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Blake Bortles: 5 possible replacements in Jacksonville

By Brad Berreman

Oct 23, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) reacts after a play in the second half against the Oakland Raiders at EverBank Field. Oakland Raiders won 33-16. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) reacts after a play in the second half against the Oakland Raiders at EverBank Field. Oakland Raiders won 33-16. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Quarterbacks in the 2018 NFL Draft

Since an attempt to bench Bortles didn’t happen this season, it may not happen next season without an injury. The likelihood his 2018 option is picked up will give Bortles some sort of last chance if he can’t turn things around, but the Jaguars could still be in the market for a quarterback fairly early in the 2018 draft.

Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson could go pro after next season, but there are questions about his ability to play quarterback in the NFL. The recent assessment from an “anonymous” ACC coach that he can’t play the position at the next level is a big reach at this point, but Florida native Jackson may have to make a position switch as an NFL player.

The list of other, likely more pro-ready quarterbacks that are in line to be in the 2018 draft includes Josh Rosen (UCLA), Baker Mayfield (Oklahoma) and Mason Rudolph (Oklahoma State). There always seems to be one or two guys that land on the NFL’s radar out of relatively nowhere too, like Mitch Trubisky did this past season, so the Jaguars should not lack for early-round signal caller options a year from now.

Next: NFL Divisional Round: Picks and predictions

If Bortles has a second straight bad season, or shows no signs of real progress, the Jaguars will have to fully re-evaluate their quarterback situation. Bortles has some semblance of job security for next season at this point, barring the addition of a more viable veteran this offseason, but he’s likely heading for a make-or-break season in 2017.

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