Big Cat Country Q&A: Are the Jacksonville Jaguars rebuilding? (Yes.)

Let’s answer some questions about the Jacksonville Jaguars, viability, expectations for the 2020 NFL season, and Julius Caesar.

Diz from Frisco, TX

Q: With Shad Khan saying 2019 was unacceptable, why does it seem like the Jaguars are stripping down the roster and rebuilding?

A: That’s simple — because the Jaguars are stripping down the roster and rebuilding. I don’t think Shad has been as forthcoming as he should be, but him saying the 2019 season was unacceptable was based on expectations. Their defense kept them in a lot of games they shouldn’t have been the year before and all the blame was placed on the quarterback. That’s fair. But then they solved that problem with Nick Foles, who was Blake Bortles levels of bad plus an albatross of a contract that has hamstrung them this offseason. The performance in 2019 was unacceptable based on the talent they thought they had. The Jaguars could win the same number of games in 2020 and Shad will likely think the season turned out “better” because it better matches their expectations. Does that make sense?

Brian from Neptune Beach, FL

Q: I keep hearing we should force Yannick Ngakoue to play here on the tag or sit out and lose out on a high earning year that he can’t get back. But what prevents his back from hurting after Week 1? Didn’t Jalen Ramsey create the blueprint for how a disgruntled player can force his way out without ever missing a paycheck?

A: Sort of? It’s not out of the realm of possibility for Ngakoue to pull a Ramsey, but I just don’t see him as that sort of person or player. He’ll either sit out or he’ll play.

RJ from Sanford, FL

Q: What are the top positions the Jaguars should fill before the draft?

A: Cornerback, wide receiver, and linebacker.

Al from Raleigh, NC

Q: Any possible free agent targets you think the Jaguars have there eyes on?

A: I would be shocked if Robby Anderson isn’t targeted by Jacksonville.

Benjamin from Kershaw, SC

Q: Is there anyone in the 2020 NFL Draft class that is worth the Jaguars trading up for at the top of first round? Also, and this could garner the same answer, but who in this class would provide the biggest immediate improvement to the roster?

A: You’re right that it’s the same answer — Isaiah Simmons.

Art from Drexel Hill, PA

Q: This is a rebuild. I would bet money that Dave Caldwell and Doug Marrone have been told they’ll be back next year. It makes no sense to allow them to oversee the first phase (drafting) if they weren’t going to stick around. Do you agree?

A: I agree. I don’t think either of them is on the hot seat.

Tanner from Jacksonville, FL

Q: If you had to give out a $22 million per year contract for five years, would you rather have Jadeveon Clowney or Yannick Ngakoue?

A: It’s Yannick by a mile and that’s even factoring in his last six months worth of tweets.

Julius Caesar from The Roman Empire

Q: If Tua Tagovailoa falls to No. 9 overall do we take him?

A: Well Julius, I do believe he falls to No. 9 overall but I don’t think we should take him nor do I think we will.