September 29, 2012; Tampa, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive end Bjoern Werner (95) against the South Florida Bulls during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Florida State Seminoles defeated the South Florida Bulls 30-17. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Jacksonville Jaguars have found themselves in the cellar of the NFL for nearly a decade now. Having not appeared in the post season once in the past five seasons, Jacksonville’s pulse as an NFL Franchise is fading by the minute. The Jaguars tried to breathe new life into their fan base by drafting Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert 10th overall in the 2011 NFL Draft. Gabbert, paired with stud running back Maurice Jones-Drew, has not become the successful tandem the Jaguars had envisioned when they selected Gabbert two seasons ago.

Late in the 2012 campaign Gabbert lost his starting job to veteran journeyman Chad Henne, formerly of the Miami Dolphins. While Henne showed promise, he showed nothing more to the franchise or the fan base that he can be a long term answer under center. The Jaguars need to breathe new life into their fan base yet again, by looking for a signal caller that understands the ins and outs of the quarterback position, and can lead a team to success early in his career, a la Andrew Luck of the Indianapolis Colts, or Robert Griffin III of the Washington Redskins.

While quarterback is the most pressing need for Jacksonville, nobody can ignore how putrid their defense has been over the last couple of seasons. With a defense that ranked 30th out of 32 NFL teams, the Jaguars need to make serious upgrades if they want to compete in what is now becoming a highly contested AFC South Division.

The Jaguars have seen a revolving door on their defensive line, mainly at Defensive End. Jacksonville became so desperate for production at Defensive End, that they claimed Jason Babin (Philadelphia Eagles) off waivers late in the season. Babin did not have much production during his time in Jacksonville, and is not expected to return. Defensive Tackle Terrence Knighton is the lone bright spot on the Jaguars defensive line, and clearly needs production along side of him.

The 2013 NFL Draft does not host a consensus “Franchise” quarterback. The Jaguars would be absolutely be reaching if they were to take any other quarterback wit the second overall selection than West Virginia’s Geno Smith. Many expect Smith to be off the board with the first overall selection by the Kansas City Chiefs. Jacksonville can find great value at number two, with a plethora of pass rushers at the top of the draft. Filling a serious need along the defensive line early in the draft will contribute to the Jaguars blowing up a messy situation, and rebuilding under new Head Coach Gus Bradley, a defensive minded coach.

Florida State’s Bjoern Werner is considered one of the most versatile pass rushers in the 2013 NFL Draft. Werner possesses ideal size for a 4-3 defensive end with his 6’4” 275 lb frame. Werner has exceptional speed off the edge that allows him to create chaos in the backfield and disrupt the pocket. Werner is a prototypical 4-3 defensive end that would fit perfectly in Gus Bradley’s attacking pass rush scheme that he will be adopting from his time with the Seattle Seahawks.

While the Jaguars are far from competing in their division, and the NFL as a whole, there is promise in Jacksonville with a player like Werner available for them to select with the second selection this coming April. If the Jaguars choose to pass on Werner at the top of the draft, look for them to solidify the quarterback position with a guy like Geno Smith, or possibly look build defensively by pairing Terrence Knighton with Utah’s Star Lotulelei, or giving their secondary some help by selecting Alabama’s Dee Milliner.

Jan. 1, 2012; Jacksonville FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blaine Gabbert (11) runs against the Indianapolis Colts during the first half at EverBank Field. Jacksonville defeated Indianapolis 19-13. Mandatory Credit: Matt Stamey-US PRESSWIRE

The Jacksonville Jaguars had a rough year with Blaine Gabbert as the starting quarterback, and he really didn’t show me much of anything that says he is a future stud quarterback in the NFL. But, I think they will press forward with him and try to make him better, rather than just giving up on him which would be foolish. The Jags don’t have a ton of needs, they are just a young team and they have a couple of key positions missing talent.

Here are some of the Jags’ biggest needs this offseason:

1. Wide Receiver

The Jaguars have tried and tried to get a receiver worthy of actually being mentioned among the NFL’s best, and they almost had one with Mike Sims-Walker, but he flamed out. Reggie Williams, Ernest Wilford, Sims-Walker, Troy Williamson, Matt Jones–none of these guys worked out. I wouldn’t be shocked to see the Jags make receiver their top priority this offseason, getting Gabbert some much needed help in the passing game.

2. Pass Rush

The Jaguars seem to have a solid pair of defensive tackles in Terrance Knighton and Tyson Alualu, but their defensive ends are not very good outside of Jeremy Mincey, who had a pretty productive year compared to the rest of his teammates. The Jags could use their first round pick on a defensive lineman like Quinton Coples, who has been known to get pressure on the quarterback. They could also take someone like Andre Branch, Melvin Ingram, or Courtney Upshaw, and maybe pursue someone like Mario Williams or Cliff Avril in free agency.

3. Defensive Backfield

The Jaguars were actually pretty solid last year in terms of stopping teams from passing the ball, and their defense was actually quite good at times, but they need to force more turnovers. Rashean Mathis is a free agent and was supplanted as a starter after finishing the year injured, and the replacement starters combined for three interceptions. Getting a playmaker like Josh Norman from Coastal Carolina would fit the Jags’ MO and could be a great addition to their team.

William Middleton and Dawan Landry are free agents, so depending on which guys come back will determine what kind of emphasis the Jags place on the cornerback/safety positions in the draft and this offseason.

4. Offensive Line Depth

The only reason I put this on here is because Eben Britton has had problems staying healthy, and the replacements have not been very good. If the Jags lose him again, they could be in big trouble. I still don’t see this as a huge area of need, but the Jaguars could address it with one of their favorite small school guys in the middle of the draft.

Kerrigan seems like the perfect fit for the Jaguars...will he be available when they pick?

This is a 2011 NFL  mock draft for the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jaguars were a surprise team last year because they competed for a playoff spot up until the final weeks of the season, which exceeded many people’s expectations. They almost made the playoffs though they aren’t a team devoid of needs.

DE-If you’re playing in a division with The Peyton Manning and you don’t have good pass rushers, you’ll always be second best. The Jaguars have pretty good DT now and they should only get better, but they are lacking at the DE position. This is a position that will be considered in the first round with all of the talent at the DE position.

QB of the Future-The Jaguars can get by with David Garrard for another season or two, but they need to find the future franchise QB. It’s possible they consider a QB in the first two rounds if they like a player enough, though they might be better off letting it ride this year and see what happens next year when some very talented QB will enter the draft.

WR-Garrard might look a little better if his WR options were akin to the Eagles, Giants or a number of teams with talented young Wide receivers.

LB-Not a dire need, but a position I think they should consider early in the draft if the value is right.

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1. Carolina – 2-14
2. Denver – 4-12
3. Buffalo – 4-12
4. Cincinnati – 4-12
5. Arizona – 5-11
6. Cleveland – 5-11
7. San Francisco – 6-10
8. Tennessee – 6-10
9. Dallas – 6-10
10. Washington – 6-10
11. Houston – 6-10

Every week we get closer to the Draft season.  This week the East/ West Shire bowl kicked off and next week we will see the start of the Senior Bowl practices.  Also with the NFL playoffs winding down we are getting a more complete look at the final draft order.  Below you will notice that Cam Newton is not in my 1st round and while I feel someone will select him I think it will involve a trade.  I fully expect a Tim Tebow like trade of a team back into the first round to select Newton.  With that being said I still have major questions about his ability to develop into an effective starter in the NFL.  Please be sure to check out DCsports report for a great mock draft database.

Nick Fairley- DT- Auburn

New coach Ron Rivera stated that the Panthers will stick with their 4-3 alignment and that makes Fairley and Da’Quan Bowers  prime candidates for the #1 pick.  I feel that a penetrating defensive tackle like Fairley is what this defense is missing.  There are some whispers about Fairley being a character concern but I like my defensive tackles w/ a nasty streak.  A lot has to play out before April but as it sits now it appears to be a battle of defensive linemen.

Da’Quan Bowers- DE- Clemson

John Fox was the coach when the Panthers drafted Julius Peppers and he will be looking to bring in a similar prospect this year.  It appears likely that the Broncos make the switch from a 3-4 scheme to a 4-3 so it would be wise for them to get a versatile defensive en that can play opposite of Elvis Dumervil.  Bowers fits that bill because he can rush the passer and also hold strong against the run.

Patrick Peterson- CB- LSU

Talent, talent is what this Buffalo Bills team needs and that is exactly how you would describe Peterson.  The Bills have some serviceable corners on the roster but none with the skills of Peterson.  His ability in coverage as well as the return game will allow him to make an immediate impact.

AJ Green- WR- Georgia

It appears that the Ochocinco and TO era is finished in Cincinnati which means that there is a hole at the receiver position.  Green could come in and fill the shoes of both of those players with his big play ability and not to mention some baggage of his own.  While Green has had some issues in the past I dont consider him a character concern.

Blaine Gabbert- QB- Missouri

My gut tells me that the Cardinals have to go with a quarterback at this position.  There are zero options on the roster right now and the free agent market only offers a temporary solution.  While I feel that Gabbert’s talents are best suited for the middle of the first round.  We all know that this is a quarterback driven league so they need to make this position a priority.

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1. Carolina – 2-14
2. Denver – 4-12
3. Buffalo – 4-12
4. Cincinnati – 4-12
5. Arizona – 5-11
6. Cleveland – 5-11
7. San Francisco – 6-10
8. Tennessee – 6-10
9. Dallas – 6-10
10. Washington – 6-10

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1. Carolina (2-14)
2. Denver (4-12)
3. Buffalo (4-12)
4. Cincinnati (4-12)
5. Arizona (5-11)
6. Cleveland (5-11)
7. San Francisco (6-10)
8. Tennessee (6-10)
9. Dallas (6-10)
10. Washington (6-10)

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Here at NFL Mocks we love to bring you updated Mock Drafts because it gives you a look at what your team could possibly add in the offseason.  Below is the most recent mock by Site Director and Lead Scout Jon Dove.  Be sure to check our our Big Board, Team Needs, and Scouting Reports.  You can also check out DCSports Report’s mock draft database to compare this mock to others out on the web.

1. Carolina Panthers- Da’Quan Bowers- DE- Clemson

- The Carolina Panthers have to be devastated about the fact that Luck is returning to school but somebody needs to go in this spot.  In my opinion Bowers is not a bad consolation prize and he will remind a lot of people of Julius Peppers.  Check out this article about the other options Carolina has regarding the #1 overall pick!

2. Denver Broncos- Marcel Dareus- DE/DT- Alabama

- We got to find out what defensive scheme the new Broncos coach will want to employ but I am betting on them staying with the 3-4.  With that being said, Marcel Dareus is the top rated player that could fit that scheme and make a impact.  Dareus is versatile enough to play the 5 technique and some nose tackle.  I feel the Broncos need to go defense with this pick.

3. Buffalo Bills- AJ Green- WR- Georgia

-   Again this it is hard to make this selection for the Bills because we are unsure of what defensive scheme they will use next season.  I think if they are running a 4-3 you could see Nick Fairly go in this spot.  Never the less, Green is the type of talent that is tough to pass over but might not really fit a need.

4. Cincinnati Bengals- Nick Fairly- DT- Auburn

- Fairly is the ideal 3 technique and will immediately help this defensive front.  Marvin Lewis is adamant that Carson Palmer will be his quarterback next season.

5. Arizona Cardinals- Patrick Peterson- CB- LSU

- It is going to be tough for the Cardinals to pass on one of the quarterbacks but Peterson is the safe pick.  The Cardinals quarterback situation is the worst in the league right now so its not out of the question that they pull the trigger on a Mallett, Gabbert, or Newton.

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Team                                     Record                             Strength of Schedule 

* Denotes Playoff Berth.  Final order will depend on playoff results.