Jacksonville Jaguars general manager James Gladstone spoke with the media at the NFL Combine and provided some insight into what positions the team may prioritize this offseason.
The first two position groups mentioned by Gladstone were the offensive and defensive lines. This doesn’t come as a surprise either, with head coach Liam Coen echoing similar sentiments since joining the organization.
“Where it stands right now, we’ll prioritize positions really across the front both offensively and defensively and those that put points on the board,” said Gladstone. “That’s where my mind goes. Beyond it, we’ll continue to round out.”
The Jaguars’ defensive front last season ranked 32nd in ESPN’s pass rush win rate and 27th in run stop rate.
On offense, the focus is on how Coen and Co. can get quarterback Trevor Lawrence back on track, but accomplishing that starts with improved offensive line play.
The running game in Tampa Bay last season was a key contributor to the offense’s overall success under Coen. Having a strong running game to lean on keeps the offense ahead of the sticks and out of predictable passing situations.
That, in turn, can then open up the playbook for Coen and opportunities in the passing game.
In addition to that element, we all know how vital time in the pocket is for the quarterback to be able to go through his progressions within the timing and rhythm of the play, along with being able to throw without defenders all around him.
Last season, the Jaguars offensive line ranked 25th in ESPN’s run-block win rate, and they were 19th in pass-block win rate.
“I think it starts with the protection,” added Gladstone. “Making sure that he feels like he’s got as much time to work with as possible and also making sure that he’s comfortable with the pass catchers, and I think through that lens he’s going to feel that change in both the operation schematically and the personnel we invite into the building.”
Within that statement, Gladstone also seemed to hint at adding to the receiver and/or tight end positions as well.
Injuries would play a factor, but no team in football had a larger yards discrepancy between their top receiving target and their second receiving target than the Jaguars did.
Lastly, and as already described, the importance of the running game within Coen’s offense also puts an emphasis on that position. Running backs also play a key role in the passing game as well, with Tampa Bay’s Rachaad White and Bucky Irving being two of the most productive pass-catching backs in the NFL in 2024.
This also happens to be an absolutely loaded running back draft class.
“It’s certainly going to be something we prioritize, and the success that Liam had last year in the running game, it’s certainly something we value,” Gladstone said.
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