Predicting the Jacksonville Jaguars' Starters After the 1st Wave of Free Agency
The Jacksonville Jaguars have a long way to go before Week 1, but you can already start to see the roster taking shape. Free-agent signings and releases have already started to shape the team, and with the NFL draft right around the corner, more changes are due.
The 2015 team has been in the making since the entrance of general manager Dave Caldwell and head coach Gus Bradley. Bradley and Caldwell have been building through the draft, and now it’s crunch time.
Players like Blake Bortles are entering their second or third season, and with the newly added experience in this year’s free-agency signings, the team is shaping up nicely.
However, this leaves less excuses. This season is “do or die” for Caldwell and Bradley, and while the organization and its fans may not be expecting a playoff berth, there need to be results.
The Jaguars have a lot to prove. For the first time in two to three years, fans are no longer going to be patient. The plan has to bear fruit, and this roster is the building blocks of this season.
It still may be a ways away, but the Jaguars have formed their squad to completion closer than most people think. With that being said, let’s look at my predictions for the Jaguars' starting lineup come Week 1.
QB: Blake Bortles
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Blake Bortles will continue to get reps and be the starting quarterback in Jacksonville to no surprise. The Jaguars drafted Bortles third overall in the 2014 NFL draft, and he will try to prove he is the “franchise QB” they desperately need.
Bortles’ first season was a rough one. He threw for 2,908 yards, 11 touchdowns and a painful 17 interceptions. However, where Bortles struggled is where a lot of fans and the organizations have hope.
Bortles is not afraid of the NFL. He is the opposite of Blaine Gabbert in almost every way he plays. He looks to make throws and truly wants to help this team succeed.
Bortles won’t be perfect in his sophomore year, but the free agents he will receive in Julius Thomas and Jermey Parnell will be a huge help to his success. Look for improvement from Bortles, but he’ll still be raw and will make mistakes.
RB: Denard Robinson
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If there was a surprise performer of the 2014 season, it has to be Denard Robinson. Robinson showed that he’s starting to improve as a running back, and his breakout games midway through last season are what the Jaguars will expect to see in 2015.
Robinson has been an interesting member of the Jaguars over the past two seasons. One of the most popular quarterbacks in college football became a running back for Jacksonville, and while it may have taken a year or two, he’s starting to show his ability.
Robinson averaged 4.3 yards a carry in 2014, a full yard improvement over his 3.3 average in 2013. Robinson’s speed and vision saved him from sacks in Michigan, and now it’s helping him score touchdowns for the Jaguars.
Robinson may not hold the job through the season, especially if the Jaguars use a second or third pick in the draft for a running back. However, Robinson proved last season that he’s earned the starting spot come Week 1.
WR: Allen Robinson
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Allen Robinson was one of the smartest selections made by the Jaguars in the 2014 NFL draft, and it showed this past season. Robinson was consistent, smart and ready to compete in the NFL, a trait that many rookies lack.
Robinson was unfortunate to have his season cut short by injury, but during his first 10 games, he totaled 548 yards and two touchdowns. Those are not bad rookie numbers, but what was encouraging was his connection with Bortles.
As the season progressed, Robinson seemed to develop a strong link with Bortles. It was less garbage-time yards and more competitive, entertaining football.
Robinson is an aggressive, tough receiver and could be a major part of the Jaguars offense for years to come. He will be the top receiver to start the 2015 season, and he’s ready for it.
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WR: Marqise Lee
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Coming into the 2014 season, Marqise Lee was possibly the most exciting addition to the offense. His speed (4.52 40-yard dash) and big-play ability brought high hopes for a receiver who would remind the fans of Jimmy Smith.
That didn’t quite happen. Lee racked up 422 yards in 13 games and only one touchdown. However, Lee was not a failure by any means. Nagging injuries kept him limited even when he was playing, and his numbers aren’t that low, especially for a rookie.
Lee isn’t probably the Jaguars' first option for a speed receiver, but if he continues to get reps with Blake Bortles, the future looks bright. Lee is talented and athletic, and he’ll have the chance to prove his worth this season.
WR: Allen Hurns
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Was there anything crazier than Allen Hurns’ opening week? His first two catches were both for touchdowns, and he helped the Jaguars gain a 17-0 lead over the Philadelphia Eagles!
Thirty-four unanswered points later, Hurns’ fiery start cooled down considerably. He brought down 51 receptions for 677 yards and six touchdowns but was the best rookie in a young receiver corps.
Hurns seemed to light the NFL on fire at times. He seems to have these spurts where he creates and dominates but then has pockets of anonymity. If he can become a bit more consistent in his sophomore season, he could be lethal for the Jaguars.
Hurns was a steal for the Jaguars in the 2014 season, and his ability to find space and create big plays has earned his spot as the third or second receiver for the Jaguars in 2015.
TE: Julius Thomas
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Arguably the biggest free-agency signing the Jaguars have made in the past few years, Julius Thomas is a no-brainer for the starting tight end spot.
He has brought down 24 touchdowns in the past two seasons and will be expected to be a lethal weapon for Bortles in the 2015 season. Thomas isn’t much of a blocker, but he’s a mismatch nightmare.
The Jaguars will look at him as another receiver rather than a true tight end. You may not see Thomas picking up blocks and setting the edge, but you can expect to see him in the end zone instead.
Marcedes Lewis will be competing for Thomas’ spot, but I can’t imagine anyone beating Thomas for the position. It’s nice to say that Lewis is a backup, but for the time being, the Jaguars will focus on Thomas’ game.
LT: Jermey Parnell
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Jermey Parnell may become the Jaguars' free-agent signing of the season and not because of his individual effort. He will complete an offensive line that, if it continues to improve on last season, will be a complete and strong set of blockers.
Parnell is a guy who has had to sit behind players like Doug Free at the Dallas Cowboys, but when he got his chance to step in because of injuries the past two seasons, he proved that he can start on an NFL roster.
Parnell may not have the starting experience of most veterans, but he’s a complete tackle and has learned a lot as a backup with the Cowboys. Expect Parnell to start and to, as he put it to Mike Dempsey of Jaguars Today, play like a “prick.”
LG: Zane Beadles
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Zane Beadles was one of the most expensive and exciting signings of last year’s free-agency period. However, he didn’t quite live up to the hype or his pay. He’ll be the starter for the Jaguars in Week 1. But he has to be careful, or he could lose his spot quickly.
Beadles disappointed in 2014, but he really wasn’t that bad. The standard of quality is raising for the Jaguars, and Beadles learned that very quickly. Beadles wasn’t helpless, and he probably wasn’t the worst member of the line last season. But Jacksonville has work to do.
Now that Beadles has settled in, he has no excuses. He’s shown that he can perform for top-level teams like the Denver Broncos, and he needs to perform in Jacksonville this upcoming season.
C: Luke Bowanko
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I’d say that almost no one thought Luke Bowanko would come in and be a solid center for the Jags in 2014. Drafted in the sixth round of the 2014 NFL draft, Bowanko came in as a rookie and earned a starting spot last season.
He didn’t start the first two games of the season. But when he came in and started in Week 3 against the Indianapolis Colts, Bowanko performed well for his age (23) against a tough Colts defensive line.
Bowanko isn’t perfect, but he’s young and talented. He has a lot to offer going forward, and if he can continue to improve and perform consistently, he can become another important member of the Jaguars offense.
RG: Brandon Linder
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Brandon Linder was the best performer out of the 2014 draft class. He played very well for the majority of the season and became a rock for the Jaguars offensive line—a much-needed one at that.
Linder started for the Jaguars in Week 1 last season, and I see him starting Week 1 this season. He is quick for his size (6'6", 311 pounds, with a 5.35 40-yard dash), smart and has developed a solid partnership with the rest of the offensive line.
The Jaguars may have an incredible offensive line including a couple of Pro Bowl-level blockers in 2015. Linder will have a lot of pressure to continue to perform, but if he can just build on last season’s success, he will be a huge part of the Jaguars offense.
RT: Austin Pasztor
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Austin Pasztor is a decent tackle who will start for the Jaguars in 2015 but not without some serious competition. He started for the majority of last season before getting injured against the New York Giants, but now that there is competition, we’ll see if it lasts.
Pasztor has Luke Joeckel and Brennan Williams both looking to take his spot. While this is the same for Parnell, Pasztor’s spot is definitely the easier of two paths to a starting tackle spot.
Pasztor has a lot of work to do if he wants to maintain his starting spot. He’s not a bad player by any means, but the Jaguars now have serious competition at the tackle spots. If Pasztor slips up, it will be his spot that will be the first to change.
LDE: Randy Gregory
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Here’s the third overall pick! The Jaguars need an edge-rusher for this upcoming season, and Randy Gregory is the guy. He has had a stellar college career, and if he can train and improve with the Jaguars, he has the potential to be a monster in the NFL.
Gregory had 17.5 sacks in the past two years for the Nebraska Cornhuskers and has shown he has a high ceiling. He improved as time went on and, even though he was double-teamed and marked, was still able to get to the quarterback in his second year.
Gregory will be the Jaguars’ gamble of the draft, but I think it’s a safe bet. He can do the things the Jaguars need him to do and also offers the ability to move back to linebacker if needed. Gregory will replace Red Bryant and become the Jaguars’ premier pass-rusher.
DT: Sen'Derrick Marks
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Sen’Derrick Marks has been one of the most pleasant surprises of the Caldwell-Bradley era. Marks played well in 2013 and showed that he could not only play in the Jaguars’ system, but excel in it as well.
Marks is dangerous in many ways. He’s a big body (6'2", 294 lbs), and if he gets his hand on a running back, he’ll bring him down. He’s also proved his pass-rushing capabilities, tallying 12.5 sacks the past two years, with 8.5 last season.
Marks has become an all-around beast at defensive tackle for the Jaguars. He can block passes, rush and play the run, and he is the all-around performer for the Jaguars defensive line. If anyone’s a lock on the defensive line, it’s Marks.
DT: Jared Odrick
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Jared Odrick, 27, will be the other new starter to the defensive line, although he’s a bit older than Gregory (22). Odrick has had a successful career with the Miami Dolphins, and you can expect him to be a starter for the Jaguars in 2015.
Odrick wasn’t quite the player he was in previous seasons in 2014. He totaled one sack and 23 combined tackles, but he upped his passes defended to a respectable five. Odrick is versatile, and if he teams up with Marks, they could be a very dangerous combo.
Odrick is getting starter money and has the talent to start for almost any team in the NFL. He needs to improve on last season and partner up with Marks, though, if he wants to keep his job past Week 1 of 2015.
RDE: Chris Clemons
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Chris Clemons was a rock for the Jaguars defensive line in 2014 and will continue to be one in 2015. The cutting of Bryant means that Clemons lost a teammate he’s had since his days in Seattle, but that won’t stop him from causing havoc for NFL offenses.
Clemons was incredible in 2014, totaling eight sacks and forcing four fumbles. He was a beast, and while he’s continuing to get older (33), he still can perform at the top level of the NFL.
Clemons is a force for the Jaguars defensive line, and a big reason why it’s the best group of the Jaguars in general. Clemons will be the starter in 2015, and he can hopefully teach Gregory or whichever defensive end the Jaguars draft to become a bit like him.
MLB: Paul Posluszny
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Very few players have stuck through the Bradley-Caldwell era like Paul Posluszny. In that process he has become not only a yearly starter, but an important leader to his fellow linebackers and the defense as a whole.
Posluszny is known for getting around the field and making tackles, and the team missed that in his nine absent games in 2014. The Jaguars will welcome him back in 2015—not because of his stats, but because of his leadership.
Posluszny does a great job of keeping order and being a rock in the Jaguars linebacker corps. He may be getting older (30) and losing a step, but he’s now a figure the rest of the team looks up to. His return to the starting lineup will be an important part of the Jaguars’ cohesion going forward.
OLB: Dan Skuta
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Dan Skuta is making the big jump from role player to starter for the Jaguars in 2015. Skuta was a secret weapon for the San Francisco 49ers in 2014. He played well enough to retain more snaps and recognition, which was a big part of his move to Jacksonville.
Skuta will be taking on much more responsibility in 2015. He’ll be expected to continue his consistent performances in 2015 and be a veteran leader along with Posluszny.
Skuta offers a potential pass-rusher at linebacker for the Jaguars. If his five sacks last season are any evidence, he’ll be that kind of guy. He may not be the best linebacker for the Jaguars, but he will perform. Expect Skuta to start Week 1 and onward.
OLB: Telvin Smith
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In a year of exciting rookies, Telvin Smith was one of the best. Smith not only did what the Jaguars asked of him, but he showed he can make big plays in the NFL.
Smith totaled an incredible 104 combined tackles, two sacks, a forced fumble and an interception in 2014. He was determined to be great, and he showed the NFL last season with an all-around incredible performance.
Smith was huge for the Jaguars in 2014, and his quickness to make plays and tackle around the field was a nice occurrence. He’ll need to continue that success in 2015, and with Posluszny and Skuta, he should learn a thing or two as well.
FS: Sergio Brown
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Sergio Brown acts like Ric Flair and plays like a veteran safety, which is exactly what the Jaguars want and need in 2015. Brown spent years with the New England Patriots and the Indianapolis Colts and is now taking his talents to Duval County.
Brown is a solid safety, and while he offers on-the-field performances, he’s incredible in the locker room. He excites and motivates, and that’s exactly what the Jaguars need for their incredibly young secondary.
Brown will perform on and off the field for the Jaguars in 2015. He’ll hold the responsibility of playing and teaching, and if he can monitor and help the Jaguars secondary, he’ll be a complete success.
SS: Johnathan Cyprien
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Johnathan Cyprien didn’t live up to his rookie 2013 year in 2014, but he’s still an important part of the Jaguars secondary. Cyprien has a lot to work on in 2015, but if he’s motivated and works with Brown, he should return to his 2013 hype.
Cyprien’s 2014 looks good on the stat sheet, totaling 114 combined tackles in 2014, but his issue wasn’t his tackling—it was his coverage. Cyprien consistently got beat each week by top receivers, and he’ll have to stop getting burned and play smarter in 2015.
Cyprien will be the starter come Week 1, but if he’s not careful Josh Evans and Craig Loston will be quickly get chances at his job. Cyprien is a solid player and fun to watch, but he has to improve on 2014 to keep his Week 1 starting job.
CB: Davon House
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Davon House may be the smartest signing the Jaguars made all of free agency. Along with Brown, House is a veteran who will not only start, but also teach the Jaguars' young secondary and help the entire team improve.
House has been a key defensive player for the Green Bay Packers for the past two years, and he’s yet to have his best years in the NFL. House is 25, and as he continues to reach his peak, the Jaguars will reap the profits.
House will be a teacher, starter and leader in 2015. He is one of the many veterans the Jaguars signed in free agency thus far, and his play will be an important part of the Jaguars secondary in 2015.
CB: Aaron Colvin
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Besides the Jaguars themselves, no one else may benefit more from the House signing than Aaron Colvin. Colvin missed the majority of last season due to an ACL tear, but when he did return, he showed why he was considered a top talent in the draft.
Colvin’s unfortunate ACL tear during Senior Bowl training inhibited his rookie year and his draft position. However, he rehabbed and worked hard to return for at least a few games of his rookie season. Colvin quickly adapted and played very well and was probably the best member of the secondary for the last five games of the season.
Colvin will get his chance at a full NFL season, and he should start over Demetrius McCray and Dwayne Gratz. Colvin will be the starter, but there’s gonna be serious competition. He’ll need to continue to make big plays if he wants to keep his job past Week 1.
K: Josh Scobee
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There really isn’t much to say about Josh Scobee other than the fact that he’s a Jaguar through and through. He’s been in Duval County since 2004, and he’ll continue to be the starting kicker in 2015.
Scobee’s a bit older (32), but he’s still a solid kicker and has something to offer Jacksonville. He’s reliable and a veteran, and it’ll be nice to see him for his 10th straight season as a Jaguar.
P: Bryan Anger
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Bryan Anger will continue to start in 2015. He is a solid punter who’s averaged 40-plus-yard punts nearly every game in the past couple of years. If the Jaguars can improve their punt coverage, Anger’s punts will be much more respected.
Anger gets a bad rep because he was drafted in the third round of the 2012 NFL draft, but that’s not his fault. Jacksonville drafted him too high. He’s a solid punter, and if the Jaguars improve on special teams as a whole, he’ll be much more valuable.
PR/KR: Bryan Walters
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Bryan Walters will be the starting punt returner and one of the starting kick returners for the Jaguars in 2015. Walters was a very good punt returner for the Seattle Seahawks in 2014, and while he may not take his returns to the house, he’ll get the Jaguars solid field position and contribute.
KR: Marqise Lee
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I see Marqise Lee becoming the other kick returner for the Jaguars in 2015. Lee has shown his ability to take kicks for touchdowns in his college days, and his experience and big-play ability will make him the fellow kick returner with Walters.
The Jaguars' roster has changed significantly since the 2014 season. There are new names and stars, and there will most likely be a few more before the season actually rolls around.
This team is finally starting to look like a competitor in the AFC South and in the NFL in general. Major additions in free agency and smart and profitable draft choices have created a young and talented team with veteran leadership.
The Jaguars aren’t looking for a Super Bowl shot this season or the next; they are looking to build for the future. Building through the draft has allowed them to do this, and it’ll be great to see their draft selections excel this upcoming season.
Adding the finishing touches in free agency means that the Jaguars now have the veterans to lead and set an example. They’ve lacked this the past two seasons, but now that they have those veterans, the future is bright.
Don’t expect a 10-win season—it’s a very real possibility that the Jaguars might not even reach seven wins. However, this team has taken shape, and the roster has improved incredibly since the beginning of the Caldwell-Bradley era.
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