Season Summary:
Just like last season, the Jacksonville Jaguars have the third pick in the NFL Draft. While the Jags were better than they were a season ago, they still have a long way to go. They've got plenty of cap space, but they'll need Blake Bortles to develop quickly.
Projected Cap Space (via Spotrac):
$36,510,170
Team Needs:
1. Offensive Tackle: Despite his struggles last season (negative 15.8 grade from Pro Football Focus), Luke Joeckel should get another shot at tackle. Sam Young and Austin Pasztor, however, should not.
2. Defensive End: Ryan Davis played really well in limited snaps at DE and DT, but Chris Clemons got a terrible grade from Pro Football Focus (negative 18.4). He racked up plenty of sacks, but cutting him would save $4.5 million. Red Bryant is great at stopping the run, but can't rush the passer. Bust Tyson Alualu is nothing but a backup. A 4-3 LEO could be added early in the draft this year.
3. Cornerback: The Jaguars have a lot of nickel and dime corners, but no clear-cut starters.
4. Safety: Jonathan Cyprien continues to improve, but the Jaguars could use an upgrade over Josh Evans.
5. Tight End: Marcedes Lewis has not lived up to his hefty contract. If the Jags want to get out of it a year early, it will save them nearly $7 million.
6. Center: Luke Bowanko wasn’t great at center. There is a reason the Jaguars tried to sign Alex Mack.
7. Outside Linebacker: The Jags should re-sign Geno Hayes.
8. Running Back: Denard Robinson should be the No. 1 back next year, but depth could be added. Toby Gerhart is a potential cap causality too. Cutting him would save Jacksonville $2.5 million.
9. Wide Receiver: Cecil Short is a free agent. If he walks, a replacement could be needed. The Jags have potential here with Allen Hurns, Allen Robinson and Marqise Lee. The Jags should view Justin Blackmon as a luxury and nothing more.
10. Quarterback: Bortles is the starter (despite being terrible last season, per Pro Football Focus), but a third stringer could be added behind Chad Henne.
Potential Cap Casualties:
TE Marcedes Lews: potential savings of $6.8 million
DE Chris Clemons: potential savings of $4.5 million
DE Ziggy Hood: potential savings of roughly $4 million
QB Chad Henne: potential savings of $3 million
RB Toby Gerhart: potential savings of $2.5 million
*All figures from Spotrac
Free Agents:
RB Jordan Todman (RFA)
FB Will Ta’ufo’ou (RFA)
WR Cecil Shorts
TE Fendi Onobun
OT Austin Pasztor (ERFA)
C Jacques McClendon (ERFA)
DE Tyson Alualu (Player Option)
DE Ryan Davis (ERFA)
OLB Geno Hayes
OLB J.T. Thomas
CB Alan Ball
CB Tommie Campbell
CB Teddy Williams (RFA)
S Sherrod Martin
Draft picks:
Round 1
Round 2
Round 3
Round 4
Round 5
Round 6
Round 7
Transactions:
— Fired OC Jedd Fisch (12-30)