Since their inception in 1995, the Jacksonville Jaguars have had a ton of talent and success on their team. The Jaguars have been to the AFC Championship three times, won their division multiple times, and have plenty of Hall of Fame caliber players. Throughout their history, the Jags have seen roller-coaster seasons, with success coming in a few of them. Being the second expansion team in 1995 along with the Carolina Panthers, the Jaguars have only fielded a team for 23 seasons.
Recent seasons have shown promise for the future. Reaching the AFC Championship in 2017 with an elite defense showed a new sign of hope for the franchise. Despite never winning a Super Bowl, the Jaguars have had some of the greatest players in NFL history on their teams. These legends have made the Jaguars one of the more likable teams in the league.
The writers at Last Word on Pro Football have put together a series marking the greatest all-time teams in the history of the 32 NFL franchises. This installment is on the Jaguars and the all-time greats that have worn the teal and black.
Jacksonville Jaguars All-Franchise Team
Head Coach: Tom Coughlin
Tom Coughlin was the Jaguars’ first-ever head coach when the team began play in 1995. He coached the team from 1995-2002, compiling a record of 68-60. Coughlin returned to the Jaguars as the executive vice president of football operations in 2017 and has made the team interesting once again with the decisions he has made. He also coached the New York Giants, until he took the position with Jacksonville.
Quarterback- Mark Brunell
Arguably the best quarterback in team history, Mark Brunell cemented his place in Jaguars history. Drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 1993, Brunell was sent to Jacksonville in 1995 and the rest is history. He was a three-time Pro Bowl selection as the leader of the Jaguars. Brunell also won the Pro Bowl MVP in 1997. He led the Jaguars to be the first expansion team to ever make the playoffs three times in their first four seasons.
Running Back- Fred Taylor
Fred Taylor established himself as the best running back to ever take the field for the Jaguars. Jacksonville drafted Taylor ninth overall in the 1998 NFL Draft. He played with the Jags until 2008. Like Brunell, Taylor’s name is listed at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville recognizing him as one of the greatest Jaguars to ever play.
Wide Receiver- Keenan McCardell
Keenan McCardell is the best receiver to ever play for the Jaguars. Having played for the Cleveland Browns and Washington Redskins before going to the Jaguars, McCardell received his first big contract with Jacksonville. He made the Pro Bowl in his first season with the Jaguars.
Wide Receiver- Jimmy Smith
Jimmy Smith is close to McCardell when it comes to earning consideration as the best all-time receiver in Jags history. Smith played for the Dallas Cowboys before being signed by the Jaguars in 1995. His 11-year tenure with the Jaguars was one for the ages. He and McCardell were given the nickname “Thunder and Lightning.” Smith was a key member of the Jaguars’ offense during his tenure and helped lead the franchise to four consecutive playoff appearances.
Wide Receiver- Allen Robinson
Allen Robinson became a fan favorite early in the mid-2010s. His athletic ability to make catches made Robinson one of the most liked Jaguars on the team. Jacksonville released Robinson in the off-season, and he signed with the Chicago Bears. During his tenure with Jacksonville, Robinson was Blake Bortles‘ favorite target.
Tight End- Marcedes Lewis
Marcedes Lewis led the Jaguars in touchdowns during his tenure. Arguably one of the best tight ends to ever play the game, the Jaguars released Lewis following the 2017 season. His storied tenure with the Jags is remarkable, to say the least.
Left Tackle- Tony Boselli
Tony Boselli was one of the greatest Jags players ever. Boselli held a storied NFL career, particularly with Jacksonville. His hopes for the NFL Hall of Fame are still there, as he has yet to be inducted.
Left Guard- Andrew Norwell
Andrew Norwell has yet to play a snap for the Jaguars. But heading into 2018, Norwell has already taken the spot of best left guard in Jaguars history. The franchise signed Norwell on a monster deal during the off-season. He played with the Carolina Panthers for many seasons.
Center- Brad Meester
Brad Meester held the line for the Jaguars’ quarterbacks during his career. The Jaguars selected Meester in the 2000 NFL Draft. He is notably known for protecting Jaguars great Mark Brunell in the pocket.
Defensive Tackle- Marcus Stroud
Marcus Stroud was selected by the Jaguars in the 2001 NFL Draft. He and John Henderson combined on an elite Jaguars defense that paved the way for the franchise to become what it is today. Stroud was a three-time Pro Bowler with Jacksonville.
Defensive Tackle- John Henderson
Henderson played alongside Stroud for many seasons in Jacksonville and made the Pro Bowl a few times as well. The interior defensive line that consisted of Henderson and Stroud was a force to be reckoned with for opposing teams. He made the Pro Bowl in 2004 and 2006.
Defensive Tackle- Tony Brackens
Tony Brackens was selected by the Jaguars in the 1996 NFL Draft and spent his entire career with the team. One of few players to do so, Brackens was part of those early year elite defenses that Jacksonville incorporated. A Pro Bowl selection in 1999, Brackens also was named to the All-Pro team the same season.
Linebacker- Paul Posluszny
Paul Posluszny is the greatest Jaguars linebacker to ever wear the teal and black. He retired this past off-season and left a historic career behind. He appeared in numerous Pro Bowls and left behind a legacy that will be forever enshrined in Jaguars franchise history.
Linebacker- Daryl Smith
Daryl Smith played alongside Posluszny for many seasons. Drafted by Jacksonville in 2004, Smith became one of the greatest Jaguars of all-time. In 2010, he became the leader in tackles for the Jaguars. He became a free agent in 2015 and signed with the Baltimore Ravens.
Cornerback- Jalen Ramsey
Jalen Ramsey has been with the Jaguars since 2016 but has already become one of the franchise’s top defensive backs. Known as one of the best shutdown corners in the league, Ramsey has given the Jags defense a spark and made them one of the top defensive units in the NFL today. A Pro Bowl selection in 2017, Ramsey has left his mark as the leader of the Jaguars defense.
Cornerback- Rashean Mathis
Drafted by the Jaguars in 2003, Rashean Mathis became a fan favorite among Jaguars fans early in his career. A Pro Bowl selection in 2006, Mathis was part of the mid-2000’s Jaguars that paved the way for the franchise to be elite today. He held a storied career in Jacksonville, playing with the team until 2012.
Safety- Donovin Darius
Donovin Darius was drafted by Jacksonville in the 1998 NFL Draft. He led the secondary in tackles for seven straight seasons. His contributions to the Jaguars paid off, despite suffering multiple injuries during his tenure. He was released by the Jaguars in 2006. In 2013, Darius signed a one-day contract with the team and retired as a Jaguar.
Kicker- Josh Scobee
Josh Scobee became a fan favorite during his time with the Jaguars. Drafted by the team in 2004, Scobee matched numerous NFL records during his tenure with the team. He led the team in points in 2004 and made the game-winning field goal to defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2008 AFC Wild Card Game. He remained with the Jaguars until 2014, when he was traded to the Steelers.
