The Jacksonville Jaguars’ playoff hopes took a dramatic turn as their promising season ended abruptly, leaving them on the sidelines rather than in the postseason. Despite starting strong with an 8-3 record by Week 13, a series of losses in their final six games dashed their playoff aspirations, dimming the hopes of a team poised to capitalize on their previous year’s playoff success.
During the offseason, the Jaguars swiftly addressed key areas of concern, notably bolstering their offensive line with the addition of center Mitch Morse and retaining guard Matthew Cleveland. These moves aimed to rectify issues of excessive sacks and insufficient rushing lanes. Additionally, enhancements were made to the secondary, welcoming Darnell Savage and Ronald Darby to shore up a unit that struggled against aerial threats. Further strengthening the team’s arsenal, the signings of wide receivers Brian Thomas Jr., Gabe Davis, and Devin Duvernay provided star quarterback Trevor Lawrence with a formidable array of talent.
With the 2024 NFL Draft concluded and free agency underway, the Jaguars retain the opportunity to augment their roster further. Three free agents emerge as key targets post-draft for Jacksonville.
Firstly, cornerback Steven Nelson offers valuable experience and versatility, having excelled across multiple teams in recent years. His adeptness in coverage, evident from his impressive interception record and low passer rating when targeted, positions him as an asset to fortify the Jaguars’ secondary.
In addressing safety concerns, the Jaguars aim to elevate their defensive backfield by pursuing Micah Hyde. With a decorated career marked by numerous turnovers and All-Pro accolades, Hyde’s playmaking prowess promises to complement the newly-acquired Darnell Savage and bolster the team’s pass defense.
Lastly, Kareem Hunt emerges as a potential addition to rejuvenate the Jaguars’ running game. Travis Etienne’s workload in the previous season underscored the need for a reliable backup, especially given the struggles of other options like D’Ernest Johnson and Tank Bigsby. Hunt’s track record as a versatile and productive running back could alleviate pressure on Etienne and inject vitality into Jacksonville’s rushing attack, providing a much-needed boost to their offensive capabilities.