars offensive line will improve, but until they find a guard or two, it will be tough to get anything going as an offense. Mississippi State guard Gabe Jackson is the type of athletic guard who could excel in the Jaguars' scheme. He's a dominant pass blocker and has a great understanding of protection schemes. He was calling out a lot of Mississippi State's calls from his guard spot. Interior offensive line play is more important than ever in the NFL, and Jackson has the potential to be a quality starter in the league.