2015 NFL Preview: Jaguars' hopes rest on shoulders of Blake Bortles

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Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars failed to post a winning record for the seventh straight season, but avoided finishing last in the division thanks to the 2-12 Titans. It's been a while since Jacksonville was in the playoff hunt, but the team is hoping to take a long-awaited step forward after an active offseason.

Highlight of 2014

There's nothing like the excitement of an NFL home opener. Jaguars fans were fired up for the 2014 season, and despite being blown out by the Colts, the game did give the team their first look at first-round rookie quarterback Blake Bortles.

Preseason Power Ranking - #30

Will this be the year the Jaguars take a step forward? After spending aggressively in free agency, especially on offense, Jacksonville now needs Blake Bortles to show signs of being the franchise quarterback they hoped they were drafting a year ago. More ...

2015 Season Outlook

Schedule | Roster

Head Coach: Gus Bradley
Off. Coordinator: Greg Olson
Def. Coordinator: Bob Babich

Gus Bradley took over a team that needed to rebuild, but seven wins in his first two seasons is still disappointing. The defensive-minded coach's job security is attached to the success of second-year quarterback Blake Bortles, who struggled to find his footing during his rookie campaign.

The Jaguars brought in offensive coordinator Greg Olson, who has a history of success working with quarterbacks. Bortles has the talent required to excel at the NFL level, now he needs to bring it all together under Olson's tutelage.

Key Additions

• TE Julius Thomas
• DT Jared Odrick
• CB Davon House
• RT Jermey Parnell
• C Stefen Wisniewski
• LB Dan Skuta
• S Sergio Brown
• RB T.J. Yeldon (2nd round)
• G A.J. Cann (3rd round)
• S James Sample (4th round)

Key Departures

• WR Cecil Shorts
• CB Will Blackmon
• CB Alan Ball
• LB Geno Hayes
• LB J.T. Thomas
• RB Jordan Todman

It was a busy offseason in Jacksonville. The team recognized their shortcomings and made an effort to address those areas. If Bortles is going to improve, he'll need better protection from his line, and the addition of Jermey Parnell, Stefen Wisniewski, and A.J. Cann should help accomplish that.

The offense will also benefit from the arrival of big-ticket free agent Julius Thomas. Playing with Peyton Manning helped Thomas become one of the league's top tight ends over the last two seasons. He likely won't match that production in Jacksonville, but he instantly gives the team a legitimate weapon at the position.

Bold Predictions

The Jaguars will post their first winning record since 2007. Jacksonville isn't going to make the postseason, but nine wins isn't out of the question if things fall in their favor. Playing in one of the NFL's weakest divisions, Gus Bradley's crew will finally make the leap. - Justin Boone

Demetrius McCray will lead the Jaguars in interceptions. The Jaguars finished dead last in the NFL last season with just six interceptions, and will look to improve upon that number in 2015. McCray has yet to record an interception in his career, but appears poised for a breakout year after emerging as a starter last season. - Caitlyn Holroyd

T.J. Yeldon will be the AFC South's leading rusher. Yeldon will capture the Jaguars' starting job out of Alabama and impress immediately, becoming the division's top rusher. Armed with a unique combination of speed, power, and downfield vision, Yeldon will make 32 teams regret not spending a first-round selection on him. Behind an improved offensive line, he may even compete for a Pro Bowl nomination. - Arun Srinivasan