JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
After the Departure of Smith, Rising Stars Look to Catch On
As a rookie last season, Jaguars wide receiver Matt Jones, a former quarterback, caught 36 passes for 432 yards and five touchdowns.
(By Doug Benc -- Getty Images)
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Jimmy Smith retired quietly this offseason, which is fitting. The best player in the history of the Jacksonville Jaguars always was underrated and understated, compiling 12,287 yards over 13 seasons (11 with the Jaguars), but making few reverberations at a position noted for rebels and divas.
Replacing Smith is no simple task, but that burden is entrusted to the trio of Ernest Wilford (Virginia Tech), Matt Jones and Reggie Williams. That group was ideal behind Smith, three quality wide receivers to complement a star, and helped Jacksonville to its first postseason appearance since 1999. This season, at least one must emerge as a star to make Jacksonville's offense go.
Jones and Williams both are former first-round picks, so the potential is there. Jones, a quarterback at Arkansas, is particularly intriguing because of his leaping ability, speed and 6-foot-6, 238-pound frame. As a rookie last season, he caught 36 passes for 432 yards and five touchdowns. The Jaguars are still waiting for Williams, a sleek speedster they chose with the ninth pick from Washington in 2004, to break out, and Coach Jack Del Rio has said he thinks this is the season it will happen.
Tailback Fred Taylor missed five games last season with ligament damage in his knee. He has played only two full seasons in his eight-year career but is an elite runner when healthy. The Jaguars will need Taylor to stay injury-free after his primary backup, fullback Greg Jones, was lost for the season with an ACL injury during the preseason.
