With The First Pick
Fansided

Outlook for Gardner Minshew and Jacksonville Jaguars in 2020

By Derek Mountain

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 29: Ryquell Armstead #23 of the Jacksonville Jaguars catches a pass for a touchdown from Gardner Minshew II #15 during the third quarter of a game against the Indianapolis Colts at TIAA Bank Field on December 29, 2019 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 29: Ryquell Armstead #23 of the Jacksonville Jaguars catches a pass for a touchdown from Gardner Minshew II #15 during the third quarter of a game against the Indianapolis Colts at TIAA Bank Field on December 29, 2019 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images) /
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CINCINNATI, OH – SEPTEMBER 15: Tyler Eifert #85 of the Cincinnati Bengals runs into the end zone for a touchdown during the first quarter of the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Paul Brown Stadium on September 15, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH – SEPTEMBER 15: Tyler Eifert #85 of the Cincinnati Bengals runs into the end zone for a touchdown during the first quarter of the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Paul Brown Stadium on September 15, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images) /

Offseason additions: Will they stay healthy?

The Jaguars had glaring needs at tight end, wide receiver, and needed more offensive versatility in general going into this offseason. They went out and signed Tyler Eifert, added Laviska Shenault in the 2nd round of the NFL draft, and signed running back Chris Thompson. All three have serious injury concerns, as Eifert has been plagued by back and ankle injuries since he entered the league. However, last year was the first season he played all 16 games. If Gruden can help replicate some of that 2015 magic where Eifert caught 13 touchdowns, Minshew will have a legitimate redzone threat alongside DJ Chark.

Shenault was a consensus first rounder going into the 2019-20 college football season but was plagued with injuries. The Jags scooped up incredible value getting him in the early second round. When healthy, Shenault is as explosive as they get. Expect Gruden to line Shenault up all over the field, use him in the screen game, and in quick game scenarios where Shenault can really burn a defense, after the catch.

Lastly, Dave Caldwell went out and signed one of Gruden’s favorites from Washington, Chris Thompson. When Thompson is right, he will compliment Fournette perfectly. He is a perfect third down back accumulating over 200 receptions in his 5 years in Washington. A perfect checkdown option for Minshew and a nice compliment to the Jags offense.

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