Image Credit (Nathan Ray Seebeck/USA Today Sports)
Written by: Nicholas Mullick Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-mullick-354076184/
Time goes by fast and the NFL is starting to return soon with teams starting training camp. With Training Camp about to start, there are a lot of questions in regards to each team. So for the next few weeks, I am going to write about my Top 5 biggest questions for each team heading into Training Camp. I will be starting with the Jacksonville Jaguars, as they had the 1st Overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
1. Will Trevor Lawrence perform better with competent coaching?
Last year for the Jacksonville Jaguars was an absolute waste of a season, especially for QB Trevor Lawrence. But, you can’t deny that he had a terrible head coach calling plays last season. Urban Meyer’s tenure as the Jaguars head coach was a trainwreck. Honestly, he might be the worst coach in NFL history and that is saying something. Now the Jaguars hired Doug Pederson as the head coach who should absolutely be an upgrade at the head coaching position. Many will disagree with me here, but this season is going to be very telling for Trevor Lawrence long-term. You can blame the head coaching disaster last year as I did, but you can’t ignore how badly he played. Maybe with competent coaching, he will perform a lot better, and if he does not then the Lawrence pick will be very concerning. I think he should be okay as he was one of the best QB prospects coming out of college, and hopefully, he showcases his true talent next season.
2. How will Travis Etienne fit on this offense?
Injuries absolutely suck when playing a sport. The one player on the Jaguars that suffered an injury and did not play last season was RB Travis Ettienne. Etienne suffered a Lisfranc injury in the preseason game against the New Orleans Saints. When Etienne was drafted, the plan was to utilize him as a third-down back. That is no longer going to happen as Meyer is no longer the coach. Apparently, the plan now is to utilize him as a Deebo-like weapon. It will be interesting to see how that is done. But keep in mind James Robinson suffered a Torn Achilles and there is no word yet on his return. Etienne will likely be the lead back while Robinson recovers. Hopefully, Etienne can fit well on this offense, but as of now, I don’t think the Jaguars know themselves how he will fit.
3. Who will be the number two receiver?
I think it is no question Christian Kirk will be the number one receiver no question. You don’t give a wide receiver a four-year, $72 million contract to somebody and not use them as the number one receiver. The question now is who will be the number 2 receiver. Say what you want about the questionable moves made by Jaguars GM Trent Baalke, there is talent at the receiver position. The receiver position excluding Christian Kirk is Laviska Shenault, Marvin Jones, Zay Jones, Laquon Treadwell, and Jamal Agnew. Now there is a lot of talent here. Shenault did not do great last year, but he did not score a touchdown. Marvin Jones has the veteran experience and can still play. Zay Jones has disappointed but was signed to a three-year, $24 million contract in the offseason. Agnew is more of a special teams player and Treadwell showed flashes. It is going to be a tough battle on who will be getting the number two receiver and it is something to watch in Jacksonville.
4. Where will Walker Little play on the offensive line?
It looks like a current battle at the right tackle position between Jawaan Taylor and Walker Little. This is interesting because Taylor to me has always been a great tackle. I'm guessing it might be a battle because Taylor’s contract expires at the end of next season. It is clear that the Jaguars are high on Walker Little, but I just don’t see how he beats Taylor unless he gets hurt. Cam Robinson will be the blindside blocker no question. The only way Little will start is at guard. Can’t take Brandon Scherff’s spot as he was paid the big bucks in the offseason. Little is definitely a player to watch during training camp and in the preseason as the coaching staff sees potential in him. I just wonder where he will be plugged in on the offensive line.
5. How will the Jaguars utilize former 1st-round pick, K’Lavon Chaisson?
During the offseason, the Jaguars brought in a lot of talent on their defense. Especially in utilizing the 1st overall pick on Travon Walker. Which is a bad sign for K’Lavon Chaisson as he was expected to be the guy to be the pass-rushing partner for Josh Allen. The team also has Arden Key, Adam Gostis, and Dawuane Smoot. The odd man out here is Chaisson, who has disappointed since coming to the league. I wonder if Chaisson will be switching back to linebacker or maybe a new position. It would not be surprising if the Jaguars don’t utilize him and just cut bait. It is not looking that great for Chaisson to be a Jaguar this season.