Jacksonville Jaguars Off Season To Do List: Is Blaine Gabbert the Answer?

Jacksonville Jaguars off Season Check List

2011 Outcome            (5-11)

I am the one that said I would take Blaine Gabbert over Cam Newton and that going toJacksonvillewas a way better situation that going toCarolina.  I will eat some crow for that…now Jacksonville  was limited by injuries to the secondary, a lack of a consistent pass rush, and a lack of offensive firepower.  I think the Jaguars are stuck for one more season with Gabbert but they need to get him some weapons pronto.

Coach Seat Temperature

It is unknown that Gene Smith will return at this time but I think there is a decent chance he does.  If he does the owner might be wise to tell him to cool it with the small school players and against the grain first rounder prospects.  The coaching staff will be reworked at least.  The Jaguars recently hired Mike Mularky to be their new HC.  He was hired to tutor Gabbert and because his offense resembles the Jaguars with a power run game and play action passing game.  I hope he hires and OC to assist him on the offense.  As for a DC it is unknown if he will bring back Mel Tucker.

2011 Draft Class Rating        (F)

Boy was I wrong.  Trading up for Gabbert instead of taking Kerrigan was a bad decision.  Gabbert looks lost and his inability to cope with pressure is alarming.  Will Rackley might turn out to be a solid OG in time.  Besides that we were right to question the small school selections.

2010 Draft Class Rating        (D-)

This class was spent trying to improve the DL with the emphasis placed on TRYING.  Tyson Alualu is a solid pick but was taken way too soon.  Smith, Hart, and Lane are backup Defensive Lineman who will never be starters.  Karim and McGee were wasted picks as well.  

2009 Draft Class Rating        (B)

Eugene Monroe and Eben Britton are talented Offensive Tackles who have been limited by injuries.  Either can be replaced but more pressing needs take precedence.  Terrance Knighton and Derek Cox are solid players who do not embarrass themselves. MikeThomas is a solid Wide Receiver who is not a #1.  Rashard Jennings could be a special RB if he can return healthy this season.  The rest are solid depth players.

Current Needs

Offense: QB, WR, OL

Defense: DE, CB, FS

Current FA

Rashean Mathis: Mathis was having a solid season before going down with a season ending injury.  He is well over 30 and might need to move to FS.  Still given the lack of talent in the Jacksonville secondary it might be wise to resign him to a 2 year deal. 

Current Mock

1. Justin Blackmon                    WR     OklahomaState  

2. Stephon Gilmore                   CB       SC

3. Frank Alexander                   DE      Oklahoma