Big Cat Country Q&A: What is the Jaguars’ weakest position group?

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Let’s answer some Jacksonville Jaguars questions as we head into the dead zone!

Jimmy from St. Cloud, FL

Q: Do you think we will improve in the red zone this season?

A: Yes... both because Gardner Minshew will have another year under his belt and because Jay Gruden is the offensive coordinator. His Cincinnati Bengals teams consistently ranked in the middle of the league in nearly every statistical category, including touchdowns, and Andy Dalton enjoyed his most success under Gruden’s game-planning and play-calling. You’re going to see the quarterback rolling out of the pocket, high-efficiency throws, timing routes, and more. And you’re going to see volume. Dalton went from 516 attempts in 2011 to 528 attempts in 2012 to 587 attempts in 2013. I’d be shocked with four straight runs at the goal line this year.

Thomas from Gainesville, FL

Q: How much does Yannick Ngakoue’s trade value decrease after July 15th? If he’s not traded, what happens if he “pulls a Ramsey” (that’s somewhere near the hamstring, right?) once the season starts?

A: I think the NFL Draft was the real deadline to see Yannick Ngakoue traded. Unless some team that needs to win now loses its starting defensive end in training camp, he’ll be on this roster for Week 1. As far as “pulling a Ramsey” I don’t see Ngakoue as that type of player... and yes, that’s after seeing the shenanigans he’s pulled on Twitter over the last few months.

Clyde from Jacksonville, FL

Q: If Andy Dalton has been released, why would we have to pay $18 million? Why can’t we make our own deal?

A: We can, I just think that’ll be his market value.

Kendra from Little Rock, AR

Q: Do you think any of our undrafted free agents have a chance to take over a starting role?

A: No, not a starting role. But I wouldn’t be surprised to see one or two of them make the 53-man roster. Remember, we drafted 12 players last week. That’s the biggest draft class in franchise history. Undrafted free agents are at a disadvantage.

Sony from London, UK

Q: A couple of drafts ago, the Jaguars passed on Lamar Jackson when he was available to them. At the time his running quarterback style would have been the perfect fit to go alongside Leonard Fournette but they went with Blake Bortles. Bet the front office regrets that one.

A: I bet they do too, Sony.

Art from Drexel Hill, PA

Q: What is the weakest part of the team now that the draft is over? To me it’s the offensive line, which was a problem before the draft.

A: I would say right now it’s cornerback with safety and quarterback not too far behind. If Ben Bartch can be what the Jaguars hope him to be, I think the offensive line will be serviceable. Not great, but good enough.