Still top of the class

The defense is iffy, but Jaguars still rule AFC Central

Fred Taylor ran for 1,223 yards last season. Scott Halleran/Allsport

The Jacksonville Jaguars, the class of the AFC Central a year ago, open their training camp July 29 in Jacksonville, Fla. Here are a few questions from Sports Illustrated's Dr. Z, followed by CNNSI.com's perspective on some of the issues facing the Jaguars this season. SI's season preview will be posted August 24.

Dr. Z wants to know : 1) They couldn't stop the run last year. Weren't so hot against the pass, either. Ooh, bad karma for a team some people, such as the guy who's typing these words, picked for the Super Bowl. Does new defensive coordinator Dom Capers and his 3-4 scheme offer a quick fix, fortified by solid free-agent imports Carnell Lake, a safety, and Gary Walker, a tackle?

2) Where does defensive end Tony Brackens fit in? This is a guy who has had a monster game every month or so for two years. But will a pass-rush specialist like Brackens get buried in the 3-4, as Hugh Douglas did with the Jets two years ago?

3) Is Bryce Paup ready to be the sack monster he was in Green Bay and Buffalo (67 1/2 sacks in seven seasons), or will we have to keep checking the lineup to make sure he's on the field, as we did in '98?

4) Four D-linemen, three D-backs drafted out of the eight picks. Does this tell you something?

The Jaguars can make the playoffs if : That defense, now worked by ex-Carolina coach Capers, comes around. The Jags still have a dynamite offensive line, which makes quarterback Mark Brunell and running back Fred Taylor look that much better. Both those guys need to stay healthy. But, as the good Dr. says, the key is on defense.

Jaguars Facts 1998 record: 11-5 (first in AFC Central) Coach: Tom Coughlin (35-29 with Jaguars, 35-29 overall) Stadium: Alltel Stadium (73,000, natural grass) 1998 rankings: Offense -- 5th run, 20th pass, 10th overall. Defense -- 22nd vs. run, 23rd vs. pass, 25th overall. Depth chart 1998 results 1998 player statistics 1999 schedule CNN/SI Projection: 14-2

Pivotal games : Sept. 12 vs. San Francisco, Dec. 13 vs. Denver. The Jags will get a true measure of where that defense is in their opener against the 49ers, the first of two straight games against NFC West teams (the Jags visit Capers' old team, the Panthers, in Week 2). The Jaguars also get the Jets (Oct. 11), but the real corker comes in that Monday nighter against the defending Super Bowl champion Broncos.

On the hot seat : Brackens, the second-round draft pick in the '96 draft, is in the final year of his contract, so many are expecting big things from him. The Jaguars will need it. He had only 3 1/2 sacks last season, after seven in each of his first two. If he's healthy, he could have a breakout year. If not, he may be playing elsewhere next season.

Up-and-comer : Linebacker Kevin Hardy was a force on the otherwise questionable defense last season, starting all 16 games and making 96 tackles. If Capers' new ways don't throw him for a loop, this could be the season Hardy makes the Pro Bowl.

Player Movement Unrestricted Free Agents Restricted Free Agents Players Lost Carnell Lake, CB-S, from Pitt. Gary Walker, DT, from Tennessee Brant Boyer, LB, re-signed Eric Curry, DE, re-signed Tom McManus, LB, re-signed Bryan Schwartz, LB, re-signed Reggie Barlow, WR, re-signed Aaron Beasley, CB, re-signed Will Moore, WR, re-signed Rich Tylski, G, re-signed Fernando Smith, DE, Bal. Chris Hudson, S, Chi. Brian DeMarco, G, Cin. John Jurkovic, DT, Cle. Kelvin Pritchett, DT, Det. Pete Mitchell, TE, NYG Zack Crockett, RB, Oak. Travis Davis, S, Pitt. Troy Sadowski, TE, Wash.

1999 Draft Picks Round Overall Pick Player Pos School 1 26 Fernando Bryant CB Alabama 2 56 Larry Smith DT Florida St. 3 88 Anthony Cesario OG Colorado St. 4 121 Kevin Landolt DT Virginia 5 160 Jason Craft CB Colorado St. 6 182 Emanos Leroy DT Georgia 7 242 Dee Moronkola DB Washington St. 7 246 Chris White DT Southern