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ESPN Insider Offseason Priorities: Jacksonville Jaguars

iowajerms

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In a league where patience is hard to find, the Jacksonville Jaguars have it. The club's 2014 season cannot be measured simply in terms of wins and losses, as this roster was in need of a major talent infusion when new owner Shad Khan hired general manager Dave Caldwell in 2013.

This isn't to say the team is satisfied with winning just three games in 2014, but coach Gus Bradley saw his vision of an attacking front seven take form and rookie QB Blake Bortles showed some positive traits (amid some struggles). If the Jaguars remain patient, they have a chance to reverse their fortune soon.

Here are four things on which they should focus their energies this offseason:

1. Shore up the offensive line

The Jaguars' initial plan was to sit rookie quarterback Blake Bortles -- the third overall selection in 2014 -- for his entire inaugural campaign. Part of that decision was likely rooted in the lack of talent along the offensive line. Jacksonville spent big on guard Zane Beadles in free agency, and 2013 first-round pick Luke Joeckel returned from a major injury suffered as a rookie, but the right side of the line remains an issue.

Cameron Bradfield was cut midseason after opening as a starter, and finding a dependable right tackle to anchor that side of the line needs to be a priority. Rookie Luke Bowanko had ups and downs once taking over as the starter at center, but he should show growth next season. The bottom line is: The offensive line must cut down on sacks allowed (they led the league with seventy-one in 2014).

2. Get a pass-rusher ...

The raw sack numbers for Jacksonville aren't bad -- forty-five, which was sixth in the NFL -- but a young edge rusher is badly needed. Veteran Chris Clemons has another year on his contract, but he'll turn 34 during the 2015 season. Jacksonville had a chance to select Khalil Mack last year but opted for Bortles, and while we're not saying that was the wrong decision, it puts a premium on finding young edge talent in this draft. (And also requires Bortles to take a big step forward in Year 2.)

3. ... and a pass-catching tight end

Part of developing a young quarterback is ensuring he has the tools around him to be successful. And there are few better security blankets than a natural pass-catcher at the tight end spot. Marcedes Lewis is a sufficient player, but he's set to be a free agent this offseason. A more athletic young tight end to go along with Jacksonville's running backs and intriguing young wide receivers (Allen Robinson, Marqise Lee, Allen Hurns, Ace Sanders) would beef up this offensive nucleus.

4. Pair a rangy free safety with Cyprien

The defensive blueprint that Bradley covets includes long, powerful cornerbacks who can play on the perimeter and a rangy free safety who can handle the deep middle portion of the field in their Cover 3 and Cover 1 tendencies. Johnathan Cyprien is a hard-hitting box safety, but he needs a complement to serve as an umbrella to protect against vertical passes downfield.

Offseason fixes for Jacksonville Jaguars - NFL - ESPN
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Did you really go around to every single team's website to copy/paste these articles?
 
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