Fansided

NFL training camp 2015: Priming all 32 teams

By Matt Verderame

Dec 28, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly before the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly before the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 12, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley on the sideline against the Tennessee Titans during the second half at LP Field. Titans won 16-14. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 12, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley on the sideline against the Tennessee Titans during the second half at LP Field. Titans won 16-14. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports /

Overview

The Jacksonville Jaguars have been nothing short of an untamed dumpster fire for years. Jacksonville hired Gus Bradley at the beginning of the 2013 season with hopes that he could restore their once fearful roar, but the Jaguars have gone 7-25 under Bradley. Last year, Jacksonville was unable to find any consistency along the offensive line or at quarterback, a combination that spelled doom.

In the offseason, general manager David Caldwell was aggressive … perhaps to a fault. Caldwell signed tight end Julius Thomas to a five-year, $46 million deal. Thomas has 24 touchdowns over the last two years, but also played with Peyton Manning and never eclipsed 800 yards in a season. Then there was a $20 million deal with Dan Skuta. Indefensible. However, the signing of center Stefen Wisniewski could be brilliant on a one-year deal.

Major Battle

The Jaguars play in a division with Andrew Luck, so at some point the secondary has to become a strong suit. For now, there will be free-agent acquisition Davon House on one side with a battle between Dwayne Gratz and Demetrius McCray on the other. All will see ample time including the slot, but it will be interesting to see who stands out during camp.

Expectations

Just improve at this point. The Jaguars have been terrible for years but drafted quarterback Blake Bortles with the third-overall pick in 2014. Bortles has a big arm and the perfect size to play the position. He struggled mightily last year but was under constant duress from an offensive line that allowed a league-high 71 sacks. If Bortles proves he can play, and Jacksonville wins six games, this year was a rousing success.

Next: Tennessee Titans

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