NFL DRAFT NEWS

NFL Draft preview: Jaguars reconstruct defensive line

The Sports Xchange

April 23, 2014 at 10:47 pm.

JACKSONVILLE — Everyone knew that this would be a key offseason for the Jacksonville Jaguars. When a team has plenty of cap space available and a number of holes to fill, it is bound to be an active time for the front-office, led by general manager Dave Caldwell.

The second-year Jaguars GM wasted little time addressing one of the team’s most pressing needs, that of the defensive line, signing Chris Clemons and Ziggy Hood to four-year contracts and re-signing veteran Jason Babin to a three-year deal was a major step in rebuilding a line that was woeful at times a year ago.

But Caldwell didn’t stop there in solidifying the D-line. He also acquired former Seattle defensive end Red Bryant, who played under Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley when the latter served as Seattle’s defensive coordinator.

Adding Bryant to the mix was key as he was in demand with several other NFL clubs. But one meeting with Bradley and Caldwell was all that it took for Bryant to ink a four-year deal worth $17 million ($5.25 guaranteed). The last piece of the defensive puzzle to be added came with the signing of linebacker Dekoda Watson. He’ll be primarily a pass rushing end on third down situations.

Caldwell also helped the offense. The first move came with the re-signing of quarterback Chad Henne, whose numbers were not overwhelming, but the support around him, both the blockers and the receivers, were not good.

The belief is that improvement in those two areas will spike Henne’s numbers upward. Give him more time to throw the ball and he’ll find the open receiver. Having better receivers who run better routes and do a better job of catching the ball will also lift Henne’s production.

That was addressed when the Jaguars made guard Zane Beadles their first pick on the opening day of free agency. They hope that the former Denver Bronco will be the lynchpin of a rebuilt offensive line. He was part of the Broncos unit that allowed an NFL-low 20 sacks last year.

Jacksonville had to address its running back position, where starter Maurice Jones-Drew and backup Justin Forsett departed. That prompted the Jags to make a successful pitch to Minnesota Vikings backup running back Toby Gerhart. Bradley and Caldwell were convinced after watching Gerhart’s plays where he spelled Adrian Peterson, that Gerhart could become a full-time starter.

Offseason departures from the Jaguars came at the request of the team, as opposed to the players necessarily wanting to go elsewhere. There wasn’t a player who left that the Jaguars made a strong bid to re-sign. Most noteworthy was Jones-Drew, who signed with Oakland, near where he grew up.

With the free agent arrivals and departures now complete, it leaves the Jaguars with specific areas to address with the upcoming draft.

First and foremost will be the receiver spot. Last year’s suspension of Justin Blackmon leaves the talented receiver in flux as to whether he’ll be with the club in 2014. The Jaguars will go after a receiver early in the draft as this is a critical need.

Center must also be addressed following the retirement of veteran Brad Meester and the failure to lure All-Pro Alex Mack away from Cleveland.

With Russell Allen retiring, the Jaguars will also look to shore up their depth at linebacker. Another defensive end could also be in the picture as Bradley is a strong believer that you can never have too many quality defensive ends.

NOTES: QB Chad Henne explored the free agency market, but the third year Jaguars quarterback knew he wanted to stay in Jacksonville. Henne was with Miami for four years before signing with the Jaguars in 2012. He has 19 starts and has played in 25 games the last two seasons with the Jaguars.