The Jacksonville Jaguars aren't getting much attention after finishing 4-13 in 2024. Sure, some analysts believe that they could be the surprise team in the NFL next season, but the consensus doesn't think they'll make much noise next season. On the other hand, the Jags aren't necessarily getting negative reviews. In fact, they've earned praise for their work they've put in the past few months.
Trevor Sikkema of Pro Football Focus assigned grades to all 32 NFL teams and gave Jacksonville a B+, citing the aggressiveness the new regime has shown the past few months.
"This grade is tough to call right now because we don't know what James Gladstone and Liam Coen will be as general manager and head coach, respectively," Sikkema said. "But it was time for a change, and both are making bold moves, so I lean more toward a positive view."
Sikemma continued, "The Jaguars got aggressive to add Travis Hunter in the draft and moved on from some of the players the previous regime signed who were not working out. They brougth in Eric Murray to help a safety room that finished dead last in the league with a 51.8 PFF overall grade in 2024."
For context, safety wasn't the only position the Jags took care of in the offseason. They spared no expense to beef up the offensive line, adding both talent and depth in free agency and the draft. Similarly, they added reinforcements at running back and their pass rush. Their wide receiver corps also got a boost, with two-way star Travis Hunter and Dyami Brown joining the talented Dyami Brown and sophomore Brian Thomas Jr.
You could make the case that the front office could still make upgrades at safety, defensive tackle, and maybe tight end. However, it looks like they may want to see how their in-house options do in training camp before they make any further moves.
Of course, Sikkema isn't the only analyst who gave Jacksonville its flowers. Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report also gave them a B, pointing out that they made moves to get the most out of Trevor Lawrence. This is understandable when you take into account that the previous regime didn't do nearly enough the past few years to put its franchise quarterback in a position to succeed.
The Jaguars should be a dark horse candidate to make the playoffs in 2025
There's no doubt that the Jacksonville Jaguars are in better shape than they were at the end of 2024. While they cleaned house and are undergoing a rebuild under Liam Coen and James Gladstone, they certainly have enough pieces to compete next season.
As noted before, the offensive line got plenty of upgrades, the same is true for the wide receiver corps. On defense, the Jags revamped nearly every position. The biggest X-Factor could end up being Trevor Lawrence, though. He's coming off a shoulder injury and a somewhat underwhelming season. If he can bounce back and play like he did in 2022, the Jaguars will have a shot.
That said, the Jags won't be taken seriously until they start winning games. The fact that they'll have to deal with a couple of tough stretches in the regular season won't help matters. Then again, good teams find a way to come out on top regardless of the circumstances, and if Jacksonville manages to get off to a strong start to 2025, it could make a serious run at the AFC South title.
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