Looking Back at the Jaguars 2014 Draft Class

2/29/2016

The 2014 draft class was the literal definition of a game changer. A majority of the Jaguars nine picks are currently valuable playmakers and are the basis of the future of the franchise. Dave Caldwell successfully drafted playmakers on both sides of the ball that turned around a one-dimensional offense that had struggled since the heyday of Fred Taylor and Jimmy Smith. With this, Dave Caldwell seemingly changed the direction of our Franchise.

By Zach Weeks

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Blake Bortles: 1st Round/ 3rd overall pick/ Quarterback.

Upside: Those who had Blake Bortles as their fantasy quarterback this year are well aware of his numerous positives, but for those that were not fortunate enough to snag him off the waiver wire or late in the draft, Blake Bortles can play. Bortles threw for 35 regular season touchdown passes this year, (tied for second in the league) and threw for over 4,400 yards. For a quarterback who is only 23 years old, it’s an impressive feat and a positive omen for future seasons.

Downside: The glaring weakness to Bortles game is his affinity for turning the ball over. Bortles threw 18 interceptions this year and 17 interceptions the year before. Bortles finished the season with only a 58% completion percentage, which isn’t impressive. Ultimately, I chalk up most of these turnovers to him being a young quarterback in a new system surrounded by a young team. I do not expect these turnover woes to continue in the future.

Was this a good pick?
Yes! Bortles is the future of the Jags franchise and will more than likely be a pro-bowler for years to come.

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Marqise Lee: 2nd Round/ 39th overall pick/ Wide Receiver.

Upside: Marqise Lee’s athleticism is something that could make him a star in the NFL in the future. Some would say his insane success in college didn’t transfer over to the NFL but I just don’t believe that. Lee was dominant at USC as a speed receiver. Not only can he be productive in the slot, but he is also a threat to beat opposing teams deep. If Lee can stay on the field, he can absolutely provide the same intangibles to the Jaguars offense.

Downside: Unfortunately for both the Jaguars and Lee, this young wide receiver cannot seem to stay on the field for games or practice. In Lee’s brief moments, like his late touchdown catch against the Giants in 2014, he has been productive in the role of a speed receiver. When Lee gets more reps, we should all expect to see his production on the field rise.

Was this a good pick?
Although we haven’t seen much of Lee, I fully anticipate a stronger showing next season if he can stay healthy.

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Allen Robinson: 2nd Round/ 61st overall pick/ Wide Receiver.

Upside: The 2015 Pro Bowler, Allen Robinson, has endless on the field attributes and is clearly going to be valuable contributor to the Jaguars offense of the future. Robinson was tied for the league lead in touchdown receptions this year and had over 1,400 receiving yards. Other notable stats are Robinson’s zero fumbles on the year, which was rare among top receivers and his 17.5 yards per reception that was sixth among receivers this year.

Downside: Doesn’t have too many downsides other than some scouts believe he doesn’t have elite speed. Although Robinson only ran a 4.6 forty at the combine, he more than makes up for it with sure hands and elite ability to play the ball in the air.

Was this a good pick?
Yes, Robinson is clearly a first-round talent that was acquired late in the second round.

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Brandon Linder: 3rd Round/93rd overall pick/ Offensive Guard.

Upside: Brandon Linder started fifteen games as a rookie at the right guard position and is an excellent run-blocker. Linder will likely either remain at right guard in 2016 or take take the place of Zane Beadles if the Jaguars to decide to release Beadles. If the Jaguars decided to replace Beadles, Linder would be a strong replacement on the let side of the offensive line. Linder could even move inside to center next year.

Downside: Although Brandon Linder had a standout rookie season, he did miss 13 games due injuries this past season and has a lot to prove in 2016.

Was this a good pick?
Yes. When a franchise drafts a guard in the third round, generally the expectation is that the individual should come into games and contribute meaningful reps as a rotational or reserve player. Linder more than justified his third-round selection.

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Aaron Colvin: 4th Round/114th overall pick/ Cornerback.

Upside: Statistically, Aaron Colvin is the highest-rated of the Jaguars corners according to pro football focus. This was Colvin’s first full season and he did not disappoint. Colvin did well in pass coverage but his most impressive talent was his tackling ability. Colvin had 73 combined tackles this year, four sacks, and has proven to be a versatile and effective corner in Gus Bradley’s scheme.

Downside: Like all of the Jags corners, Colvin has room to improve his technique in both man and zone coverage and needs to work on playing the ball when it’s in the air. As our pass rush players begin to improve their consistency at getting to the quarterback, I expect our corners, like Colvin, will begin to show more results.

Was this a good pick?
Yes, Colvin was a valuable addition to our secondary and a “hidden gem” in the fourth round.

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Telvin Smith: 5th Round/144th overall pick/ Outside Linebacker.

Upside: Smith wields deceptive strength for his size and possesses unmatched speed. These traits have allowed him to be productive in coverage and a playmaker in the run game. Gus Bradley coached Telvin in the Senior Bowl and witnessed his raw talent first hand. That raw talent transformed into 128 tackles in only fourteen games this season, which was 7th in the league.

Downside:
Telvin is somewhat small for his position and at sometimes has struggled to get off blocks in the run game. Fortunately, Smith is still a young football player and will get much better with his technique over time.

Was this a good pick?
Yes, this was a fantastic pick based on both his production and the value the Jags got for a late round draft pick.

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Chris Smith/5th Round/ 159th overall pick/ Defensive End.

Upside: Chris Smith provides depth at the pass rush position and has been decent at stopping the run during his limited playtime with the Jags.

Downside: Chris Smith just hasn’t been able to effectively disrupt the quarterback so far in his short NFL career and that resulted in a lack of playing time this past season for the Jaguars.

Was this a good pick?
I think this pick may have been a miss and the Jaguars are in desperate need of players at this position now. This was not a great pick, but luckily we had two fifth round picks in 2014.

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Luke Bowanko: 6th Round/ 205th overall pick/ Center.

Upside: Bowanko is a decent reserve player and he seen some action on special teams this year. Bowanko is the back up center and will likely be occupy a similar role next season.

Downside: So far in Bowanko’s short career he has not proven to be a viable option playing at the center position. Bowanko struggles with pass protection and was unable to beat out Stefen Wisniewski for the starting job last offseason (in earnest, he really wasn't given much of a chance).

Was this a good pick?
Bowanko is an above average role player, but has made less and less of impact in his two seasons for the Jaguars.

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Storm Johnson/7th Round/ 222nd overall pick

Was this a good pick?
Storm Johnson is no longer on the Jaguars roster due to a below-average rookie season and lack or progress/work ethic. Clearly, not a great fit.

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