The Jacksonville Jaguars 2017 offseason and training camp has been mired by mistakes and failed plans. Instead of addressing QB in the draft, free agency, or via trade the Jaguars stuck with their QBs that lead the team to just three wins in 2016. They, for the most part, stuck with the same offensive line that was about effective as a leaking pipe in run blocking situations last year.
Now, they've made even more mistakes. None will be felt as hard as the mistake of not addressing the QB position in the offseason, but the mistakes made by the Jaguars prior to cuts to the 53 man roster, and in the hours after, could certainly have a negative impact on the Jaguars in 2017 and beyond. 1. The Jaguars traded Luke Bowanko to the Ravens Luke Bowanko, who appeared to be the team's best option at left guard, was traded to the Ravens for an undisclosed draft pick. In Bowanko's only opportunities to start in the NFL he played very well - and that was as a rookie in 2014. Since then he's had several seasons to grow and mature on and off the field. Now, he'll have the opportunity to earn a starting job with the Ravens, and might even play significant snaps against the Jaguars when the two teams square off in London during week three of the regular season. Was Luke Bowanko a long term solution for the Jaguars at left guard? Probably not. But was parting ways with one of the only players on the offensive line who hasn't put up a ton of bad tape in the NFL a good idea? Probably not. 2. The Jaguars waived Hayes Pullard Hayes Pullard, heading into 2017, was slotted as the Jaguars backup mike linebacker. The stout linebacker provided special teams value on coverage, but even more important he provided quality depth on the defensive side of the ball for the Jaguars. Throughout the course of 2016 and the 2017 preseason Pullard regularly flashed. In preseason this year he was a true thumper and made several big hits from the middle linebacker position. Now, with out Pullard backing up Paul Posluszny, the Jaguars have very, very little depth at linebacker behind Poz. If Paul Posluszny or Myles Jack goes down with an injury, a player with very little experience will be forced to step in and play either at MLB or SLB. Pullard was, of course, signed by the Chargers - Pullard's former coach, Gus Bradley, is their current defensive coordinator. 3. The Jaguars waived Brandon Allen Brandon Allen was the only QB on the Jaguars roster that provided any hope. He played well, at times, when given opportunities in preseason and training camp and most importantly he wasn't Blake Bortles or Chad Henne - he wasn't a known quantity. Allen flashed poise, touch, and mobility when on the field for the Jaguars in preseason. Clearly, he's not ready to start in the NFL, but Allen is a guy that could develop into a nice backup or even a serviceable starter in the NFL. I'm not the only one who thinks so - Several teams put in waiver claims for Brandon Allen upon his release and he ultimately wound up with the Los Angeles Rams. Will all three of these moves have major implications in 2017? Maybe not, but I would be shocked if we don't look back at these moves as mistakes in the near future. |
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