JAGUARS AT A GLANCE
	Fred Taylor
	Last year: 11-5, first place in AFC Central Key returnees:: QB Mark Brunell (208-for-354, 2,601 yards, 20 TDs, 9 INTs); RB Fred Taylor (264 carries, 1,223 yards, 14 TDs); WR Jimmy Smith (78 rec., 1,182 yards); WR Keenan McCardell (64 catches, 892 yards) New faces: S Carnell Lake (Steelers), DT Gary Walker (Titans), TE Kyle Brady (Jets) New places: DT John Jurkovic (Browns), DT Kelvin Pritchett (Lions), TE Pete Mitchell (Giants) Watch out: Tom Coughlin takes over play-calling. Dom Capers will run the defense. Better than '98: QB Brunell is back after late-season ankle injury. Worse than '98: A third receiver must emerge to take the pressure off Smith and McCardell. -- Scripps Howard News Service

The team has lost both of its coordinators since last season. Former defensive coordinator Dick Jauron has become the head coach of the Bears, and offensive guru Chris Palmer has moved to Cleveland as the Browns head coach. Jaguars head coach Tom Coughlin has assumed Palmer's offensive duties, and former Carolina head coach Dom Capers takes over as defensive coordinator.

The Jaguars added three high-profile free agents during the offseason -- safety Carnell Lake, defensive tackle Gary Walker and tight end Kyle Brady. And, in an effort to upgrade their defensive personnel, they used seven of their eight draft choices in April on defensive players.

Expected to make immediate impacts are cornerback Fernando Bryant (first round) and defensive tackle Larry Smith (second round). Since the Jaguars offense has been among the NFL's best when quarterback Mark Brunell has been healthy, a significant improvement by the defense could put the goal of a Super Bowl crown well within reach.

Here's a position-by-position look at Jacksonville's roster:

Quarterbacks
Brunell is a solid quarterback who is very mobile and has improved his pocket passing. He does a very good job of running the offense, but he will not be considered an upper-echelon quarterback until he makes better decisions, uses more of his weapons and throws more TD passes.

Jacksonville offense has been like a machine the last couple of years, plugging in different parts when necessary. When Brunell has been out due to injury, the offense has continued to roll with a variety of inexperienced signal-callers. Jonathan Quinn will be his top backup this year after flashing some of his raw ability late last season when Brunell went down. Grade: B

Running backs
Last season as a rookie, Fred Taylor replaced an injured James Stewart early in the season and had a fantastic year. He racked up 1,223 yards and 14 TDs and also caught 44 passes for 423 yards. His play added a new dimension to an already potent offense, and the Jaguars are expecting more of the same this season.

Tavian Banks is an explosive outside runner who can be a good third-down back. The Jaguars signed ex-Steelers FB Tim Lester. He and incumbent Daimon Shelton will battle for the job of being Taylor's lead blocker. Grade: B+

Receivers
WRs Jimmy Smith and Keenan McCardell are an explosive duo that puts up big numbers every year.

The production falls significantly after those two, but, in ex-Jets TE Brady, the team added someone who they believe can step in and make a difference. His production is expected to be better in Jacksonville than it ever was in New York. Jacksonville is still looking for someone to emerge as a solid No. 3 receiver. Reggie Barlow has been explosive on special teams, but he has not been able to add firepower to the offense. Grade: B+

		Fred Taylor is on the verge of stardom, and he should explode on defenses this season. The Jaguars have had success in the past, but what they have lacked is a big-time back. Taylor has the lethal ability to pull off a breakaway run and catch the ball out of the backfield. The bottom line for the Jaguars, however, is defense. They have never really been an aggressive, dominant defense -- which is something new defensive coordinator Dom Capers now brings to them. The addition of Carnell Lake at free safety -- just his tutelage and how he can help a young secondary -- will maximize the talent they have up front. As long as the defense comes together and play the aggressive style Capers has implemented, this team has a legitimate shot at winning the Super Bowl.

Offensive linemen
The Jaguars have one of the top tackle combinations in Tony Boselli and Leon Searcy. The two combine to give the team outstanding play on the outside of their offensive line. The interior of the line is nowhere near as strong.

Ex-Ram OG Zach Wiegert appears to have won a starting job over Rich Tylski. OLG Ben Coleman is big and athletic, but is also inconsistent. Second-year man John Wade appears to have beaten out 1998 starter Quentin Neujahr at center. Grade: B

Defensive linemen
Rookie Larry Smith and free-agent acquisition Walker, formerly with Tennessee, have been added to a unit that was decimated by injuries last season. DT Seth Payne, who missed much of last season with a shoulder injury, is expected to start opposite Walker, giving the team solid tackle play.

At end, the Jaguars have Tony Brackens, whom they expect to rebound this season because it is a contract year. Renaldo Wynn, converted from tackle, will start at the other end, with Joel Smeenge as a solid veteran backup. Grade: B-

Linebackers
Kevin Hardy had an excellent season last year after moving from the strong side to the weak side. The move allowed Hardy to total a team-record 186 tackles during the regular season. His superb play should allow the Jaguars to use Bryce Paup more as a pash rusher, a role he was given infrequently last season. As a result, Paup should be a much happier and more productive player this season.

Inside, Bryan Schwartz and Tom McManus have each started for the team in the past and are battling for the starting MLB spot. Grade: B-

Defensive backs
This area of weakness in the past has been bolstered by the addition of ex-Steeler Lake, who will play his natural safety position, and No. 1 pick Bryant, who could start at cornerback. Lake will team with second-year safety Donovin Darius, who has shown that he is a big hitter but is susceptible to play-action passes.

Veteran CBs Dave Thomas and Aaron Beasley have played well in camp and will battle Bryant for playing time. Grade: C+

Special teams
Kicker Mike Hollis and punter Brian Barker give the team solid production, although the Jaguars occasionally get hurt by short kickoffs. Barlow had an outstanding season in '98 as a return specialist behind some exceptional blocking. He ranked first in the AFC in punt returns last season with a 12.9-yard average and one touchdown. Grade: A-

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