Jaguars needs: Plenty of help necessary in Jacksonville

The Jacksonville Jaguars are proof of how quickly things can change -- for the worse -- in the NFL.

A year ago, the Jaguars entered the draft thinking they were a player or two away from making a real Super Bowl run. Coming off an 11-5 season and a playoff victory, they had reason to think that way.

David Garrard's regression in 2008 mirrored the Jaguars' struggles. (Getty Images)

Then it went horribly wrong. They had to deal with a ton of injuries, a regress by quarterback David Garrard and turmoil in their locker room.

The result was a 5-11 season that cost vice president of player personnel James Harris his job.

Gene Smith was promoted to general manager to replace Harris and now has final say on the football decisions. So far, he has released free-agent mistakes Jerry Porter and Drayton Florence, sent Fred Taylor packing and cut troubled receiver Matt Jones.

Smith will focus on the draft to rebuild a team that needs it in the worst way. Under Harris, the team blew too many premium picks, which is why they were a shaky team even when they went to the playoffs in 2007.

That has to stop, and Smith is the choice to do it. He came up through the ranks as a scout, which should help.

There are a lot of needs, which is why they can't afford another miss with the No. 8 pick in the first round.

If they do, this thing won't get turned around for a couple of years.

QB: Garrard is set as the starter, but he is coming off a disappointing season. The Jaguars gave him a big contract before the 2008 season, but he didn't live up to it. There is still concern as to whether he is the long-term answer. Backup Cleo Lemon is just a guy and Paul Smith is practice-squad material.

RB: They released Taylor, leaving the job in the hands of Maurice Jones-Drew. The front office thinks he can be an every-down back, but that's to be determined since he has never really carried the load. Fullback Greg Jones will be the primary backup. Chauncey Washington and Montell Owens are the other reserves.

WR: This position has been a disaster since Jimmy Smith retired. They've tried drafting players in the first round and paid dearly for free-agent failures. What do they have? A group of No. 2 and No. 3 receivers.

TE: Marcedes Lewis is a good tight end, especially as a blocker. But he drops way too many passes. Backups Richard Angulo and Greg Estandia are just OK. They use a lot of double tight end sets, so they could use another body here.

OL: Before the 2008 season, they thought they had one of the better lines in the league. Then it became a disaster. Injuries ended the season for both guards in the first game and center Brad Meester missed the first six games with a torn triceps and wasn't the same when he returned. Right tackle Tony Pashos struggled. They signed veteran Tra Thomas to play left tackle and expect both guards, Maurice Williams and Vince Manuwai, back from injury.

DL: They used high picks on ends Derrick Harvey and Quentin Groves last year, so they won't address that position in this draft. They also have Reggie Hayward. John Henderson hasn't played well the past two seasons inside and Rob Meier was a disappointment when he became a full-time starter. They need help inside.

LB: They let Mike Peterson leave, which means Daryl Smith is the starter in the middle with Clint Ingram and Justin Durant next to him. Smith didn't play as well as expected last season and Durant and Ingram also didn't have their expected breakout seasons. The Jaguars could use an early pick on a linebacker.

Secondary: Rashean Mathis is set at one corner and Reggie Nelson at free safety. The other spots are in flux. They could play Brian Williams at safety or corner. He has played both. Sean Considine will get the first crack at strong safety. Scott Starks was re-signed to play nickel, but he is coming off knee surgery.