Re-signing CB Derek Cox is a top priority this offseason . (US Presswire)

Where do we start? There wasn't too much that went well for the Jaguars in the midst of their 2-14 campaign in 2012. Injuries were a big factor for some of the failure, but even a completely healthy roster wasn't going to be good enough for Jacksonville this season. The Jags feel pretty good about their WRs and RBs if they can stay healthy. Beyond that, there will be a lot of major changes coming.



Free agents who must be signed:  

  • CB Derek Cox -- He's emerging as one of the top young CBs in the NFL. He regularly drew the assignment of covering the opposing team's top WR and still came away with four INTs. The main question at this point is durability -- he's missed 17 games in his four-year career due to injury.

  • LB Daryl Smith -- He missed the first 14 weeks of 2012 with a groin injury, but returned for the final two weeks and played well considering his lengthy absence. The Jags' all-time leading tackler has turned 30, but probably has a few more productive seasons left.

  • RB Jalen Parmele -- The Jags had five different players start at RB in 2012 and they can't keep them all for next year. Keeping Parmele, who ran for 80 yards against the Texans in his one start, makes sense because he showed some promise and has value on special teams.

Positions needing improvement:

  • Defensive line -- The Jaguars were last in the NFL in sacks (20). Multiple high draft picks devoted to the defensive front haven't panned out over the past four years, so perhaps they should go the free-agency route this season.

  • Cornerback -- Rashean Mathis and Cox are free agents, while Aaron Ross, a free-agent acquisition last season, didn't quite live up to expectations. This position will need some major help, especially if Cox opts to test free agency.

  • Quarterback -- This is a tricky spot for the Jags. They invested a top pick in Blaine Gabbert in 2011 and added free agent Chad Henne in 2012. Both have had their moments, but neither, to this point, has proven capable of becoming a long-term solution. The new GM will have a tough call to make with the No. 2 overall pick in the draft.

Get more Jaguars updates and analysis from Daniel Lewis on Twitter @CBSJags