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2013 NFL Offseason: Jacksonville Jaguars

Draft Grades, Season Previews, Team Needs, Free Agents

Jacksonville Jaguars (Last Year: 2-14)

2013 NFL Draft Grade: C+

Please note that the overall grade is not an average of all the individual grades. Other things are taken into account like team needs and goals.

Goals Entering the 2013 NFL Draft: Jacksonville has to completely rebuild under new general manager David Caldwell. A franchise quarterback has to be found. The offensive line must be bolstered. The pass rush has to be addressed. The secondary needs help. This is a 2-year project at the very least.

2013 NFL Draft Accomplishments: How could the Jaguars fail to draft a single quarterback? It's seen as inexplicable by most. If you're expecting me to bash general manager David Caldwell for this, well, you've come to the wrong place.

I think it was a brilliant move not to take a signal-caller. By starting either Blaine Gabbert or Chad Henne in 2013, Caldwell has ensured that the Jaguars will finish with one of the worst records in the NFL. This means that they'll be in prime position to select one of the stud quarterbacks next April (go here to see my 2014 NFL Mock Draft). Sure, the fans won't come to the games once Jacksonville starts 1-5, but the future appears bright in 2014 and beyond. Caldwell has amazing foresight.

What I will bash Caldwell for was his selection of Luke Joeckel over Dion Jordan. With $26 million in cap space, the Jaguars could have signed Andre Smith, Tyson Clabo or Eric Winston. There are plenty of right tackles available for a reason - it's not a valued position. Pass-rushers like Dion Jordan, meanwhile, don't grow on trees. Now, I've heard complaints about Joeckel really being a left tackle. He'll play that position if Eugene Monroe isn't re-signed or franchised next spring, but Jacksonville will just be right back where it started. And why wouldn't the front office retain Monroe with all of its money? Monroe is a very good blind-side protector.

I like everything else the Jaguars did, save for drafting Denard Robinson in the middle rounds. Caldwell spent a ton of resources fixing his terrible secondary. That ultimately won't matter in 2013 because Jacksonville still can't get to the quarterback, but as I noted, this was a 2-year rebuilding project. We'll see what Caldwell does next spring.

2013 NFL Draft Individual Grades:

2. Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M: D Grade
This is disastrous and embarrassing for Jacksonville. As one league contact told us, it would be "foolish" for the Jaguars to take Joeckel. Why? Because right tackle is not a valued position. Just look at the available right tackles in free agency. Andre Smith, Eric Winston and Tyson Clabo are just sitting there. The Jaguars have tons of money (about $26 million in cap space), so why not just sign one of those right tackles and select an elite pass-rusher instead? Joeckel makes zero sense, and the only thing saving this from being a "Millen" grade is that Joeckel isn't a reach.

Follow @walterfootball for updates.

33. Johnathan Cyprien, S, Florida International: B Grade
This is a solid pick. Johnathan Cyprien was considered a first-round prospect by some. He fills a big need in Jacksonville's defense, as the team's current safeties are Dwight Lowery and Chris Prosinski. You have to wonder what they're going to do a quarterback though. The fans are not going to be sold on Blaine Gabbert and Chad Henne.

64. Dwayne Gratz, CB, Connecticut: C Grade
The Jaguars needed a cornerback, so going to Connecticut for one made sense. But the guy they probably should have drafted was Blidi Wreh-Wilson. Dwayne Gratz is considered an inferior prospect compared to his teammate. And once again, where's the quarterback? Will anyone go to Jaguar games with Blaine Gabbert and Chad Henne at quarterback?

101. Ace Sanders, WR, South Carolina: B Grade
The Jaguars don't have a quarterback who can get him the ball yet, but Ace Sanders should be a solid slot receiver in the future. He can also impact in the return game. He was projected to go in the fourth round.

135. Denard Robinson, RB/WR/KR, Michigan: C Grade
Denard Robinson could be useful as a kick returner, but he probably won't offer much else. This seems like a bit of a wasted pick, but it's the fifth round, so why not?

169. Josh Evans, S, Florida: A- Grade
This is Jacksonville's second safety, but that's something that was needed because of the lacking depth there. Josh Evans could have been a fourth-rounder, so this is good value for him.

208. Jeremy Harris, CB, New Mexico State: B Grade
A second cornerback for the Jaguars, who really need help at the position. Jeremy Harris fits the range and makes sense as a tall corner, which is something that Gus Bradley really likes.

210. Demetrius McCray, CB, Appalachian State: B+ Grade
And a third cornerback? Well, I guess the Jaguars are really hoping that one of these guys pans out. I like Demetrius McCray more than Jeremy Harris. Both are in the 6-foot-1, 6-foot-2 range.

*** 2013 NFL TEAM NEEDS BELOW COMMENT BOARD ***

Kenny 05-15-2013 11:19 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.165 (total posts: 1)

Johnny Football next year!

Kenny 05-12-2013 03:44 am xxx.xxx.xxx4.44 (total posts: 1)

Walter is constantly berating the Jags for draftinga tackle. Monroe is a solid LT, but I think Joekel will be better. One injury to Eugene and Luke will probably move to the blind side permenantly. Either was it's a great tackle tandem. As for the QB situation, in this draft no passer was worth taking-IMO. So give Blame Gabbert his 3rd and final chance. The 2014 draft is loaded with talented QB's and the Jags are almost certainly gonna have a top 10 (or even top 5) pick next year. With a solid line and up and coming receivers and playmakers, Caldwell is building a solid foundation. This year is gonna be a wash either way.They could take the easy way out: sign Tebow and sell out every game. His godlike status forced them to uncover all of the seats so the fans could watchthethe opposing teams backuprush for one yard.

Saints fan 05-06-2013 10:46 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.205 (total posts: 1)

I'm here 2 address what I think of this draft.monroe is good but if he's willing then kick him out right!!!!Joeckel-B+ they had a bad SS situation.plus homegrown propect. Cyprien-A- they needed a corner but Blidi Wreh-Wilson is a better pick.Gratz is better at run support but Wilson should have been the pick. Gratz-C+ their best return man is Shorts-who's also their(arguably)best WR.also they needed RB help too. Sanders-B+ Robinson-B The jags had a woeful secondary.it's gotten better. Evans-A Harris-B+ McCray-B+
Overall grade:B
No pass rushers but honestly this team is about at the Jets-Raiders level.next year this team can either go for Clowney,Bridgewater or the #2 QB(if he slips to 3).if they go Clowney then next rd should Murray and if they go QB then they should go BPR(pass rusher)

Jrvegeeta 05-06-2013 06:29 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.164 (total posts: 1)

Ok....

Let me start off by saying that your comment on the Jaguars taking Joeckel was plain foolish. The offensive line has been neglected for far too long. Part of the reason that Jax's sack total turned out bad was due to horrible coaching and a lack of depth. If you thought that Whimper and Backerfield were good enough starters, then you're kidding yourself.

You already know that the Jags weren't going to be able to address ALL of their needs in one offseason. They had to decide what units were in need of immediate staters and the Offensive line and secondary came up.

I get that you hate Blaine Gabbert (quite possibly on a personal level by the sound of it), but at least half of things you said about him are not at all correct. Low IQ? He scored a 42 on the wonderlic test. Granted, that doesn't say whether he'll be a good QB or not, but you certainly can't say that he has subpar IQ. Poor Attitude? He has yet to blame anyone for how badly the team is playing. Stop buying everything the media sells you - more than half of them admit that they don't follow the Jags very closely. What makes you think that their opinion on Gabbert is 100% correct? As for being "scared", that was mostly his first year. He actually took too many sacks this year, but then again, his line was terrible last year - Monroe was very good, Nwaneri was solid, the rest were pretty bad - even Meester. You need more than 2 guys to protect a QB.

Finally....Tim Tebow. I'll say this first: I'm absolutely disgusted at how the Jets treated him. After Sanchez was benched, Tebow should have been the next guy up. If they didn't want him to start, why did the put him as the #2 QB on the depth chart? Karma will destroy that team for it's transgressions. That said, Tebow is NOT an upgrade at QB for the Jags. Tebow is willing to take more chances downfield than Gabbert, but that's it....and he is a non-factor in ticket sales. Seriously, the spreading of false information involving the Jaguars has got to stop. They are NOT suffering from blackouts like some teams are and don't hide behind the tarps excuse, either - 67,000 is still large number for a small market team.

@Greg 05-05-2013 11:56 am xxx.xxx.xxx5.86 (total posts: 1)

I cannot believe you actually cited Pete Prisco as a reliable source of draft grading.

LOL

If he gave the Jags an A, you should be beyond horrified.

DUH 05-03-2013 10:24 am xxx.xxx.xxx.202 (total posts: 1)

Jacksonville made a wonderful pick at #2. Imagine how happy Manziel will be when he comes to the Jags (next year or in 2015) with his favorite O-lineman with him?

lucifer 04-30-2013 09:54 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.197 (total posts: 1)

you are a complete idiot walter. how can adding the top offensive line prospect to your line be a bad pick. picking joeckel helps gabbart, mjd and blackmon at the same time. listen moron, checkout the top salaries of right tackles in the league before you say its not a valued position. its these ridiculous comments that you make that gives you zero credibility with any intelligent nil fans

nycsportzfan 04-29-2013 08:16 pm xxx.xxx.xxx9.37 (total posts: 1)

Why is it so disaserous for them to not draft a QB, but Jerry Reese is such a genius and he didn't draft a single LB, when all they have is Keith Rivers, Dan Connor, Mark Herzlich, Spencery Paysinger, and Jaquain Williams?

joejoe 04-29-2013 04:44 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.223 (total posts: 1)

Maybe we( who know very little bout Football) should start giving grades to the
analysts since they apparently are smarter than the NFL scouts and GMs.

My grade for this analyst is D-

Greg 04-29-2013 04:30 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.121 (total posts: 6)

In case you need links, here you go:

http://nfl.si.com/2013/04/28/2013-nfl-draft-grades-jaguars-49ers-rams-top-the-class/?eref=sihp

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/story/22160389/draft-grades-immediate-reactions-to-get-your-blood-boiling

In this case, the media is not bashing the Jags, you are.

Greg 04-29-2013 04:21 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.121 (total posts: 6)

CNNSI and CBS' Pete Prisco gave the Jaguars a grade of A. Websites a lot more reputable than Walterfootball.com when it comes to evaluating talent.

Just read this quote above "I think it was a brilliant move not to take a signal-caller. By starting either Blaine Gabbert or Chad Henne in 2013, Caldwell has ensured that the Jaguars will finish with one of the worst records in the NFL." Is Walter saying that if we had taken ONE of the QB's in the draft, we would not have finished with one of the worst records in the NFL? He is very contradicting.

nighthawk 04-29-2013 03:25 pm xxx.xxx.xxx0.28 (total posts: 1)

Luke Joeckel IS a left tackle, and a hell of a lot better one than Eugene Monroe, who has always belonged on the right side. Dion Jordan is a great player, as a 3-4 outside linebacker. He's not even 250 pounds, that's not the size for a defensive end in the What-Have-You-Done-For-Me-Lately-League. I mean the NFL.

Jimbo 04-29-2013 12:34 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.227 (total posts: 1)

Wow. Lots of Jag homers on this board. Will someone please get Khan's kids off the computer? Joeckel could be the next Boselli, but the Jags had LOTS of other needs besides left tackle. Do you people even WATCH football?

@Greg 04-29-2013 11:06 am xxx.xxx.xxx5.20 (total posts: 1)

Start naming names. Who is giving them an A?

BTW, LOVE outraged fans like you. If the "media" had blasted the Jags, you'd be talking about how stupid they all are. But they (supposedly) like it, so now you prop them up.

LOL

Greg 04-29-2013 09:18 am xxx.xxx.xxx.121 (total posts: 6)

Most of the "media" who is historically tough on the Jaguars are giving them an A grade for this draft, yet Walter comes in with a C+, lol. Sounds like a guy who had Geno mocked as #1.

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Season Summary:
Jacksonville's season was doomed before it started. Members of the front office doubted Gene Smith's decision to anoint Blaine Gabbert as the franchise quarterback. Smith and his supporters, meanwhile, stubbornly maintained that Gabbert was the long-term answer. Well, that stubbornness cost Smith his job. The Jaguars now have to find a new solution at the quarterback position, all while filling tons of other needs that Smith created as a result of poor drafting and irresponsible spending in the free-agent market.

Offseason Moves:

Titans sign RB Jalen Parmele

Jaguars sign CB Marcus Trufant

Steelers sign OT Guy Whimper

Bears sign G Eben Britton

Raiders sign RB Rashad Jennings

Jets sign S Dawan Landry

Jaguars sign WR Mohamed Massaquoi

Lions sign DT C.J. Mosley

Jaguars sign DT Sen'Derrick Marks

Buccaneers sign DE George Selvie

Jaguars cut DT C.J. Mosley

Texans sign FB Greg Jones

Jaguars re-sign C Brad Meester

Jaguars sign DT Roy Miller

Jaguars sign CB Alan Ball

Jaguars sign RB Justin Forsett

Chargers sign CB Derek Cox

Broncos sign DT Terrance Knighton

Jaguars sign OLB Geno Hayes

Jaguars cut WR Laurent Robinson

Giants sign CB Aaron Ross

Jaguars cut CB Aaron Ross

Jaguars cut S Dawan Landry

Steelers claim QB John Parker Wilson

Jaguars cut QB John Parker Wilson

Jaguars cut OT Guy Whimper

Jaguars waive CB Brandon King

Team Needs:

Quarterback: It was obvious last year that Blaine Gabbert was a lemon. Given his fear of getting hit, sub-par football IQ and poor attitude, he was destined to fail. It's obvious that Jacksonville needs to find a franchise quarterback. Tim Tebow has been linked to the team, and despite homoclitic ESPN groupthink, he would be a massive upgrade.
Defensive End: Jacksonville had the fewest sacks in the NFL this past season. Jeremy Mincey had a down year, while second-round rookie Andre Branch seems to be yet another Gene Smith bust. Jason Babin was added during the season and actually looked pretty decent in brief action, but the Jaguars can't bank on him. Dion Jordan will probably be heavily considered at No. 2 overall in the 2013 NFL Draft.
Cornerback: There seems to be something wrong with every Jacksonville cornerback. Derek Cox is gone. Aaron Ross left as well. Rashean Mathis is old. William Middleton hit the market. Sixth-round rookie Mike Harris played decently until Tom Brady exposed him in Week 16. The new front office needs to find a new No. 1 cornerback. Signed Alan Ball and Marcus Trufant
Strong Safety: The pedestrian Dawan Landry was released.
Right Tackle: Cameron Bradfield was overmatched this year. The Jaguars need need to find an upgrade, especially if the left-handed Tim Tebow will be their new quarterback.
Two Outside Linebackers: It'll definitely be two if Daryl Smith leaves via free agency. Julian Stanford and Russell Allen were both terrible as the two Jacksonville outside linebackers this season. Jarvis Jones is currently the favorite to be the second pick in April's draft, but a lot can change in the next four months. Signed Geno Hayes
Left Guard: Eben Britton was benched this past season, and replacement Mike Brewster wasn't much better. A mid-round pick should be used on interior line depth.
Defensive Tackle: Terrance Knighton is a free agent, while Tyson Alualu has never played like more than the second-round prospect he was billed as coming out of college. C.J. Mosley, who replaced Knighton in the starting lineup, was decent in run support, but Jacksonville has to find an interior pass-rushing presence to boost its pathetic sack total. Signed Roy Miller and Sen'Derrick Marks
Center: Brad Meester says he wants to play next year, but he's coming off a poor 2012 campaign. At 36, Meester's talents have eroded, so Jacksonville needs to bring in a successor unless it thinks that Brewster can handle the job. Re-signed Brad Meester
Wide Receiver: The Jaguars have two very good starting wideouts, but they desperately need depth behind them. Laurent Robinson was cut. Signed Mohamed Massaquoi
Running Back: Will the new front office be comfortable with Jalen Parmele, Montell Owens and Keith Toston vying for the No. 2 running back job? I wouldn't be. Signed Justin Forsett

Follow me @walterfootball for updates.

2013 NFL Free Agent Signings:

Roy Miller, DT, Buccaneers. Age: 26.
Signed with Jaguars

Roy Miller doesn't offer anything as a pass-rusher, but he's a primary reason why the Buccaneers had one of the league's top run defenses in 2012.
SenDerrick Marks, DT, Titans. Age: 26.
Signed with Jaguars (1 year)

SenDerrick Marks isn't particularly good at anything, but he's not really bad at anything either. He's a serviceable spot starter.
Alan Ball, CB, Texans. Age: 28. -- Signed with Jaguars
Mohamed Massaquoi, WR, Browns. Age: 26. -- Signed with Jaguars (2 years)
Marcus Trufant, CB, Seahawks. Age: 32. -- Signed with Jaguars
Justin Forsett, RB, Texans. Age: 27. -- Signed with Jaguars
Geno Hayes, OLB, Bears. Age: 26. -- Signed with Jaguars

Jacksonville Jaguars Free Agents:

Salary Cap: TBA.

Greg Jones, FB, Jaguars. Age: 32.
Signed with Texans (1 year)

Greg Jones has been one of the top run-blocking fullbacks in the NFL, but at 32 (in May), his best days are behind him.
Daryl Smith, OLB, Jaguars. Age: 31.
Daryl Smith has never received much attention from the media, but he's been one of the top 4-3 outside linebackers in the NFL over the years. Unfortunately, he played in just two games this season because of a groin injury, and he'll be 31 in March, so his skills are in the process of eroding.
Derek Cox, CB, Jaguars. Age: 26.
Signed with Chargers

Derek Cox would be ranked much higher if he were reliable. He's a talented cornerback, but he's missed 14 games in the past two seasons. The Jaguars have to be so frustrated with his inability to stay healthy.
Jalen Parmele, RB, Jaguars. Age: 26.
Signed with Titans

Jalen Parmele didn't look half-bad in two brief stints against the Texans and Titans, rushing for a combined 125 yards on 32 carries. Unfortunately, he tore his groin in the latter contest, so we haven't seen much of him.
Terrance Knighton, NT, Jaguars. Age: 27.
Signed with Broncos (2 years)

It's rare to see a 330-pound nose tackle struggle in run support, but that's why Terrance Knighton was benched in favor of C.J. Mosley back in October. He still played an ample amount though.
C.J. Mosley, DT, Jaguars. Age: 30.
Signed with Lions

C.J. Mosley was released by the Jaguars because he was owed about $2.5 million and didn't fit Gus Bradley's system. Mosley is a stout run-defender, but doesn't offer any pass-rushing ability.
Laurent Robinson, WR, Jaguars. Age: 28.
Laurent Robinson has been medically cleared to play following his multiple concussions. With that being the case, he deserves a spot on a roster to compete for a No. 2 role. Teams need to be cautious, however, given Robinson's extensive injury history.
Dawan Landry, S, Jaguars. Age: 30.
Signed with Jets

Dawan Landry is a pretty mediocre safety who is decent in run support. He's not a massive liability, but he probably shouldn't be a starter.
Aaron Ross, CB, Jaguars. Age: 30. -- Signed with Giants
William Middleton, CB, Jaguars. Age: 27.
Rashad Jennings, RB, Jaguars. Age: 28. -- Signed with Raiders
Brad Meester, C, Jaguars. Age: 36. -- Re-signed with Jaguars (1 year)
Eben Britton, G, Jaguars. Age: 25. -- Signed with Bears
George Selvie, DE, Jaguars. Age: 26. -- Signed with Buccaneers
Zach Potter, TE, Jaguars. Age: 27.
Rashean Mathis, CB, Jaguars. Age: 33.
Guy Whimper, OT, Jaguars. Age: 30. -- Signed with Steelers
Brock Bolen (RFA), FB, Jaguars. Age: 28.
Steve Vallos, G, Jaguars. Age: 29.
Jordan Palmer, QB, Jaguars. Age: 29.
John Parker Wilson, QB, Jaguars. Age: 27. -- Claimed by Steelers

2013 NFL Free Agent Positions:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K/P | FA Grades

2013 Fantasy Football Rankings - May 24

2013 NBA Mock Draft - May 22

2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 21

Charlie's 2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 20

NFL Picks - Feb. 3

2013 NFL Offseason: Jacksonville Jaguars Draft Grades, Season Previews, Team Needs, Free Agents