SDOGO

An in-depth look at the Jaguars' needs heading into the 2007 draft:

1. Safety. Because of the uncertainty about free agent Deon Grant and Donovin Darius, who has had season-ending injuries the past two years, the team could capitalize on a deep safety class. Florida's Reggie Nelson, LSU's LaRon Landry, Miami's Brandon Meriweather and Virginia Tech's Aaron Rouse are options in the first round. In the second round, they could pursue Wyoming's John Wendling.

2. Quarterback. The team might already have what it needs at this position, but after it started David Garrard over incumbent Byron Leftwich but then sat Garrard in favor of Quinn Gray in the season finale, nothing is clear.

3. Defensive end. The Jags appear set at this position with Reggie Hayward, who will return from a ruptured Achilles' tendon, and Paul Spicer. The team seems to have found a capable third-down pass rusher in Bobby McCray, but judging from the rash of injuries on the defensive line last season it could use some depth. Georgia's Quentin Moses might be worth a gamble with the first-round pick because of his upside. Moses isn't big, so the Jags also could look at ends such as Texas' Tim Crowder or Auburn's Marquies Gunn in later rounds.

4. Offensive tackle. A resurgent line put together one of its best years in recent memory, but starting right tackle Maurice Williams had an up-and-down season. The team added free agent Tony Pashos to fill that gap but still needs to create some competition and develop into a solid backup. The team could take a big tackle who is a strong run blocker, such as Florida A&M's Daniel Parrish or Georgia's Daniel Inman on Day 2.

5. Cornerback. The team has entrenched starters in Brian Williams and Rashean Mathis, but depth is lacking. The Jags could take a chance in the middle to late rounds on a player who will contribute on coverage units and possibly as a return man. Hampton's Travarous Bain fits that mold.

6. Fullback. Greg Jones, last year's projected starter, missed the season because of a torn ACL, which often forced the team to use a tight end at fullback when it ran from the I-formation. Derrick Wimbush doesn't have ideal size for a fullback and missed four games because of injuries. The Jags' bruising ground game would only improve with a true blocker at the fullback spot.

OUTLOOK

Quarterback is one of the team's most pressing needs, but there might not be a surefire prospect when the team picks 17th. And the team could become Detroit South by drafting, and missing on, another wide receiver. The Jaguars' draft philosophy is to take the best player available. This year provides the perfect opportunity to do that.

Jacksonville is solid on both sides of the ball and has plenty of depth, but the club lacks an every-down, game-changing playmaker, which probably won't be there at 17. The middle rounds can provide defensive depth and possibly an extra wide receiver.

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