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Team Needs: Jacksonville Jaguars



Hurtin' for: a defensive end
The Jaguars have had just one player achieve double-digit sacks over the past six seasons, and Bobby McCray is now a New Orleans Saint. The team's current best bets to enhance the pass rush are Brent Hawkins, who has shown flashes in two seasons but still has just 5.5 total sacks and isn't big enough to start, and Reggie Hayward, who is now a full season removed from tearing an Achilles' tendon. Jacksonville needs another threat to take pressure off a young secondary.

Should be lookin' for: interior blockers
Center Brad Meester is 31 and has missed four or more games in two of the past three seasons. In addition, the Football Outsiders adjusted line yards rankings (which try to decipher how much of each rushing play is attributable to the blocking) show that the Jaguars were significantly weaker running between center and left tackle than they were to the right side or around either end. Jacksonville also ranks in just the middle of the league in adjusted sack rate, which accounts for a team's passing frequency and strength of opponents. Left tackle Khalif Barnes might not be the answer at his spot either, and he has faced some legal trouble over the past year or so.

Will likely settle for: linemen and a safety
In addition to the issues mentioned above, the trade of former starting defensive tackle Marcus Stroud creates a minor need for some depth there. The team could also stand to grab some young depth on the offensive side after spending just three of 25 selections on offensive linemen in the past three drafts. At the back of the defense, Reggie Nelson and Gerald Sensabaugh could turn into a strong young starting duo. Little insurance exists behind them, however.

Matt Schauf is a contributing writer for Draft Stock and an associate editor and senior fantasy football writer for SportsBuff.com


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