Jacksonville Jaguars Look To Spackle Over Remaining Holes

(Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

Over the past two years, the Jacksonville Jaguars primary focus has been on rebuilding both lines. Last year, the Jaguars grabbed defensive ends in the first two rounds after struggling with any sort of pass rush in 2007. 

This year they took two offensive tackles, addressing the issues that were encountered last season with a lack of quality depth. There were other holes to deal with this year, but the offensive line was a critical concern, and the Jaguars feel confident that they have fixed the issue.   

Other problems were also addressed through the draft this year. 

The release of veteran running back Fred Taylor created a need to find a running back to compliment the new front man, Maurice Jones-Drew.  The team moved to draft Rashad Jennings late on day two.

It is expected he will compete not only for an opening day roster spot, but he will push to be part of the rotation with Jones-Drew.   

Parting ways with Jerry Porter, Matt Jones, and Reggie Williams created a void at the wide-receiving position that the team addressed by signing Torry Holt to a contract. They spent two draft picks on receivers that should also compete for roster spots in training camp. 

Dennis Northcutt has been a consistent contributor for the group, and the expectation is that Mike Walker will take the next step in his progression this year, so it appears that the receiving corps is going to be much improved this season.

With Gerald Sensabaugh allowed to depart through free agency, the team looked to secure the secondary by trading up to grab Derek Cox and Sean Considine. The rookie is anticipated to push for a starting position opposite Rashean Mathis, allowing Brian Williams to move back to the Strong Safety spot.

With Reggie Nelson in the starting lineup, and Scott Starks coming back from injury, the Jaguars can use Considine as a special teams contributor, or in dime packages as needed.

If everything falls into place with those position battles, the Jaguars will still have holes that need to be addressed. But the hope is that they will be minimized to a certain extent by improvements made, and the team will be able to take a step forward in 2009.

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