What Positions Should the Jacksonville Jaguars Target in the 2015 NFL Draft?

With Year 2 of the David Caldwell/Gus Bradley era in the books, there is a lot of optimism in the building despite the Jacksonville Jaguars finishing with just three wins. This optimism stems from the incredible job these two have done to bring young, talented players into an organization that was drowning under terrible free-agent deals and draft picks made by the previous regime. 

In last year's draft alone, the Jaguars managed to pick up six players who made an immediate impact. Quarterback Blake Bortles, receivers Allen Robinson and Marqise Lee and offensive linemen Brandon Linder and Luke Bowanko all helped revamp an offense that was too reliant on the run in previous years. Defensively, linebacker Telvin Smith looks to be a fixture on the defense for years to come. Defensive end Chris Smith and corner Aaron Colvin also managed to show flashes in limited action. 

The success of this past draft is more than anyone could have hoped for. However, the team still needs to address plenty of needs before it can finally take that next step and be competitive in the AFC. With top draft picks in each round yet again, the Jaguars are in prime position to take care of these issues.

Tight End

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The Jaguars offense got a complete overhaul in the draft last year, but they didn't find a legitimate talent at was end. There were hopes that offseason phenom Marcel Jensen would prove to be a diamond in the rough, but he failed to impress. 

Instead, the Jaguars have been relying on veterans Marcedes Lewis and Clay Harbor. Both battled injuries this season but played well when called upon. However, 2015 may be their last year in Jacksonville as they will both be in their contract year. 

I expect the Jaguars to address tight end in free agency, at least in terms of looking for a viable starter for 2015 and beyond. The tight end class this year is fairly weak, especially compared to the number of premium, athletic tight ends who have come out recently.

It wouldn't be a surprise, though, if they decide to take a flier on one later on in the draft in hopes of developing him. Tight end is definitely not one of their bigger needs, so don't expect the team to draft one before the fourth round. 

Possible Players

Nick O'Leary, Florida State

This year's John Mackey Award winner logged a career year as Jameis Winston's No. 2 target with 614 yards and six touchdowns. He figures to be more of an H-back in the NFL, but given time to work on his game, he could be a surprise contributor down the line. 

Draft Projection: Third round or later 

Defensive End

The Jaguars pass rush is far and away the best unit on the team, finishing the season with 45 sacks, good for sixth-best in the league. Defensive tackle Sen'Derrick Marks and defensive end Chris Clemons, who combined for 16.5 sacks, led the pass rush.

As great as this unit has been for the team this year, the Jaguars need to inject some youth into it. Clemons is surprising everyone at age 33, but he is nothing more than a short-term solution. They need a legitimate, long-term threat on the outside playing the "Leo" end position. Andre Branch, a second-round pick from 2012, was looking promising before injury marred his season.

The Jaguars seemingly don't need help at defensive tackle after securing Roy Miller with a four-year, $16.25 million deal and having Marks play at a Pro Bowl level. However, Marks finished the season injured with a torn ACL, which has an initial rehab time of six to nine months. If Marks is hampered going into next season, it would be a substantial hole in an otherwise promising roster. 

If the Jaguars can find a top-tier outside pass-rusher early on in the draft, it will help give this defense even more of a bite. Defensive line isn't the biggest need for the Jaguars, but it may end up being the best value with their third overall pick in the draft. Don't be surprised if this is the first position the Jaguars hit.

Possible Players

Randy Gregory, Nebraska

Gregory is one of the top defensive prospects in this year's draft and for good reason. After recording 9.5 sacks and 16 tackles for loss in his sophomore year, Gregory continued to play well in his junior year, racking up 7.5 sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss despite missing three games. He has great size (6'6", 240 lbs), speed and length and would be a perfect fit at the Leo position. 

Draft Projection: First round

Leonard Williams, USC

Williams is ESPN draft guru Todd McShay's first pick for the Jaguars in his first mock draft of the season. As I stated earlier, the Jaguars are not in need of a defensive tackle, but Williams could still be in play for them regardless.

He is a top-tier player who could find his role in the big defensive end position currently held by Red Bryant. Bryant essentially plays as a third defensive tackle who excels at stopping the run. Williams' 8.5 tackles for loss show his ability to penetrate and blow up running plays. His combination of size (6'5", 300 lbs) and explosiveness would give opposing offensive linemen fits while trying to block him in the run and passing game.

Draft Projection: First round

Defensive Back

While the Jaguars pass rush was dominating, the pass coverage suffered early on in the season. The pass defense improved as the season went on, but there is still plenty of room for improvement. The secondary is still young, being comprised mostly of second-year players in corners Dwayne Gratz and Demetrius McCray and safeties Johnathan Cyprien and Josh Evans. 

Even though they are all young and trying to reach their potential, it wouldn't be a bad idea to add some competition. Two players in particular could face some serious heat from rookies: Evans and Gratz. 

Evans started 11 games in his rookie year due to an injury to Winston Guy. He did as well as you could expect from a sixth-round pick but struggled in coverage. He currently ranked 84th out of 87 eligible safeties in the league, according to Pro Football Focus. 

Gratz played well enough in his rookie year to take one of the starting spots at corner. His sophomore season, however, was a bit of a disappointment. He ranked 223rd out of 230 eligible corners in pass coverage, per PFF. Gratz still has time to develop into a good corner for the Jags, but they still may decide to bring a rookie in to push him. 

Possible Players

Jalen Collins, CB, LSU

Collins possesses the size that Bradley covets in corners. At 6'2" and 195 pounds, he is almost identical to Richard Sherman in Seattle. He is a physical corner who plays well at the line of scrimmage, using his size to outmuscle receivers. This would be a welcome trait in a division that features T.Y. Hilton and Andre Johnson.

Draft Projection: Second round

Kurtis Drummond, S, Michigan State

It is no secret that Bradley is trying to replicate in Jacksonville the Super Bowl-winning defense he built in Seattle. The Jags view former second-round pick Johnathan Cyprien as their equivalent to the hard-hitting Kam Chancellor. Now they just need someone to fill the role Earl Thomas plays as the ball hawk.

Drummond had four interceptions last season, just two less than the entire 2014 Jaguars team had. WalterFootball.com says, "Drummond is a smart and instinctive safety who covers a lot of ground in the back end. For the NFL, he looks like a potential starter at free safety. Drummond was one of the best safeties in the Big Ten in 2013, his first season as a full-time starter."

His play was a bit shaky toward the end of the year, which has hurt his draft stock a bit, but he still would be an excellent addition to this defense. 

Draft Projection: Fourth round or later

Offensive Line

Rick Scuteri/Associated Press

The Jaguars boast one of the youngest offenses in the league, including four offensive linemen with two years or less experience in the league. This led to Bortles being the most sacked quarterback in the league, despite not becoming a starter until Week 4. They need to shore up these issues in protection so as not to turn Bortles into another Blaine Gabbert. 

The player with the most pressure to perform is Luke Joeckel, who missed most of his rookie season with injury. The former second overall pick in the 2013 draft has not lived up to the billing so far in his young career. Out of left tackles who started all 16 games this season, Joeckel had the second-worst pass-blocking rating at minus-14.4, per Pro Football Focus. 

Joeckel isn't in danger of losing his starting spot, and he still has time to grow into the dominant force he was in college. However, depending on how the picks fall ahead of the Jaguars, the best player available may be an offensive lineman. If nothing else, they could replace Austin Pasztor and then give Bortles a pair of top-tier tackles to protect him. 

The other positions along the line should be secure despite the high number of sacks. Center Luke Bowanko and right guard Brandon Linder are both rookies and will benefit substantially from another full offseason with the first-team offense. Zane Beadles will likely remain a fixture by virtue of his contract but may get pushed if his play isn't consistent. 

Possible Players

Andrus Peat, Stanford

Peat has established himself as one of the top tackle prospect so far in this draft class. He is excellent in pass protection, something the Jaguars desperately need. Should the top two defensive linemen be off the board by the time the Jaguars pick, Peat looks to be the best pick. He should be a Day 1 starter and instantly improve the line.

Draft Projection: First round

Linebacker

The Jaguars hit the jackpot when they selected rookie linebacker Telvin Smith in the fifth round. He was knocked for his size (6'3", 218 lbs), but he has turned it into an advantage, using his speed to play sideline to sideline. He is the second-leading tackler on the team, had the most tackles among linebackers and has been nominated twice for Pepsi's Rookie of the Week Award.

However, the Jaguars still need to address the linebacker corps. Stalwart middle linebacker Paul Posluszny struggled earlier in the season before a pectoral injury sidelined him for the season. Given his level play and contract, finding a suitable replacement for him may be a priority this offseason in order to save the team down the line. His job is safe for now, according to John Oehser of Jaguars.com, but now would be the best time to start grooming his replacement. 

The outside linebacker positions have experienced quite a change throughout the course of the season. Dekoda Watson, who was brought in to play Bradley's new "Otto" linebacker spot, was cut in the middle of the season due to subpar play. LaRoy Reynolds, who started the year at the Otto spot, was benched in favor of J.T. Thomas. Thomas, along with Smith, has been an excellent surprise for the Jaguars. 

One linebacker who may find himself the odd man out is Geno Hayes. He bounced back from a down 2013 season to have a decent 2014 season. However, he is still someone who could be upgraded, especially with Bradley's emphasis on speed at the linebacker position. 

Possible Players

Eric Kendricks, UCLA  

If the Jags look for a linebacker who can play against the run and the pass, Kendricks is their guy. He would be a three-down linebacker in the NFL. The 2014 Dick Butkus Award winner was a tackling machine for the Bruins last year, logging 96 solo tackles, including double-digit tackles in three of his final five games. In fact, he logged 10 or more total tackles in all but two of his games this year. He can play both the inside and outside spots, bringing a lot of versatility that Bradley would love. 

Draft Projection: Second round

Mike Hull, Penn State

For a later-round fix, Hull may be the answer for the Jaguars at the middle linebacker spot. He is your typical two-down run-stuffer but does have some pass-coverage ability. With fellow Penn State alum Posluszny there to mentor him, Hull could become the future middle linebacker for the Jags. 

Draft Projection: Fifth round or later

Note: All draft projections in this article are from CBS Sports.