29. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (12-7)
LAST SEASON: First year under coach Doug Marrone and top executive Tom Coughlin proved successful, with Jags earning first postseason berth since 2007 and advancing to AFC championship game. Led by 10 points early in fourth quarter before losing at New England. Stout defense and league’s top rushing attack were keys to team’s turnaround, but both faltered down stretch. Defense stumbled in playoffs against Steelers and late against Patriots. Running game took huge step back late, averaging 51.3 yards fewer in final six weeks of regular season than in first 10 games. Still, rookie RB Leonard Fournette flashed at times and looked like building block. Defense established solid foundation, too. CB Jalen Ramsey emerged as arguably league’s best defensive back. DE Calais Campbell enjoyed career year at age 31. And LBs Telvin Smith and Myles Jack proved to be speedy, dynamic tandem. QB Blake Bortles had more highs than lows and played turnover-free football in postseason, earning three-year, $54 million contract that includes $26.5 million guaranteed.
THEY NEED: TE, G, T, QB, WR, LB, S
THEY DON’T NEED: DL, C, RB, CB, P, K
POSSIBLE FIRST PICK: T Kolton Miller, UCLA; T Mike McGlinchey, Notre Dame; TE Dallas Goedert, South Dakota State; TE Hayden Hurst, South Carolina; G Connor Williams, Texas; G Will Hernandez, UTEP.
OUTLOOK: Coughlin and general manager Dave Caldwell made several changes despite team looking for sustained success. They let WR Allen Robinson, CB Aaron Colvin, LG Patrick Omameh, backup QB Chad Henne walk in free agency. They cut TE Marcedes Lewis, WR Allen Hurns and RB Chris Ivory. They signed three new offensive starters: WR Donte Moncrief, TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins, and highly coveted LG Andrew Norwell. Team has no glaring holes for first time in decade, but is sure to draft another tight end and backup/development quarterback. Picking outside top 10 for first time since 2007.
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