2012 NFL Draft Preview: Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jacksonville Jaguars made the first bold move of the 2011 NFL Draft when they traded up six spots to select Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert.

Unfortunately for Gabbert and the Jaguars, he was forced into action way too soon. And it showed.

Many of the rookie quarterbacks who played in 2011 showed promise. Gabbert rarely displayed anything positive. But, in Gabbert’s defense, the Jaguars had virtually no talent at the wide receiver position.

Maurice Jones-Drew was the Jaguars’ offense in 2011. Looking back at Jones-Drew’s season, you begin to realize how truly special it was. It was common for Jones-Drew to face eight, nine or sometimes even 10 men in the box. And he still led the NFL in rushing.

Many around the NFL criticized Gabbert for his pocket presence. Even when there was no pressure, he was looking for it. If a quarterback stares at the pressure, he will never succeed.

Gabbert deserves another season to see if he is indeed the quarterback of the future. The Jaguars added Laurent Robinson from Dallas and just this weekend signed Lee Evans. While those two should improve the wide receiver position, the team still needs help.

Robinson was cut several times before having a career season with the Cowboys. Can he repeat that success as the team’s go-to guy? And Evans, well, he caught four passes in 2011.

On defense, the Jaguars are close to becoming an elite unit. Fortunately for them, new coach Mike Mularkey convinced Mel Tucker to stay on board as the team’s defensive coordinator.

So, what are the Jaguars' three biggest needs heading into the draft?

Defensive End:  The Jaguars have one of the best defensive tackle combinations in the NFL. Imagine how dominant the defensive line could become if the team got more production at defensive end?

The team did re-sign Jeremy Mincey, which was a good move. Mincey has developed into a solid pass-rusher, but he needs help.

Picking No. 7 overall, the Jags will be in prime position to take all of the draft’s top pass-rushers.

Quinton Coples of North Carolina has been mentioned. But there are many questions concerning his effort. Would the Jags want to draft a player that high who has already exhibited a questionable work ethic?

Melvin Ingram of South Carolina could be the guy. While some deem No. 7 too high for Ingram, others believe he is the best defensive end prospect in this draft.

He has the ability to play in any style of defense, and his work ethic is unparalleled. Ingram was a very good college player and possesses tremendous character. The combination of Ingram and Mincey could be a good one.

Wide Receiver: When drafting a quarterback high, you have to surround him with weapons. Robinson is a start, but the Jags need to come out of this draft with at least two wide receivers.

If Justin Blackmon falls to them at No. 7, he could be too tempting to pass up. But don’t be surprised if the Jaguars seriously consider Michael Floyd of Notre Dame. Some teams have Floyd ahead of Blackmon as the top receiver prospect.

It is unlikely the Jaguars will use their first pick on a wide receiver because of the depth in this draft. In the second round, they could go look at Rueben Randle of LSU or Stephen Hill of Georgia Tech. Both have the ability to develop into future stars in the NFL.

Later in the draft, the Jaguars could take a look at Joe Adams, Ryan Broyles or Chris Givens. Adams and Givens figure to go in the third round, while Broyles, coming off an injury, is a good bet to go in the fourth.

Cornerback: Okay, it is true everyone needs cornerback depth. The Jaguars have had Rashean Mathis for years, and he has been good. But he is coming off an injury and re-signed with the team on a one-year deal. He isn’t in the team’s long-term plans.

Derek Cox, entering his fourth season, looks like a solid player. He, too, ended last season on injured reserve. Injuries have been a problem in the past two seasons for Cox.

Morris Claiborne will not be available for the Jaguars at No. 7. Could the Jags take Ingram’s teammate Stephon Gilmore with their first pick? Gilmore’s stock is climbing; however, the Jags' other needs appear to be more pressing.

Look for the Jags to target the cornerback position in the second and third rounds. Josh Norman of Coastal Carolina would be a good addition. He has good size and speed and did well against stronger competition.