The 2015 Super Bowl betting lines have been posted at Northbet and the Jacksonville Jaguars are among the biggest longshots. Let’s have a look at their offseason and see how they can improve.
1 – Quarterback
For more details on the Jacksonville Jaguars, one has to start at the quarterback position, where this team has to start over and find a man who can propel this sagging franchise into a newer, better future.
It’s not as though the Jaguars won’t have options. Houston picks first in the draft, but the Jaguars get the third selection, and the team with the second pick – the St. Louis Rams – has invested a ton of money in franchise quarterback Sam Bradford, which means it is not likely to grab a quarterback. Ultimately, Jacksonville should have two of the following three quarterbacks available to choose from: Teddy Bridgewater, Johnny Manziel, and Blake Bortles, with other quarterbacks (Derek Carr) also available for the taking later in the first round or in subsequent rounds. Blaine Gabbert and Chad Henne just aren’t cutting it for the Jaguars, who floundered on offense this past season and need to be able to consistently threaten opposing defenses. Jacksonville’s defense gained momentum as the 2013 season moved along; head coach Gus Bradley is a defensive mind with a firm grasp of what it takes to create a strong defense. It’s the offensive side of the equation which needs this organization’s full attention.
2 – Offensive Line
A tested truth of the draft is that if you’re going to go for a big-time quarterback, you have to show that quarterback you’re serious about protecting him and investing in him for the long haul. Jacksonville needs to beef up what it has on the offensive line, though perhaps with a guard or center and not a tackle, which it got last season with Luke Joeckel of Texas A&M. However, it has to be pointed out that Joeckel got injured one month into the season and didn’t play again. If Joeckel doesn’t make a full recovery and can’t become that airtight tackle the Jaguars need him to be, Jacksonville will have to look for another tackle in 2015. This is an area of the team that cannot be overstocked – the Jags need to find reinforcements here. The odds makers at Northbet have them as a long shot because of that.
3 – Wide Receiver
The fact of the matter is that Justin Blackmon has been a disappointment in Jacksonville; a key part of this organization’s prolonged woes. Blackmon has not been able to steer clear of trouble in his brief and turbulent career. Dogged by suspensions, Blackmon has not inspired much of any confidence that he can become an elite receiver who will make life easier for the quarterbacks on this roster. Blackmon needs to get his head on straight, but in the meantime, Jacksonville has to look for a wide receiver that can produce on a consistent basis. Without more proven producers at this position, the Jaguars’ offense will continue to languish.