2007 Outlook:

Last Year the Jags went 8-8 during an injury plagued season. With the loss of Leftwich early on and Garrard getting the nod in week 5 they managed to pull out the year at .500. Looking into this season, Leftwich is back and says he's healthy and ready to play. It's no secret that Leftwich is entering free agency next year so expect him to be physically ready and eager to impress. Alongside Leftwich is a set of very talented backs in Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew. The pair combined to rush for over 2,000 yards and 18 TD's. Sadly for fantasy owners, it is another split back situation that will lower the value of both players. On the receiving end the same targets are still there, Ernest Wilford and Reggie Williams. Both are solid performers but they lack big play ability, which is what Jacksonville needs badly. A decent draft contributed to strengthening the defense which was already stout to begin with. On Special teams they have a solid kicker, Scobee who became the #6 kicker in the league. Fantasy owners praised Scobee not only because he was so reliable, but also because he scored 12 pts or more in 4 different weeks. 2007 looks good for Jacksonville. If they can find production from the wide receivers and keep Leftwich healthy, they will find themselves in the playoffs this season.

2007 Draft Review:

Jacksonville drafted some solid players in the first two rounds of the draft this year. Although they had the chance to draft Brady Quinn they passed on him and snatched up some help on the defensive side of the ball. Deon Grant left the team leaving a hole at free safety. Rookie replacement Reggie Nelson will immediately step into the starting role and should provide an upgrade at the position. Durant will push for playing time at the weak side LB position. Among their plethora of picks they also secured one of the best kickers in the draft in Adam Podlesh. The former Maryland punter will be the immediate starter and with his booming leg, should provide the Jags with some field position help. Jacksonville used the remainder of their picks to add some depth at key positions and build towards the future. Draft Grade: B

Key Acquisition:

The Jaguars saw the need to upgrade the right side of their offensive line after the '06 season, and moved quickly to sign former Baltimore Ravens right tackle Tony Pashos to a five-year, $24 million contract, including a $10 million signing bonus. Pashos will ultimately strenthen a weak right side that resulted in numerous breakdowns in both the passing and running games. The tackles are one of the most important positions on the offensive side of the field, so this was a great move for the Jags.

Key Departure:

Deon Grant at safety became an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. Picked up by Seattle on March 8 Grant leaves behind a hole that will be filled by rookie Reggie Nelson of Florida. Grant was a key player in the success of Jacksonville's suffocating defense last year. It's important to note that Nelson was drafted instead of Brady Quinn in hopes Nelson would be the immediate starter for Jacksonville. After the first pre-season game and training camp completion, it seems that Nelson has sufficiently proven his worth as he currently sets atop the depth chart. Look for Nelson to be a big play-maker for Jacksonville this season and for years to come as he certainly lessons the loss of Grant.

Offensive Preview:

With Leftwich the named starter things look shaky for the offense in Jacksonville. Leftwich is known for being injury plagued most of his career. Although Leftwich has a strong arm, he has yet to produce big numbers since he entered the league in 2003. This year could be the one. The running game although will be a totally different story, with a pair of exceptional backs to work with the Jags are well equipped to handle virtually anything. Both Taylor and Jones-Drew, each got excellent stats considering they split carries all season long. Word out of Jaguars.com is offensive cord. Dirk Koetter intends to use a 4-wr set this year trying to get some of the bountiful talent on the field. This also means Leftwich's value is going up. Even though the passing game seems to be lackluster, someone has to step up and make the plays. Newly acquired Dennis Northcutt has been turning heads in camp. Despite being cast off by the Cleveland Browns, perhaps Northcutt has finally found a home in sunny Florida.

Defensive/Special Teams Preview:

The Jacksonville defense was one of the better fantasy units last season. With Stroud and Henderson plugging holes in the middle, Peterson, Smith, and Durant should have plenty of room to move about the second line, reaking havoc on the running game. The ends will be dependent upon the return of Hayward from injury. If he is unable to go, they will be a bit thin on the ends. Grant is gone, however the Rookie Nelson has looked like a capable replacement thus far in training camp. There are still some questions as Sensabaugh and Williams do not impress us at the Safety and Corner positions, but overall, the Jags should have a quality defensive unit that will rank in the top 15. Josh Scobee was fantastic last season, providing his supporters with some great numbers. Look for more of the same this season as Scobee will be a kicker you can target late in your draft.

Season Prediction:

Things have to get better for the Jags this year. Finishing a paltry 8-8 last year was a disgrace. Two losses at Houston and one at Tennessee was shocking, not to mention they lost all but one of their games by 7 points or less. Jacksonville had the opportunity to easily finish the season with a 11-5 mark and instead gave up a few games late. This year Jacksonville has high hopes, Leftwich is entering free agency next year so you know he'll be playing with added fire. Taylor and Jones-Drew are ready to throw down once again, and the wide receivers are all vying for a starting spot. Everything is there to turn the tides on the misfortunes of the past. The defense is stout and the kicking game solid. What else could you ask for? Big things can happen for the Jags this season. Look for some pep in Leftwich's step this season if he remains healthy and some decent contributions from the wide receivers putting this team back where they belong.

Projected Finish

10 Wins, 6 Losses (2nd AFC South)

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