JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Got questions about the Jacksonville Jaguars? I’ll answer the best one every Saturday morning. Submit your questions via Twitter to @ESPNdirocco. Please use the hashtag #jagsmail.
There were a lot of good questions, but unfortunately I can’t answer them all.
@ESPNdirocco who looks like they're the most improved player,that will make an impact in the 2016 season #Jagsmail
— Mark Bunker (@Mark_Bunker) September 9, 2016
@ESPNdirocco: General manager Dave Caldwell said recently that G Chris Reed, TE Neal Sterling and LB Hayes Pullard III are the players who improved the most from 2015. However, none of them will make a significant impact this season, though Pullard is going to be a key special teams player.
My pick is WR Marqise Lee. He’s finally healthy (he missed less than two weeks of practice since OTAs began in May) and that will allow him to become a bigger part of the offense. He was in and out of the lineup the last two seasons because of hamstring injuries and totaled 52 catches for 613 yards and two touchdowns. He may surpass those numbers this season.
Lee’s speed sets him apart from the rest of the receivers, and offensive coordinator Greg Olson is going to try and take advantage of that, whether it’s a jet sweep, quick screen, or crossing routes. Lee is also versatile enough to play outside and in the slot so he also presents a matchup problem for defenses.
In addition to his health, Lee’s mental approach in his third season is significantly different than it was his first two. Coach Gus Bradley said Lee’s confidence has grown with every practice and he’s playing with an uncluttered mind for the first time in his career.
