Jaguars rebuild with dreams of Gardner Minshew being the guy

The rebuild is on for Duval, as the Jacksonville Jaguars are hoping for young bright spots and Gardner Minshew to make 2020 a fun watch.

Best-case scenario

The Jaguars’ best-possible record is 7-9 or 8-8.

The rookie class is exciting, the quarterback position is stable, and the team vibe is much better. The new offensive coordinator, Jay Gruden, brings experience and a much-needed new scheme to the offense. The rest of the coaching staff is stable which is a huge plus in this year affected by COVID-19.

Worst-case scenario

The Jaguars worst record is 3-13. The injury bug could really stop the progress of this rebuilding team due to a lack of depth. The defensive line, Jacksonville’s weakest position group, may be unable to stop the run.

If quarterback Gardner Minshew is either injured or unable to take the next step in his development it would really hurt the team. The Jaguars must get off to a fast start. Losing begets losing and the team needs wins to start believing in itself.

Biggest offseason move

The rookie class. The management made a concerted effort to draft high-character players to address the toxic locker room.

Also, the addition of an experienced middle linebacker in Joe Schobert is a huge plus. Schobert will solidify the middle of the defense as a quality veteran with good years left to give.

Draft pick who makes the big impact

Laviska Shenault, the second-round rookie wide receiver from Colorado, will have a huge impact. He is versatile and can be lined up in a variety of positions including running back. His presence will force opposing teams to lighten the coverage on Jacksonville’s top receiver, D.J. Chark.

Overall expectations

Even the eternal optimist can’t see Jacksonville going 8-8 or better this season. Minshew has real talent and the receivers could be good with Chark, Shenault and Chris Conley, but the Jaguars have lost so much talent recently in Calais Campbell, A.J. Bouye and Yannick Ngakoue.

The playoffs are probably not in the cards, but again, the offense will benefit from an experienced coordinator in Gruden. The special teams are excellent and could steal a game or two in the close AFC South affairs. Of course, following the aforementioned losses on defense, that’s the weakest of the three sides. However, there’s hope the addition of rookie cornerback C.J. Henderson and first-round edge rusher K’Lavon Chaisson will improve it immediately.