Jacksonville Jaguars: 2017 Season grades for cornerstone positions

There are four cornerstone positions that are critical to building perennial contenders. Here’s how the Jacksonville Jaguars’ graded out in 2017.

The Jacksonville Jaguars had a historic season in 2017. First, they win the AFC South division, ever. They play New England for the chance to play in the Super Bowl. All preseason expectations were vastly exceeded by this team.

In the offseason of 2017, Jacksonville signed three top free agents. The Jaguars drafted good players which were able to contribute to the team’s successful season. There are four positions that every NFL team builds upon.

Quarterback and left tackle are very important because of the nature of offensive football. Cover corner and edge rusher are the cornerstone defensive spots. How do the Jaguars cornerstones grade out?

Cam Robinson was the Jaguars’ second pick in the draft of 2017. He became the starting left tackle due to the surprise retirement of Branden Albert in training camp. He performed well and played with some attitude.

Michael DiRocco of espn.com reported Blake Bortles‘ observation of Robinson:

"“He’s awesome,” Bortles said… Cam Robinson is usually there to throw people off you and help you get up. He has the perfect mindset for a left tackle. He has been unbelievable. To have that as a rookie and come into the NFL and do it the way he does it, it is impressive…”"

Bortles led the Jaguars deep into the playoffs. His regular season stats were not spectacular but average at that. Bortles kept finding ways to win the game. Most of all, he reduced his amount of throwing interceptions, improved to a 60.2 percent pass completion rate, and had an 84.7 quarterback rating.

Offensively, the cornerstones grade out as a “B”. Robinson earns a grade of “A” (excellent) and Bortles receives a “C” (average) grade. Together they grade out as above average.

Yannick Ngakoue played at a very high level throughout the season. He sacked opposing quarterbacks 12 times. Seems like he perfected the art of strip sacks. He led the NFL with six forced fumbles.

Jalen Ramsey is the best cover corner in the NFL. He is an elite player with a huge upside. Actually, he is the face of the Jaguars.

Defensively, the cornerstones grade out as A+ (off the charts). Ramsey grades off the charts because his best years are ahead of him. Ngakoue is not too far behind Ramsey, even though Calais Campbell is on the other side of the line.

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Finally, expect Jacksonville to retain Bortles as the starting quarterback. They might sign a free agent quarterback as a backup. Realistically, the Jaguars could draft a quarterback and let him develop under Bortles. The future is very bright heading into the 2018 season.