With the offseason underway, the Jaguars have plenty of tough decisions to make. Throughout our daily "Roster Reconstruction" series, we'll take a look at those key decisions at every position. Today, we'll focus on the cornerback position.
Editor's Note: This series only features players who were on the active roster or injured reserve last season. Future/reserve players will not be included in this series.
PREVIOUSLY ON ROSTER RECONSTRUCTION: Special Teams / Safety
Jalen Ramsey
Outlook: Ramsey is the apple of Jacksonville's eye at the moment and for good reason. The shutdown cornerback improved on his impressive rookie season last year and was an All-Pro.
Kaye's Take (Staying or Going?): By now, the Jaguars should have an executive order that states Ramsey will be part of the team for life.
A.J. Bouye
Outlook: The Jaguars gave a boatload of money to Bouye last offseason and he somehow exceeded expectations. The Pro Bowl cornerback will return for another season with his tag team partner, Ramsey, and look to build on his spectacular performance from this past season.
Kaye's Take (Staying or Going?): Bouye may be the best cornerback in the Jaguars' secondary, believe it or not. He is going to be in Jacksonville for a long time.
Aaron Colvin
Outlook: Outside of Allen Robinson, Colvin is the player in the most polarizing position entering free agency for the Jaguars. There is no doubt that Colvin makes the team better as the starting nickel corner, but he may want an expanded role. Colvin played relatively well in his only season as a full-time starter on the outside in 2015.
Entering his fifth season, Colvin may want to test the market before deciding on whether or not to return to Jacksonville. Depending on the organization's plans during that period, Colvin may not get the opportunity to take a look and return.
Kaye's Take (Staying or Going?): I think Colvin has a real shot at making better money and playing in a bigger role elsewhere this offseason. While he has just one interception in four years, he has made a name for himself with his blitzing and tackling abilities. He also limits yardage after the catch.
If the Jaguars let Colvin make it to free agency, he will probably head elsewhere. A team could offer him the chance to be a full-time starter, something Jacksonville won't do. The added responsibility would probably come with a bigger paycheck.
That said, I don't think it's a foregone conclusion that he makes it to the open market. Colvin is greatly admired by his coaches and teammates. He also said he wanted to remain in Jacksonville several times this past season.
Tyler Patmon
Outlook: The journeyman surprised a lot of folks (including myself) with his performance during training camp and the preseason last year. He was pretty much the lone depth cornerback on the roster for the majority of the season and he was able to do his job well enough to not be noticed. The highlight of his first season with the Jaguars was a pass breakup late in the fourth quarter against the Buffalo Bills during the wild-card round matchup.
Kaye's Take (Staying or Going?): The Jaguars liked what they saw from Patmon against the Bills with Colvin sidelined with a stomach bug. While the Jaguars do need to upgrade their depth this offseason (preferably in the draft), Patmon should have the inside track at securing a role during training camp.
Jalen Myrick
Outlook: Last year's surviving seventh-round pick was barely used during his rookie season. While his use was limited, he did have some impressive moments when he was included in the game plan. Who could forget his soccer-style extra point block against the San Francisco 49ers?
Kaye's Take (Staying or Going?): The Jaguars clearly see potential in Myrick. He made the team last season based on potential and not his offseason performance. With Colvin potentially leaving town, Myrick may have the first shot at replacing him in the slot. He will need to perform much better during training camp to earn that honor.
Follow Mike Kaye on Twitter at @Mike_E_Kaye.