There are two teams who have been in the midst of a rebuilding phase for the past couple of years: The Jacksonville Jaguars and The Oakland Raiders. Now, one could say that they both have been "rebuilding" for a decade or more, but losing more games than you win and perpetually drafting in the top 5 is not exactly the definition of rebuilding. For me rebuilding starts when a team actually gets a foothold and a legitimate roster/ coaching staff starts to take shape.
For the Jags it started when they drafted Blake Bortles #3 overall in the 2014 draft. However, they also did a masterful job of holding on to a few of the solid guys they had developed in their program. Guys like Jared Odrick, Jonathan Cyprien, Mercedes Lewis, and Tyson Alualu. Most teams would have dumped the guys who were drafted by previous regimes and cleared the cap space and stockpiled draft picks. But the Jags knew what they had in these players and they structured fair contracts that have allowed them to build a team with solid veteran leadership and excellent depth.
As for the past few years, ever since the 2011-2012 draft debacles, they have been bringing in quality players in the draft, and I especially love their 1st round picks. They landed a franchise LT, a franchise QB, and 2 potential 10 year starters at OLB and CB. We haven't seen Fowler Jr. or Ramsey hit the field yet, but I LOVE them as prospects. These 4 positions... QB, LT, CB and OLB are considered the 4 most impactful by anyone that knows NFL football. They have also landed a bunch of highly sought after free agents over the last two years.
This team has an outstanding coaching staff and young, probowl caliber starters at nearly all 11 offensive and all 11 defensive spots. Their QB showed the huge jump in overall ability that you want to see from a sophomore NFL starter, and he is surrounded by weapons including the most heavy duty backfield in football consisting of Chris Ivory, TJ Yeldon and Jonas Gray. Wow.
So, what's left? What's left is to actually win some games. Same defensive system for 3 years, QB going into his 3rd year, homerun hitters at the WR and TE positions, game changing pass rushers and playmakers in the secondary. And most importantly they have depth, so injuries can't become an excuse. There are simply zero excuses left for this organization.
If Gus Bradley is a true leader, if Bortles is more than just a big arm, if Folwer, Ramsey and Jack can transition to the pro's like we all think they will... the time is now to win. And just making the playoffs is not enough. Just having a wining record is not enough. Not drafting in the top 5 (yet again) is not enough. It's time to make the playoff's and win. There are four young, talented teams in this division. All four believe they have 'The Guy" behind center. A competitive division like this breeds winners, and teams that can usually perform well in the post season.
I'm not saying it's Super Bowl or bust for the Jags, but they need to show that they have what it takes to make it to the post season and at least win one game. If I was the owner, missing the playoffs would force me to fire Bradley and continue to try and find a HC who can build a culture of winning in Jacksonville. The only way I would accept not making the playoffs is if Bortles goes down with a major injury... early. But even with Chad Henne this is a 7 or 8 win team. Time to deliver boys!
The other team that I mentioned is the Oakland Raiders. Mark Davis has done an outstanding job taking over for is legendary Dad. He's focused on building bridges throughout the league, mostly bridges that had been previously burned by the Davis senior. He brought in the right guy as GM, assembled an tough coaching staff that definitely fits the Raiders persona... Del Rio, Norton, Tice and Musgrave???? Awesome!
Most importantly, they also have hit some major homeruns in the draft and free agency. Landing Mack and Carr back to back in the first 2 rounds of the 2014 draft was the kind of thing that can alter the coarse of an entire franchise. Following up with Cooper and Mario Edwards last year, and you are starting to see a team that has finally figured out the draft. A move that I absolutely loved in this years draft was landing Connor Cook in the 4th round. I think he is a future starter in this league and he provides depth from day 1.
So, like the Jags, The Raiders have a QB who built on an outstanding rookie season to show major growth year 2. He heads into 2016 as a legitimate veteran QB. The O-line has been bulked up via the draft and free agency and should be a top 10 unit this year. Murray, Cooper and Crabtree are outstanding weapons for Mr. Carr to play with, but I do have a bit of concern with the depth at the skilled positions on this team.
Defensively the raiders have struggled finding talent in the back half of the defense. This offseason they pulled it together and landed Sean Smith and Reggie Nelson. They will join Hayden and Nate Allen to form a rock solid secondary. Last but not least their front seven is starting to look very scary. Mack and Irvin will be thrilling to watch as they terrorize QB's this year. Again, my only concern with the defense is depth.
I'm not saying the Raiders don't have depth, they don't have proven depth. There are a ton of interesting young players on both sides of the ball as you examine their depth chart. But, they are unknown prospects. If Cooper goes down, or Sean Smith... or God forbid Mack. Who knows if they have anyone further down the bench who can contribute.
All of that being said, the time for the raiders to step up is now. I think the Jags may be a step or two ahead of the Raiders considering their coaching staff has been in place longer, and on paper Jacksonville has a deeper roster. But, make no mistake, it's time for Oakland to make an appearance in the post season again.
Potential is a beautiful thing. Strategy... and drafting... and building a winning culture are fun things to watch develop. But at some point your owner and fans are going to want to see a return o their investment. And the only dividends that count are wins. My eyes will be on these two teams to take the next step, get out of the NFL basement, and go from being bullied to taking some other teams lunch money.
