Jacksonville Jaguars

The Gene Smith era of the Jacksonville Jaguars is hitting year three and his draft classes and personnel moves should start coming to a head. The Jaguars have been mired in mediocrity the past few seasons, including faltering down the stretch after setting themselves up early in the season to make the playoffs. The Jacksonville Jaguars are looking to make a push for the playoffs in what most feel could be head coach Jack Del Rio's final season as the head coach. Coming off losing four straight games in 2010, in 2011 the Jaguars hope to get off to their usual fast start and hold it through the season.

The 2011 season is not without intrigue however, since the Jacksonville Jaguars decided to trade up into the top 10 of the NFL Draft and select Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert 10th overall. While it's unlikely Gabbert will start the 2011 season for the Jaguars, it's likely he will earn some playing time if incumbent starting quarterback David Garrard strings together some poor showings. Rookie offensive lineman Will Rackley will also be looking to push for some playing time on the interior offensive line of the Jaguars. Rookie wide receiver Cecil Shorts and safety Chris Prosinki also seem primed to push for plenty of playing time in 2011, especially Prosinski at the Jaguars revolving door safety position on defense. All of the Jaguars 2011 NFL Draft picks will likely get plenty of playing time for the Jaguars in 2011, while in position to make a playoff push are still very much a team in transition from an old regime to a new one.

The NFL lockout in 2011 has put a pause on the momentum the Jaguars hope to achieve for the 2011 NFL season. The Jaguars do need to add some key pieces on defense. Fans should expect general manager Gene Smith to be a big player in free agency when and if it starts. The Jaguars have said as much and will need to court some big-time players on the defensive side of the ball.