The Jaguars will begin training camp in a matter of days with several questions looming.
For this week's #JaguarsMailbag, we take a look at the wide receiver position, the future of the Otto linebacker spot and the potential fallout of major injuries.
@CameronFranklon asks: If Johnathan Cyprien does break out this year, what is a good safety you could compare what is role will look like too?
Mike Kaye: I think Cyprien has similar skills to hybrid linebacker-safeties Mark Barron and Deone Bucannon. Both are actually used as linebackers in their defenses, but I don't see Cyprien being used in that role with the selection of Myles Jack and the team's insistence on using the Otto linebacker position in the base defense. Cyprien is best used in the box, but can go into coverage when needed. He's not a centerfielder and is not going to make a lot of plays on the ball. However, he has promise against the run when he plays close to the line of scrimmage.
I think he will be used as a "fourth linebacker" at times, much like Barron did when he first arrived in St. Louis. It's tricky to compare roles because the Jaguars run a somewhat unique defense and I don't think he compares to Kam Chancellor, as no one does in my opinion.
Cyprien is in an odd spot because I think James Sample is a more athletic player, who is capable accomplishing a bit more in coverage. The two are competing for the strong safety role, and while they are fairly similar players, I think Sample offers more upside against the pass.
@Jags1185 asks: Dante Fowler is being relied on for pass rush. If he gets severely injured would Caldwell have to explore a trade for pass rush help?
MK: Well, the pitfalls of having Andre Branch and Chris Clemons as lead pass rushers last year didn't force Caldwell's hand. I think the Jaguars would look for an internal answer first, but perhaps they could explore the market. I don't think Caldwell would give up a lot for a pass rusher, I just don't think that's the type of general manager that he is. I also don't think good pass rushers become available during training camp or before the trade deadline without some serious lumps in their games or personalities.
I think timing is also everything. If the Jaguars get off to a rough start in the first six games and Fowler is injured in the final game of that stretch, I can't see them investing in a rental defensive end (who would likely either have one year left on his deal or his contract would not have a lot of guaranteed money left). If they get off to a hot start, to keep things going, maybe they have the conversation.
@0ldmanflanagan asks: With Marqise Lee and Rashad Greene both potentially being better than decent do you think we will see more spread out/4 wide receiver formations?
MK: I think you may see a spread look in third and long situations where a running back decoy would be unnecessary. It will be hard to take Chris Ivory or T.J. Yeldon off the field otherwise and I don't think the Jaguars want to sacrifice Julius Thomas snaps for Lee or Greene unless it's absolutely necessary.
If Thomas were to go down, I would think four-receiver sets would become a bit more common place, but I think the Jaguars primarily want to run 12 personnel (one running back, two tight ends, two receivers) and 11 personnel (one running back, one tight end and three receivers) sets.
@Mike_Will904 asks: Who Blake Bortles' favorite wide receiver?
MK: Based on targets, it's Allen Robinson. According to ESPN, Robinson was targeted 153 times last season, while Allen Hurns was targeted 104 times with the third best a mile behind. Robinson, in my opinion, is the most dynamic player on the Jaguars roster, which is why he is targeted so much. I expect his targets to go down from last year if Julius Thomas is healthy for the entire season. I think Thomas will overtake Hurns as the No. 2 on the targets list this season.
@JoshPugh24 asks: In your opinion, Week 1 Otto will be of these three: Dan Skuta, Ryan Davis or Myles Jack?
MK: I'm going to rule out Jack because I don't think he will start anywhere to begin his NFL career. I think he will start out as a nickel linebacker, but will see some snaps at middle and Otto linebacker. Skuta is the incumbent so I would lean towards him. That said, I think Ryan Davis will start the most games at Otto this season, as he is the more versatile and talented of the two veterans, but is still learning the position.
So in short, I'll go with Skuta because Jack and Davis are still learning the position, but I don't see him starting the majority of the season.
@ALanguageUnique asks: Who is next in line at center if Brandon Linder goes down again?
MK: The Jaguars have actually low-key protected themselves at the center position. They are still high on Tyler Shatley as an interior lineman at all three spots and brought in veteran Mackenzy Bernadeau as a veteran backup who has played a lot of guard and center in his career. Bernadeau, if he doesn't win the starting left guard job, would be the top backup on the roster. He seems like proper insurance for Linder, even if he does get the left guard job to be honest. He can always move over and Shatley or the loser of the left tackle gig could slide into left guard.
@BrentPapineau asks: Does Paul Posluszny have a chance to make The Pride when he retires?
MK: That's an interesting question, Brent. After first glance, I would say yes. He is one of 22 Jaguars players to make a Pro Bowl, according to Pro Football Reference. He is actually the only Jaguars defender to represent the team in the Pro Bowl since 2006.
Still, after evaluating everything, I think his candidacy is a bit sketchy. I think he may eventually get in, but I don't think it is a slam dunk, given that Rashean Mathis and Maurice Jones-Drew are more deserving and retired earlier.
Posluszny has had a solid career in Jacksonville and is well-respected by literally everyone in the organization, but I don't know how relevant he is in the spectrum of the team's history. The Jaguars have never gone to the playoffs with him on the roster and the team has posted a record of 19-61 during his tenure.
Follow Mike Kaye or ask him your mailbag questions at @Mike_E_Kaye. Download the First Coast Football App for more Jaguars coverage.
