NFL: 3 Best landing spots for head coach candidate Jim Caldwell

No. 2 Best landing spot in the NFL for Jim Caldwell: Jacksonville Jaguars

For the Jags, establishing a culture for the Jaguars should be the franchise’s number one priority. Getting a leader to rinse the sour taste left behind by Urban Meyer is a start. Jim Caldwell’s reputation precedes him in all the best ways. Players and coaches alike respect the man as much as they respect the coach.

As for Caldwell, the Jags have a solid foundation. It begins with a young quarterback, once touted as a “Generational Talent,” Trevor Lawrence. Caldwell coached up another No. 1 overall pick during his tenure with Detroit Lions.

Under Caldwell, Matt Stafford had his best seasons as a pro, including some post-season appearances. There’s an argument that Stafford looked better despite no longer having Hall of Fame wide receiver Calvin Johnson. Unlike Stafford, Caldwell can mold the promising Lawrence.

The Jags also have a ton of cap space with 21 impending free agents. Key players like Cam Robinson and AJ Cann will help with solidifying the offensive line. James Robinson is a workhorse back who’d help make life easier for Lawrence, so can Tavis Etienne, who played with Lawrence at Clemson.

With the Jags having the No. 1 overall pick and four picks inside the Top 100 (102nd fourth-round pick), they have a chance to add pieces. Caldwell’s past drafts focused on the trenches early and often. That approach can continue given the talent in this draft on the defensive side of the ball.

Edge rushers, Kayvon Thibodeaux or Michigan’s Aiden Hutchinson will set the tone for the Jags’ future on defense. With Trent Baalke seemingly getting more control over the draft room, he and Caldwell could have a working relationship that sees them take the Best Player Available approach. The Jags can turn it around quickly under Caldwell.