ESPN ranks Jaguars most improved team after first wave of free agency

3/15/2017

Are the Jaguars the most improved team so far this offseason? John Clayton of ESPN sure thinks so.

By Jordan de Lugo

As I'm sure you're aware the Jaguars made quite a splash in free agency at the end of last week and over the weekend. While Duval has been lit since the news of the Jaguars most recent free agent signings media across the country have also been taking notice.

John Clayton of ESPN annually ranks the most improved teams after the first wave of free agency.
He believes the Jaguars are this year's most improved team so far.

Here's his take:

1. Jacksonville Jaguars
Biggest additions: DE Calais Campbell, CB A.J. Bouye, S Barry Church
The Jaguars went straight for their weakest unit, giving out $68 million in guarantees to defenders Campbell, Bouye and Church. This is after handing out $64 million in guarantees to defensive lineman Malik Jackson, running back Chris Ivory and safety Tashaun Gipson, and drafting cornerback Jalen Ramsey, linebacker Myles Jack and pass-rusher Yannick Ngakoue last year. Jacksonville is well on its way to rebuilding its defense, which gave up 25.0 points per game in 2016. I expect that number to improve next season. Bouye and Ramsey make for a great, young cornerback tandem. Campbell turns 31 this year, but he's a solid player. Church gives the defense some veteran leadership that has been needed.

Clayton isn't too far off here. While the Jaguars defense did give up 25 PPG in 2016 many of those points can be attributed to an offense that turned the ball over far too often and gave up some points themselves.

The main point here is that national media analysts like what the Jaguars are doing and that should make Jaguars fans happy.

But do not forget the Jaguars "won the offseason" last year too, and were also John Clayton's most improved team.

So - buyer be ware when it comes to offseason moves. At this point, with this roster, coaching staff, and front office Jaguars fans should be cautiously optimistic. Things are looking really good for the young team, but then again we've said that before.

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