In this series, I’ll be taking a deep dive into an NFL team’s situation as we turn to 2021. We will look at coaching/GM changes, team needs, salary cap/free agents, and overall fantasy outlook for 2021. Up first, the Jacksonville Jaguars.
COACHING/GM CHANGES
The Jaguars fired both HC Doug Marrone and GM Dave Caldwell. Caldwell was the first to be let go. Leading Jacksonville to a mediocre 39-87 record in eight seasons. The Jaguars lost 10 or more games in seven of those seasons. After a franchise-record 10th consecutive loss, team-owner Shad Khan decided to pull the plug on Caldwell. Trent Baalke took over as the interim GM and has a chance to take over as the official GM of the team.
I don’t believe many people thought that Doug Marrone would finish the 2020 season as the head coach. Fired after the season finale, Marrone finished his 4+ year coaching tenure with a 23-43 record. Urban Meyer has been linked to this job since the announcement of the firing. As we stand today, Urban Meyer will be the next head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars.
TEAM NEEDS
The Jaguars are in full rebuild mode. With a roster lacking talent across the board, it should be no surprise that they have the #1 overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft. Here is, in my opinion, the Jaguars’ top 5 needs by position.
Quarterback
The top need is a franchise QB. Taking Trevor Lawrence #1 overall is almost a guarantee at this point. Urban Meyer has been openly supportive of Lawrence being the top-rated QB to come out this year. Pairing a rookie QB with a college coach making the transition to the NFL has had some recent success. The Arizona Cardinals hired Kliff Kingsbury in 2019, the same year they drafted Kyler Murray. The Cardinals are a team that is on the rise heading in 2021.
Defensive Line/Linebacker
Here are some Jaguars defensive statistics from 2020:
- 28th in opponent YPC
- 29th in rushing TD allowed
- 1st in 20+ yard rush allowed
- 31st in sacks
- 31st in opponent completion %
This was a defense that failed to limit big plays, failed to pressure the opposing quarterback, and nearly led the league in touchdowns given up. Losing playmakers such as Jalen Ramsey, Yannick Ngakoue, and Calais Campbell destroyed a once-formidable defensive unit. I am a firm believer in building your football team from the inside out. Listen, I get it. Drafting a defensive lineman in the top two rounds is not exactly “sexy”. But championship defense starts upfront.
Defensive Back
After shoring up the front seven, the Jaguars need to turn their attention to the back end of their defense. CJ Henderson is a solid, young corner that needs more time to develop. Every other DB on the roster is replaceable to me. I like veteran safeties and young, fiery corners.
Wide Receiver/Running Back
The Jaguars need weapons for new QB Trevor Lawrence. DJ Chark is a budding superstar, but outside of James Robinson, the Jags do not have much firepower on offense. I would love to see Najee Harris or Ja’Marr Chase added to this team: two difference makers at their respective position.
SALARY CAP AND IMPENDING FREE AGENTS
The Jacksonville Jaguars head into the 2021 offseason with $77M in cap space (#1 in the NFL). This team needs veterans to help mold the youth they will have after 10 draft picks in the NFL draft. Top targets to consider:
- Leonard Williams, DE
- Justin Simmons, DB
- T.Y. Hilton, WR
- Marvin Jones, WR
- Richard Sherman, CB
2021 FANTASY OUTLOOK
It seems Urban Meyer will walk into a young team in full rebuild mode. We have seen Meyer have a ton of success on offense at every head coaching stop. We have seen guys like Joe Burrow and Justin Herbert hit the ground running in year-one. Therefore, I am optimistic that the Jaguars can have a surprisingly good season on offense with multiple viable fantasy options for managers to rely on. With the right roster moves, this team could be dangerous in 2021.
Thank you for reading! You can find the rest of my work at DFF and follow me on Twitter @FF_Derrick. Reach out to me anytime with anything fantasy football related! Seize the moment! Say less, do MORE!
