Rounding Up the Latest Jacksonville Jaguars Offseason Buzz

The Jacksonville Jaguars' rule about not disclosing OTA details is a real bummer. Everyone wants to see exactly how well the team is doing this offseason. However, there are still reports from coaches and interviews to give us an idea of how it's going.

And, at least at the moment, all signs are pointing toward a very successful offseason. There seem to be improvements on all fronts, and the new rookies and signings seem to be blending in nicely with the team.

It's important to realize that OTA success isn't a tell of the season to come, but the Jaguars are on the right track. The players are enjoying themselves and are improving with each practice, which are really the only things you can ask for at this point.

As the Jaguars draw closer to the start of the season, it's becoming apparent that this team has drastically improved. There is more talent and depth than the team has seen in years, and it'll be interesting to see if that translates to wins on the field.

The buzz of the offseason can be hard to keep up with, but the general vibe is positive. The majority of reports are optimistic, and there is a sense of purpose and determination taking over the team and the fanbase.

Blake Bortles Isn't Perfect, but He Is Improving

John Raoux/Associated Press

No one has a perfect offseason, and that became true for quarterback Blake Bortles at the first OTA of last week. According to Jaguars.com, Bortles had a tough Monday practice but bounced back with more consistent and better overall performances.

From Jaguars.com, head coach Gus Bradley talked about Bortles' progress: 

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He’s playing with more confidence. I always thought he was confident, but I think the team senses he’s playing with more confidence and by that, I think he’s got more confidence in his mechanics. I think the team senses it. He’s not where he wants to be, though. I think that consistency part of it for him is still coming but I know as a coaching staff and as the players around him they feel a big difference.

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It's fantastic to see Bortles gaining confidence in his game and in the team. A 17-interception season is hard to bounce back from, but Bortles realizes the situation and has focused on getting better, which is the proper mentality for his current situation.

Personally, it's not surprising to see Bortles getting more confident in his game. Bortles was always going to be a project of sorts, and as he's improved physically and technically, the mental game seems to be coming, too.

The mental part of the game is ridiculously important, and if you need an example of how the lack of mental strength can inhibit a QB, look at Blaine Gabbert. Toward the end of his time in Jacksonville, he looked like a broken shell. At least Bortles will come out and have enough composure and confidence to throw in 2015.

There Is Faith in Luke Joeckel

John Raoux/Associated Press

Through two seasons with the Jaguars, offensive tackle Luke Joeckel has either been mediocre or not on the field at all. His first season was cut short by injury, and this past season saw him struggle at times and never really hit his game in stride.

However, according to NFL.com, the Jaguars believe in his ability. Offensive line coach Doug Marrone commented about his progress.

"I see great progress, I really do," Marrone said. "Not just out of him but out of everyone. He's put on some extra weight, which has been good weight, some lean muscle mass. Obviously it's a challenge for all of us learning a new system, but I see him progressing and getting better each day."

Joeckel has obviously been preparing himself physically for the upcoming season. His development in that regard took a big hit with his ankle injury, so it's good to see he's getting stronger and more capable of competing with athletic edge-rushers.

Joeckel has the technical skill to play in the NFL, and his time at Texas A&M shows that. He was outmatched by the competition in 2014, but his improvement as an athlete will allow him to rely more on his technical skill rather than worrying on keeping up in 2015.

Marqise Lee Is out for Minicamp

John Raoux/Associated Press

Wide receiver Marqise Lee has dealt with nagging injuries throughout his college and professional career, and he's likely to miss the mandatory minicamp starting June 16. Lee's knee injury saw him miss the first three weeks of OTAs.

John Oehser of Jaguars.com wrote, "Bradley said late in the week it appears unlikely Lee will participate in the team’s mandatory minicamp next week."

While it is disappointing news, it's not surprising that Lee is struggling with injuries.

When Lee was going into the 2014 NFL draft, injury concerns were really the only thing holding him back from being a first-round pick. He has the instinct and athleticism to succeed and shred defenses, but he's always been undersized and fragile. 

Lee cannot be blamed for his injury issues, but it's getting to a point where it's hurting his future with the team. As the rest of the team progresses, Lee is sitting on the sideline and doing his best to get healthy.

It may be something he can't control, but the Jaguars have to start planning for life without Lee as the more likely situation. It's not what anyone wants, but Lee's injuries are too prevalent for the Jaguars to look to him to play as big of a role as someone like wide receiver Allen Robinson.

No, Monte Kiffin Isn't Joining the Jaguars

TIM SHARP/Associated Press

Monte Kiffin has been seen around the Jaguars OTAs on various days, and while the presence of the defensive guru has been appreciated, he's not joining the staff. His presence is important, but he's not a long-term addition.

According to Jaguars.com, Gus Bradley had this to say about Kiffin's presence: 

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We don’t have a position open for him but just to have him around our guys in an OTA setting … he meets with our younger coaches, they get everything they can out of him, he watches practice tape and he’s around. The guy can still coach and to give him an opportunity to be around the game I think is awesome.

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It's almost like Kiffin is doing this for the love of the game, and there's nothing but respect for that. Not to mention exactly how established and successful he is. His deep level of experience and incredible football intelligence is a great tool for OTAs.

The more the younger players learn about the game from guys like Bradley and Kiffin, the quicker they will mature and be ready for this upcoming season. Kiffin may be around for a short time, but it's fantastic to see him impacting the team.

The New Offense Is Coming Along Nicely

Eric Risberg/Associated Press

New offensive coordinator Greg Olson is implementing a new offense with relative ease. According to Jaguars.com, the offense is adapting to the new coach and style as well as anyone could've hoped. 

“I know Oley talked about how with guys implementing a new offense and trying to learn it, the lack of mental errors has been pretty impressive,” Bortles said. “I think we’ve gotten better every single day.”

It's never easy adjusting to a new offensive style, but the fact that Bortles and the rest of the offense are adapting and not struggling too much is incredible. Some have been worrying if the new offense can fare any better than last season's, and it appears so at the moment.

Olson's new offense is still subject to speculation, but my best guess is that we'll see Bortles throwing less in a physically tougher offense with double-tight end sets and the use of various backs. Not a bad idea, especially in terms of getting the offense in a rhythm.

All stats were provided by ESPN.com unless otherwise stated.

Evan Reier is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report covering the Jacksonville Jaguars. Follow Evan on Twitter @evanreier.