How the 3-14 Jaguars can make the playoffs next season
This may sound like wishful thinking but the Bengals proved this year that turnarounds can happen fast with bold off-season moves. So here’s the plan:
Fire Trent Baalke – Before the Draft
As most Jaguars fans will tell you, there is no conceivable reason Baalke is still involved with this organization. He’s delayed the coaching hire, and has been of very little positive value.
Hire an elite support staff under new Head Coach Doug Pederson
Offensive Coordinator: David Culley
Defensive Coordinator: Vic Fangio
Special Teams Coordinator: Rich Bisaccia
Passing Game Coordinator: Pep Hamilton
QB Coach: Josh McCown
Culley coached with Pederson from 2013 to 2015 for the Kansas City Chiefs under Andy Reid.
Fangio and Bisaccia are known coordinating specialists, and have been interviewed by the Jaguars – albeit for the now-filled Head Coach vacancy.
McCown has expressed interest in coaching; started a playoff game for Pederson’s Eagles in 2020. He would be a great mentor for Trevor Lawrence.
Pep Hamilton may be overqualified, but the Jaguars should do everything in their power to have him as a part of the organization in some fashion. Culley and Hamilton coached together on the Texans last season, where under their coaching rookie Davis Mills even looked solid. Hamilton has also previously coached Andrew Luck and Justin Herbert, who share similar traits with Trevor Lawrence.
Draft Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton first overall
Conventional wisdom would say a safety shouldn’t be the first overall pick. However, Hamilton is by far the best player in this draft. Passing on a generational talent that can immediately make game changing plays on defense would be a mistake – especially since there is no consensus among the most commonly named potential first overall picks. It is too early to give up on first-round pick K’Lavon Chaisson and draft an edge player, and the offensive tackle position could be more immediately addressed in free agency.
Draft Clemson WR Justyn Ross
Ross showed his potential in the 2018-2019 season with Lawrence at quarterback, accumulating 1,000 yards on only 46 catches along with 9 touchdowns in a 15-0 National Championship season. Ross, as a freshman, outperformed teammates Tee Higgins and Hunter Renfrow in the National Championship game with 153 yards and a touchdown agaisnt Alabama. Reuniting Ross, who has since struggled with health and quarterback issues, may provide the chemistry-driven spark the Jaguars need. Seeing what Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase accomplished this year – this seems too perfect.
Sign Saints LT Terron Armstead
The Jaguars have struggled to draft and develop talented tackles over the years. It’s time to give up. Signing a proven player at the position will provide a more immediate impact, and help the Jaguars protect Lawrence and perhaps even capitalize on the “Super Bowl window” while Lawrence is under a rookie deal.
Bring back veterans Allen Robinson and Calais Campbell
Re-signing these players can not only prove the Jaguars care about winning, but will also bring veteran experience into the locker room. Campbell specifically would be both a fan favorite, as well as a true leader for this young defense.
