The Jaguars Could Be This Year's Surprise Team

Before you laugh, hear me out -- the Jacksonville Jaguars could be a surprise team in 2022.

I know, you have to wash your brain out first to get the image of last year out of your mind, but that flaming dumpster fire of an era under Urban Meyer was put out of its misery, and there's a clear fresh start coming.

Where They Stand

The Jags sit with the third-best odds to win the AFC South (+700 consensus), with a win total sitting at 6. This for a team that won just three games all of last season, and spent a majority of it trying to ignore the distraction that was their head coach.

Now, enter Doug Peterson to take over that role, a Super Bowl-winning coach that has the ever-important task of getting No. 1 overall pick Trevor Lawrence's development back on track. If he can look like at least a capable and consistent starter in year two, that's already a major improvement in Jacksonville.

There's this year's No. 1 overall pick Travon Walker, who had wild combine numbers and has a high ceiling, should add to their pass rush, along with linebackers Devin Lloyd and Chad Muma who they also drafted, along with multiple moves in free agency on the defensive side of the ball as well.

Big Offensive Jump?

Don't forget, they're also in a great position at running back, with Travis Etienne set to return from the Lisfranc injury he suffered in last year’s preseason, his rookie year, which in a sense makes him almost an offseason addition as well. James Robinson dealing with recovery from a torn Achilles and it may take some time for his return, but that's a loaded backfield once they're both healthy.

You'd expect the Jags to improve from their 27th ranked offense, and with a schedule that's tied for 26th toughest (yes, this is only so accurate), seven wins might not be that crazy if you're looking to take the over.

Every year we get at least one team that makes a major jump, and though they may not reach the level the Bengals did last season, the Jaguars are in a strong position to not only be an organization that isn't dysfunctional, which is a start, but we very well could see a team with a bright future again when it's all said and done.