AFC South
Jacksonville Jaguars
Coming off a 7-9 2009 campaign the Jaguars had many areas to address. Their aging defense needed help. They needed receivers to throw to. And then there is David Garrard. They definitely improved the defense, going out and getting Kirk Morrison to play middle linebacker. They also used three out of their first four draft picks on defensive lineman, including highly touted defensive tackle Tyson Alualu out of Cal with the tenth overall pick. However instead of adding to an already depleted group of receivers they allowed Tory Holt, to leave via free agency. Not that Holt was the receiver he was five years ago; but his 51 catches were still second best on the team. The Jaguars have put a lot of stock in second year wide-out Mike Thomas who became a favorite target for Garrard towards the end of the season. Another position to watch for Jacksonville is tight end. Incumbent starter Marcedes Lewis will need to step it up receiving or he might find himself on the bench behind Zach Miller. Miller, like Thomas, had a very impressive end to the 2009 season and will contend for catches. Garrard has been an interesting player his whole career. His strong arm and athleticism are undeniable but his decision making is questionable, at best. He was able to get into a groove with Mike Sims-Walker last year so look for that relationship to continue to grow. However, Jacksonville’s hopes run on three letters: M.J.D. Maurice Jones-Drew has become a top back in the league, rushing for nearly 1,400 yards last season. There is no doubt that Jones-Drew will continue to shine in the league, but the question is can anyone in Jacksonville take some of the burden off him. Prediction: 6-10, 4th in AFC South.
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