FanPost

What the Jags (might) Do This Offseason (maybe)

Jags Regime

Under the leadership of Tom Coughlin and Doug Marrone, there has been a clear vision for this team. In my opinion, in keeping with that vision, this is how the Jags off-season might look.

1) Roster Decisions

  • WR Marqise Lee (free agent) - team lets him test market and he eventually signs elsewhere; this is why you drafted WR Dede Westbrook
  • LG Patrick Omameh (free agent) - similar to Lee in that he won't be a Jag in 2018, but the guard position will be addressed in both Free Agency and the Draft
  • MLB Paul Posluszny (free agent) - team likely lets him hit the market; it's hard to say at this point on whether he would take a significant hometown discount deal to remain on this defense to compete for a championship, or if he walks to get paid at a higher number while he's still productive
  • QB Chad Henne (free agent) - team lets him walk, as it's time to find a younger, cheaper backup
  • TE Marcedes Lewis - at 33 years old and limited as a receiver, Jacksonville remains his best fit; he is under contract for $3.5M in 2018 and I think he again restructures to remain with the team; they can sign him through 2020 and lower his cap hits, and add incentives; he wants to bring a Super Bowl to JAX and retire a Jag more than any player on this roster
  • WR Allen Hurns - stays put
  • RB Chris Ivory - released due to cap
  • P Brad Nortman - released due to cap; can draft replacement in 7th round or sign undrafted free agent
  • WR Allen Robinson - remains a Jaguar through 2018 (either on a 1-year "prove it" deal, or under the franchise tag)
  • NB Aaron Colvin - re-signed to a 4-year deal
  • QB Blake Bortles - remains a Jaguar through 2018 on his 5th year option
The Jaguars will go after Kirk Cousins. In fact, their first phone call when legal tampering begins will be to Cousins' agent to explore the possibility. But someone else will be willing to pay more, maybe a lot more, than the Jaguars' regime will (such as the New York Jets, Cleveland Browns, or Denver Broncos). It's not that the Jags can't afford Cousins - it's that there will come a point when the total asking price and commitment will exceed his value enough to make it not worth it.

2) Free Agent Acquisitions

Once the Jags are out of the Kirk Cousins Sweepstakes, the team will know that Blake is the starter for 2018. The team also already knows at this point that the defense is ready to compete for a championship. So the goal has to be to improve the offense to make Blake's job (or his 2019 replacement's job) even easier.

ANDREW NORWELL, OG (Panthers)

Norwell was the First-Team All-Pro left guard in 2017 and also earned First-Team All-Pro honors from Pro Football Focus. At 26 years old, he is the Jaguars' best opportunity to upgrade the offensive line immediately and for the future.

TREY BURTON, TE (Eagles)

Burton was one of the Eagles top red zone targets, catching a career-high five touchdowns (23 catches, 248 yards, 10.8 yards per catch). Also only 26, he has consistently improved and could become a reliable receiving threat over-the-middle and underneath. He also won't be very expensive for his potential, likely about a $6M cap hit.

TOM SAVAGE, QB (Texans)

It makes sense to replace Henne with a younger, cheaper backup on a short-term deal until the QB situation becomes more clear for the future. If Bortles is the starter in 2018, the team needs to bring someone in who costs less than Henne, has a few starts under their belt, and can be a serviceable #2. The team can decide later whether it wants to keep 3 quarterbacks (Bortles, Savage, draft pick), or just 2. If Bortles is the only QB under contract for 2018 entering the Draft - it forces their hand too much.

DEPTH / SPECIAL TEAMS CONTIBUTORS (Anywhere)

This is pretty obvious, but there are always a few signings that address the bottom of the roster. Look here at inside linebackers, safeties, and wide receivers.

3) The Draft (Rounds 1-3)

1 (29th): Will Hernandez, OG - UTEP

If the Jaguars want to make things easier for Fournette and Bortles (or Bortles' 2019 replacement), solidifying the interior of the offensive line is the best way how. One NFC scout told NFL.com, "He's exactly what you are looking for in terms of his work ethic and how much he loves the game. He will clique instantly in the offensive line room and he will be one of the strongest and toughest guys on the team."

Four-year starter at left guard and the most highly-decorated offensive linemen in UTEP history. Hernandez possesses a rare combination of power, balance, and athletic ability. He is a plus run blocker with the anchor and footwork to handle himself in pass protection as well. Though he lacks height and length teams would like, it shouldn't hurt his stock much. Hernandez should be able to step in as an immediate starter with a high ceiling.

2 (61st): Hayden Hurst, TE - South Carolina

Despite the signing of Trey Burton, Hurst has a different skill set and most teams keep 3 tight ends (at least) every year. If one of those is Marcedes Lewis - the Jaguars still would benefit by drafting one for the future, especially one who can be an immediate difference maker in the passing game. The passing offense was the Jaguars' biggest weakness in 2017, and adding a dynamic athlete will help.

Hurst's initial opportunity at athletic stardom came up short in baseball, but he has his second shot and plays like every down could be his last. His fearless play demeanor combined with size, strength and athleticism make him a well-rounded prospect with the versatility to line up all over the field. He's sure-handed and could become a young quarterback's safety blanket if he improves elements of his route running. He should see early snaps and has the ability to become a good combination tight end.

3 (93rd): Luke Falk, QB - Washington State

The Jaguars have kicked the can down the road to get to this point. The hope is obvious: Bortles elevates his level of play, it all comes together, and the Jags are Super Bowl Champions. But if he doesn't improve - then the team better have drafted someone this year to at least be ready to compete for the job in 2019. You cannot go into this season with only 2 quarterbacks, Bortles and Henne, on the roster. That's why I believe the team will let Henne walk in free agency, sign a younger cheaper backup (i.e. Tom Savage), and draft a quarterback somewhere in the first 3 rounds.

Tall quarterback who stands tall in the pocket throughout the rep. Can see over the murk up front. Quick setup in the pocket with bounding, easy feet. Possesses a quick, compact release. Spins a pretty spiral. Gets ball out instantly and accurately on short throws and throws in front of him. Shows an ability to attack one-on-one defenders with accurate fades and back-shoulder throws. Able to work from sideline to sideline with his progressions. Accurate timing throws on deep outs are second nature after years in this offense. Has arm talent to uncork accurate strikes when falling off-balance. Able to slide in all directions inside pocket to buy additional time. Throws very catchable ball that hits receivers in stride. Will look-off high safety out of position to open the middle of the field for a post throw. Throws with plus ball placement.

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