Jacksonville Has to Add Experience and Leadership to the Offensive Line in 2015

To say that the 2014 season was disappointing for the Jacksonville Jaguars is a fair analysis. Any season that ends with a 3-13 record is disappointing. There was a lot of hype for a team that was youthful and seemingly had potential playmakers.

Coming into the season, the Jaguars made some moves to try avoiding a season like their 4-12 showing in 2013. Jaguars general manager David Caldwell understood the need for a veteran presence for the second-youngest team in the NFL—at least on defense.

Free-agency signings like Chris Clemons and Red Bryant from the Seattle Seahawks to help lead the defensive line were excellent moves. This veteran experience was crucial to creating a sense of confidence and a "never say die" attitude. 

On the offensive side of the ball, veteran experience was far less prevalent.

The Jaguars started five rookies, including Blake Bortles at quarterback starting in Week 4. With that kind of youth, mistakes were going to be made. If the Jaguars want get better and help these rookies learn and improve going forward, they just need to follow up with the same strategy as they used for the defensive line and focus on the other side of the trenches. 

A lot of analysts and sports personalities have called for the Jaguars to go and get a top-tier wide receiver, including Bleacher Report NFL Analyst Chris Simms. 

I couldn't agree more. However, the smarter move is to prioritize going after a couple veterans to anchor the offensive line before anything else.

Caldwell Understands the Need for Experienced Players on Offense

Between Bortles and Chad Henne, a Jacksonville QB was sacked 71 times this season. Before Bortles can throw to a weapon at wide receiver or tight end, he has to have time to throw. It was evident as the season wore on that Bortles felt short on time due to poor blocking.

But looking onward to this offseason, there is no reason to expect the Jaguars to pinch pennies. This year, the Jaguars can pursue players who are not only veterans, but also talented players who would start for the majority of NFL franchises. 

At his end-of-the-season press conference, Caldwell stated that the Jaguars plan to spend as well as admitting, "I probably in hindsight should have had more veteran presence going into this year, where we weren’t so forced to play so many rookies right away."

I'd agree, Mr. Caldwell.

It has to be evident to Caldwell and the front office that both the left tackle and right tackle positions are in need of proven veterans more than any other position on the line. 

Current Situation for the Offensive Line

Tackles Luke Joeckel, Sam Young and Austin Pasztor were mediocre at best in 2014. It is a real possibility that none of the three will start in 2015. However, I would bet that at least two of the three will remain with the Jaguars.

Too much money was spent on drafting Joeckel with the No.2 overall pick in 2013 to release him, but as for Young, cutting him may be the best choice. Young replaced Pasztor going into Week 14 after Pasztor tore his hamstring against the New York Giants in Week 13.

At guard and center, the Jaguars can probably wait; however, getting someone to teach center Luke Bowanko going into his sophomore season would be a viable move.

The sixth-round pick out of Virginia has played exceptionally well for his age, but a center with more experience would be a sensible pickup. 

The most solid positions for the Jaguars offensive line are the two guard spots, with Brandon Linder and Zane Beadles being the most likely starters going into 2015, albeit for different reasons. 

Phelan M. Ebenhack/Associated Press/Associated Press/Associated Press/Associated Press

Linder has been similar to Bowanko, but his play has been at an even higher level, to the point where some considered him to be Pro Bowl worthy. If anyone is a building block for the Jaguars going forward, it's Linder. His consistent play will be crucial for Jacksonville in 2015. 

Beadles, on the other hand, has played somewhat below expectations, but there is too much invested in him financially to make any drastic changes.

Who Are Some Potential Targets?

At left tackle, the best option is probably King Dunlap. Dunlap, 29, has played at a Pro Bowl level all season for the San Diego Chargers but was snubbed by the voters. Dunlap, an unrestricted free agent, is in the second season of his two-year contract. 

As for right tackle, it gets a little trickier.

Pasztor is an average tackle, but realistically, the Jaguars could do much better. Dallas Cowboys tackle Jermey Parnell did very well replacing fellow Cowboys free agent Doug Free in the Wild Card Game against the Detroit Lions and would be a legitimate tackle who could help that right side. Also, Parnell might be a more realistic pickup for the Jags than someone with a bigger reputation like Free.

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

The Jaguars have a lot to work on before the 2015 season starts. While they've made strides in the past year or so, results have to start coming in. And the best way to do that is obtain some leaders on offense. 

Who do you think the Jaguars should go after? Share your opinion in the comments below.

All statistics were found at Pro-Football-Reference.com unless otherwise stated.

Evan Reier is a first-year journalism major at the University of Alabama and a member of Bleacher Report's APSM program. Follow Evan on Twitter and Instagram at @evanreier.