Jacksonville Jaguars Preview Capsule
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (5-11)
New faces: DT Malik Jackson, FS Tashaun Gipson, LT Kelvin Beachum, RB Chris Ivory, CB Jalen Ramsey, LB Myles Jack, CB Prince Amukamara, P Brad Nortman.
Key losses: LG Zane Beadles, DE Chris Clemons, C Stefan Wisniewski.
Strengths: General manager Dave Caldwell spent more than $125 million in free agency on three defensive starters (Jackson, Gipson, Amukamara) and used first four drafts picks on that side of ball - a massive effort to revamp one of worst units in league last season. Now, Jags have second-highest paid defense in league. One concern, though: They're counting on Dante Fowler, who missed rookie season because of knee injury, and rookie Yannick Ngakoue to generate consistent pass rush.
Weaknesses: Offensive line allowed NFL-high 122 sacks in last two seasons, clear trouble spot for unit that made huge strides with QB Blake Bortles, WR Allen Robinson and WR Allen Hurns. Signing Beachum and getting C Brandon Linder back from injury should help, but team needs LG Luke Joeckel to make quick progress. Second overall pick in 2013 draft, Joeckel played OT his first three years.
Fantasy Players To Watch: Bortles, Robinson, Hurns, Ivory, RB T.J. Yeldon, TE Julius Thomas.
Expectations: After five consecutive losing seasons, Jaguars finally have talent to compete in AFC South. Owner Shad Khan has made it clear "reasonable expectation" for 2016 is winning record. Jaguars haven't finished above .500 since 2007 and are 12-36 in three years under coach Gus Bradley. Another subpar season could cost Bradley his job.
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