Are the best years of the Jacksonville Jaguars behind them? The Jaguars were the talk of the NFL in the late ’90s, but in recent years these cats have fallen on hard times. However, when new trainer Jack Del Rio came on board, things slowly but surely began to change. In 2006, the Jaguars finished with an 8-8 record and a year later they peaked with an 11-5 season record and a trip to the playoffs. Could 2008 be the year the Jacksonville Jaguars finally command respect and make a serious play for the championship?

There have been some notable transactions in the office thus far, including trading wide receiver Troy Williamson to the Minnesota Vikings for a sixth-round draft pick. The team also lost Ernest Wilford, Marcus Stroud, Bobby McCray, and Sammy Knight. The team received a few additional draft picks, as well as acquisitions such as wide receiver Jerry Porter from the Oakland Raiders, cornerback Drayton Florence from the San Diego Chargers, and quarterback Cleo Lemon from the Miami Dolphins. However, Jacksonville fans were far more interested in the team’s draft pick for 2008.

Some of the notable draft picks include defensive end Derrick Harvey, defensive end Quentin Groves, linebacker Thomas Williams, defensive back Trae Williams, and running back Chauncey Washington. Harvey’s draft pick received a hesitant response due to his size, though his running ability is unquestionable. Groves recently underwent heart surgery but was cleared to return to 100%, while Washington received some negative attention for his blocking abilities.

It’s obvious to see the Jaguars beefing up their defense, which worries some pundits but actually bolsters the confidence of Jacksonville fans who remember the Jaguars’ offense in 2007 was exceptional. Fans and management credit Del Rio for turning the Jaguars around; in fact, it has already been extended to 2012! The Jaguars may be making their way to the Super Bowl soon enough and in 2008 they are surely one of the most important teams to watch.

David Garrard has definitely entered his role as starting quarterback with the confidence of a seasoned veteran. With a team running back duo in Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew tearing down the field, hopes are high for a postseason run. Although Jacksonville’s receiving core lacks the polish of some of the established air shows, they are all talented enough to move the chains 10 yards at a time. There’s no question this team revolves around strength in the running game. If their running duo can stay healthy, they’ll unleash a dirt-pound attraction that explodes into the highlight reel week after week.