Storylines to follow during Jaguars training camp

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – There's no denying the buzz that surrounds the Jaguars as they prepare to start training camp for the 2016 season. 

Here are a couple of storylines to keep an eye out for during training camp:

Dealing with higher expectations:

12 wins in three season wasn’t what Gus Bradley or anybody else had in mind when he took over the Jaguars. Over the past couple of seasons we’ve heard that improving this franchise is a process. After showing glimpses last year, adding a few key free agents, and having a solid NFL Draft there’s no question the Jaguars have improved on paper. Over the next couple of weeks we will see if “winning” the offseason translates into more wins.

Who will protect Bortles blind side?

As the incumbent starting left tackle, Luke Joeckel hasn’t lived up to the billing of being selected No. 2 overall in 2013. Due to his inconsistency the Jaguars brought in Kelvin Beachum to compete for the starting job. The Jaguars brass has made it clear that this will be an open competition. During minicamp and OTA’s (organized team activities) Joeckel split time between playing left tackle and left guard.

Beachum has said from day one that his goal is to be the week 1 starter at left tackle. He’s coming off an ACL injury but on Wednesday, Bradley mentioned that the former Steeler has been medically cleared for practice. The Jaguars will monitor his reps during the start of training camp but we should have an answer to this question by the third preseason game, on Aug. 28 against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Pecking order at running back:

Five years and $35 million dollars is a lot to pay for a backup running back. In adding Chris Ivory the Jaguars are hoping that he can at the least help solve their inability to run the ball in the red zone. Last season the Jaguars passed the ball in the red zone (90 attempts) more than any team in the AFC. They managed just five rushing scores in 2015.

Two of those touchdowns came via T.J. Yeldon who ran for 740 yards during his rookie season. While Yeldon had a solid first season in the NFL he battled injuries down the stretch. Adding Ivory gives the Jaguars a 1-2 punch in the running game. If they’re able to consistently move the chains on the ground that will make their play action passing game even more dangerous.

There’s no question you need two running backs in today’s NFL and the Jaguars will likely go with the hot hand from game to game.

Has the pass rush improved?

Attacking opposing quarterbacks in waves is something that Bradley has stressed throughout the offseason. Addressing this issue started on the first day of free agency when the Jaguars spent $42 million guaranteed dollars on Malik Jackson. The hope is that Jackson along with a healthy Sen’Derrick Marks can create pressure up the middle.

Generating an outside pass rush will likely fall on the shoulders of Dante Fowler. After missing all of his rookie season with an ACL tear the former Florida Gator looked explosive during minicamp and OTA’s. Once the Jaguars put on pads (Aug. 2nd) we’ll have a better idea of just what type of impact Fowler will have.