Fred Taylor is a stud. When on the field, he is one of the most dangerous backs in the league, and has the potential to make a game-breaking play, or take it to the house on any play. Taylor is the team’s most dangerous weapon. Last year, the Jags went 0-10 when Taylor carried the ball less than 23 times, and went 5-1 when he was given more than 23 carries. 1,572 yards in 2004 was a career high rushing number for Fred. This year, he is shooting for 2,000 yards. Fred and the coaches see that as a realistic goal. Talyor is going to have to improve on the six TDs he scored last year though.
The Jags have a decent stable of running backs. LaBrandon Toefield, a fourth-round pick in 2003, flashed tremendous pass-catching skills, and was being used more and more as the teams third-down back down the stretch. Florida State running back Greg Jones was drafted to help improve dismal numbers in short-yardage situations. He is a bruiser, and is expected to lay the wood on defenders. You could make an impressive highlight reel of Jones running over defenders in college. He should help inside the redzone, and in goal-line situations. Fullbacks Marc Edwards and Chris Fu-amatu Matafala will not get a lot of carries, but still have an important role in the Jags offense. David Allen was a solid return man, and has a shot at making the team for a second-consecutive year.
Wide Receivers
At first glance, the Jags may look weak at wide receiver, but the team is very happy with the guys they currently have. Jimmy Smith is the only original Jaguar remaining on the team’s roster. Smith showed up at camp last season overweight, and was suspended for the first four games for a drug violation. This year should be different. He showed up at camp 20 pounds lighter, and is considered to be in the best shape of his career. Draft picks Reggie Williams and Ernest Wilford should have an impact this year. Reggie struggled this off-season, mainly because he could not come to mini-camp because of a rule keeping rookies away until their school holds its graduation. The expected holdout never happened, and Reggie got to training camp in time. Leftwich and Reggie worked out together frequently this off-season, and need to form a special connection. If Williams can start as a rookie, the offense will be very dangerous.
However, Troy Edwards was signed last year, and is not going to lay down and just give up his starting job. If the season was to start now, he would most likely be penciled in as No. 2 on the depth chart. Cortez Hankton was an undrafted rookie who is making noise. He has flashed tons of potential, but is having trouble in the preseason catching the ball. Jermaine Lewis will be more of a factor as a kick returner, but can make a small impact as a receiver. Lewis had a good game in the season opener last year, gaining 90 receiving yards, but suffered a serious ACL injury. He will have to prove that he has overcome that injury.
Tight End
Kyle Brady, who is a solid starter at tight end for Jacksonville, is one of the better blocking tight ends in the NFL. He does not have the speed most young TE's in the NFL have, but catches most passes intended for him. In the past, Brady has dealt with rumors about being cut, and this off-season was challenged by Jack Del Rio to step up. George Wrighster and Todd Yoder will compete for the backup spot. Yoder was brought in to help improve the special teams, but Wrighster has not shown much improvement, leaving the role wide open.
Offensive Line
This is one of the Jaguars deepest positions and last year was the team’s most consistent unit. The unit allowed a franchise low 28 sacks last year, a very good number for a team with a rookie QB. Center Brad Meester was the anchor of the line. RT Maurice Williams, and RG Chris Naeole were rewarded this off-season for their strong play with contract extensions. Mike Pearson took a lot of criticism from coaches last year, but he responded to the challenge when the team brought in Ephraim Salaam to compete for the starting left tackle position. Salaam has been injured recently, and Pearson has been great.
Vince Manuwai started 15 games as a rookie last year and proved he will have a long-term impact for the Jags. Mike Compton is another notable player who was added this off-season. He missed most of last year due to injury, but will provide solid depth. Expect big things in 2004 from this unit. The success will carry into the future, as this line is expected to play together for many years to come.
