Draft Analysis: Jacksonville Jaguars Team Needs

April 15, 2008 @ 11:21:25

By Ilan Mochari
Edited by Cory J. Bonini

2007 Finish: 11-5 (AFC South - 2nd Place), Playoff team

2008 Draft Pick: 26th Overall

Key Positional Needs: LT, RG, DT, DE, SS, RS

Head Coach: Jack Del Rio

Offensive Coordinator: Dirk Koetter

Defensive Coordinator: Gregg Williams

Key Losses: QB Quinn Gray (UFA - Houston Texans), RB LaBrandon Toefield (UFA - Carolina Panthers), WR Ernest Wilford (UFA - Miami Dolphins), OG Chris Naeole (released), OT Stockar McDougle (UFA - unsigned), DT Marcus Stroud (traded to Buffalo Bills), DT Grady Jackson (UFA - unsigned), DE Bobby McCray (UFA - New Orleans Saints), CB Terry Cousin (UFA - unsigned), CB Aaron Glenn (UFA - Saints), SS Sammy Knight (UFA - New York Giants).

Key Additions: QB Cleo Lemon (UFA - Dolphins), QB Todd Bouman (UFA - St. Louis Rams), WR Jerry Porter (UFA - Oakland Raiders), WR Troy Williamson (acquired via trade - Minnesota Vikings), DT Jimmy Kennedy (UFA - Chicago Bears), CB Drayton Florence (UFA - San Diego Chargers).

Key Offensive Positions Needed

Quarterback

The team doesn't figure to significantly address the position. Starter David Garrard, 30, signed a six-year, $60 million deal. Last year's backup, Quinn Gray, signed with the Texans. The Jaguars signed both Cleo Lemon, 28, and Todd Bouman, 35. Given the ages of these signal callers, it's conceivable the Jaguars could draft a developmental player for the group.

Running Back

The team doesn't figure to significantly address the position.

Wide Receiver

The team doesn't figure to significantly address the position.

Tight End

The team doesn't figure to significantly address the position.

Offensive Tackle

Right tackle Tony Pashos, 27, is excellent. However, the Jaguars may upgrade at left tackle. Incumbent Khalif Barnes, 26, has been serviceable but not the star the Jaguars envisioned when they drafted him in round two in 2005. Moreover, Barnes has had two off-field incidents. This draft is deep with tackles, and the Jaguars may be tempted to upgrade. Backup Richard Collier remains a project. McDougle, who played in 11 games, will not return.

Offensive Guard

On the left side, Vincent Manuwai, 27, is very solid: He has started 77 of 79 career games. The right side isn't as strong, but it appears the Jaguars can live with that: The team recently re-signed Maurice Williams, 29, to a four-year deal. Maurice Williams started the final eight games last season, replacing injured Chris Naeole (torn quadriceps), who has since been released. Backups Dennis Norman and Uche Nwaneri also return.

Center

The team doesn't figure to significantly address the position.

Key Defensive Positions Needed

Defensive End

The loss of Bobby McCray, 26, was significant. Paul Spicer, 32, recorded 7.5 sacks last season, but he has never exceeded that total. Reggie Hayward, 29, logged only 3.5 sacks. He has not been the same since missing 2006 with a torn Achilles' tendon. With defensive ends like Derrick Harvey of the University of Florida, Calais Campbell of the University of Miami (Fla.) and Philip Merling of Clemson University available in the mid first round, the Jaguars may trade up from 26th overall.

Defensive Tackle/Nose Tackle

Though the Jaguars could draft Stroud's replacement, they may put their faith in Rob Meier. Meier, 30, has 34 career starts and 19.5 career sacks, all in the shadow of the Stroud-John Henderson tandem. Second-year man Derek Landri will also compete for snaps. It's worth noting Stroud missed seven games last season. The Jaguars went 5-2 with Meier, Landry and Jackson manning the position. Now Jackson is gone, replaced by Kennedy, a slight upgrade.

Linebacker

The team doesn't figure to significantly address the position.

Cornerback

The team doesn't figure to significantly address the position.

Free Safety

The team doesn't figure to significantly address the position.

Strong Safety

The Jaguars haven't acquired a replacement for Sammy Knight, who led the team with 79 solo tackles. Who will start? Probably Gerald Sensabaugh, 24, who started the first two games but missed the rest with a torn left labrum. In addition, there's a chance Brian Williams could move to strong safety, if Drayton Florence and Scott Starks push for playing time at the corners. The Jaguars could also address this position in the draft. 

Key Special Teams Positions Needed

Place Kicker

The team doesn't figure to significantly address the position.

Punter

The team doesn't figure to significantly address the position.

Return Specialist

Wide receiver Dennis Northcutt averaged 9.2 yards per punt return, ranking 13th. Running back Maurice Jones-Drew averaged 26.2 yards per kick return, ranking sixth. However, both may have larger roles on offense this season. Jones-Drew, 23, stands to vulture carries from Taylor, 32. Northcutt, for his part, will get more snaps if wideout Jerry Porter - who missed 12 games in 2006 and six in 2003 - gets hurt again. Drafting a return specialist indemnifies the Jaguars from these personnel risks.

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Ilan Mochari
Ilan Mochari has been a KFFL contributor since 2007.

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