AFC South: Four bold predictions

Aug 14, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) throws a pass during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Newly signed Texans receiver Cecil Shorts III said that his old teammate quarterback Blake Bortles will be a superstar in the NFL. Bortles has the prototypical size, a strong arm and thanks to the Jacksonville Jaguars poor blocking last year, he was able to show that he has surprising mobility for a guy who stands 6’5″ and weighs over 230 pounds.

What is the best thing to do when you have a superstar at quarterback? Get some talent around him. And that is exactly what the Jags did this offseason by signing tight end Julius Thomas formerly of the Denver Broncos. They also helped to protect Bortles by bringing in Jermey Parnell from Dallas to play tackle.

To top it off Jacksonville truly had one of the better drafts in 2015 by grabbing defensive Dante Fowler, Jr., running back T.J. Yeldon, guard A.J. Cann and defensive tackle Michael Bennett.

Cann should be a long-time starter inside for Jacksonville and Yeldon looks to be a huge upgrade over Toby Gerhart. Fowler was unfortunately injured before his season could start, but coupling him with the Ohio State stud Bennett could result in one of the best defensive lines in the division.

Receivers Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns each have a year under their belts.  The team also will feature both Thomas and Marcedes Lewis at tight end, meaning Bortles will have his choice of weapons. Also with teams having to respect the run game, look for Bortles to take a huge step in 2015, leaving the fans to feel great about the future of the franchise.

My bold prediction for the Jaguars is that they will finish with at least seven wins and be on their way to winning their first AFC South title within the next three seasons.

Next: Tennessee a bottom dweller for long?