Jacksonville Jaguars NFL Team Column

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20 April 2008

Jags Roster Draft Update

Key Losses: CB Aaron Glenn(Saints); S Sammy Knight(N.Y. Giants); DE Bobby McCray(Saints; DT Marcus Stroud(Bills); WR Ernest Wilford(Dolphins); S LaMont Thompson

Key Aquisitions: CB Drayton Florence; DT Jimmy Kennedy; QB Cleo Lemon; WR Jerry Porter; WR Troy Williamson; S Gerald Sensabaugh(re-signed)

Jacksonville's roster is already set at most positions, but there is a little bit of tweaking that can be done as is the case with all of the top four or five teams in the AFC. The Jags do need to either improve or add depth to the right side of the offensive line- the Guard and Tackle positions. They also need to improve the pass rush by adding Florida's defensive end Derrick Harvey or a Harvey-Type speed rusher. The team could also be looking at Miami's safety Kenny Phillips to possibly come in and start at the other safety position which is momentarily being held by young veteran Gerald Sensabaugh who was re-signed after Sammy Knight departed for the Giants.

By K. T. Reid

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25 February 2008

Jacksonville Jaguars Team Needs and Mock Draft

Fielding an elite defense and a rushing attack that ranked #2 in yards per game propelled the Jags to an 11-win season and a meeting with New England in the Divisional round. Jacksonville hung tough for the first half but managed six 2nd half points, losing 31-20. Quarterback David Gerrard emerged as one the most reliable quarterbacks in the league and showed flashes of big play ability. Surrounding Gerrard with some more playmakers will be the Jags top offensive priority this spring.

Receiving Leaders: name-receptions-yards-touchdowns

WR Reggie Williams-38-629-10

WR Dennis Northcutt-44-601-4

WR Ernest Wilford-45-518-3

RB Maurice Jones-Drew-40-407-0

TE Marcedes Lewis-37-391-2

WR Matt Jones-24-317-4

Jimmy Smith’s unexpected retirement prior to the 2006 season has left the Jags lacking a true lead receiver and someone who defenses have to key on. Reggie Williams caught 10 TD but his hands are terribly inconsistent. He may be no better than a 3rd option and red zone threat. Northcutt is undersized and also boasts inconsistent hands. He did not provide the big play threat the Jags where expecting upon signing the former Brown. Wilford is a free agent that lacks speed while Matt Jones slumped and has yet to show that he can gain separation on a consistent basis. Tight end Marcedes Lewis has a ton of potential but disappears for long stretches and struggles when asked to block. Jacksonville is a star receiver from being in the Super Bowl. After adding Northcutt last season Jacksonville should take a stab at another speedster in Bernard Berrian. They haven’t had much success in drafting receivers so maybe adding an emerging star is the way to go.

Having aircraft carriers like John Henderson and Marcus Stroud inside opens things up for the defensive ends to attack the pocket. They are the key to the Jags pass rush as it takes 4 lineman to properly handle the duo. The Jags had 37 sacks, good for a 4-way tie for 9th, but after Paul Spicer’s 7.5 no one else had more than 4. In addition to a playmaker on offense they need to add a playmaker on defense. Finding an end that can post double-digit sacks would take this defense to another level. Bobby McCray saw his sack total drop from 10 to 3 last year and is free agent but could provide depth if re-signed. The free agent market is practically devoid of quality pass rushers. Longtime Bengal Justin Smith is a great run stopper who could return to his 8-sack career average next to an elite pair tackles.

Jacksonville is a team on the verge of great things. Adding more explosion to their attacks on both sides of the ball could put them over the top. In addition to DE and WR, Jacksonville will be in the market for a SS, OL depth, and youth at CB.

Mock Draft

Round 1- Quentin Groves DE Auburn 6’3 251

Possessing good speed, ran a 4.57 at the 2008 NFL Scouting Combine, Groves could be the best athlete along the Jags defensive line. Few ends have his closing burst and straight-line speed. He could move to linebacker but he will be deadly with the attention paid to Henderson and Stroud.

Round 2- Tracy Porter CB Indiana 5’11 185

Porter doesn’t have the toughness the Jags demand but he is a strong man corner who can cover slot receivers and would add speed to the Jags secondary.

Round 3- Shawn Crable LB Michigan 6’5 241

A strong run stopper who could take over at strongside while also adding another pass rusher. Not a factor in coverage.

Round 4- Will Franklin WR Missouri 6’1 205

Legit 4.4 speed, solid hands, excellent heart and determination. Could be a late round find that gives you more than expected. Has the size to go along with his outstanding athleticism and could develop into a lead pass catcher.

Round 5- Harry Douglas WR Louisville 5’11 170

Dropping due to small size and disappointing senior season, Douglas is a younger version of Northcutt. He tough and fearless and could be a great 3rd option on the outside.

Round 6- Barry Richardson OT Clemson 6’7 331

Jax needs to replenish their offensive line depth while developing for the future. You can never have to many healthy bodies along the line and Richardson is beast at right tackle.

Round 7- Chris McDuffie OG Clemson 6’4 328

Another large lineman from Clemson who is a project but has the tools scouts crave. Provides beef and one day could form a powerful right side with Richardson.

By Daryl Breault

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1 May 2007
2007 Post NFL Draft Analysis
Jacksonville Jaguars-

The goal for the Jacksonville Jaguars was to have a draft that could put them over the top, I believe they have accomplished there goal, on paper.

With the loss of there starting FS to free agency, they were in need of an impact player. They also needed to address the defensive line, offensive line and receiver.

In the first round they got there impact player when the took Safety out of Florida Reggie Nelson. He has the chance to be something really special and at that point of the draft the Jaguars had accomplished there main goal. Fill the free safety void, get an impact player, and put themselves in a position to get over the top.

They did add some depth and speed throughout the draft, the draft didn't resolve there QB issues. One note that could be over looked in this draft is the Fourth round pick of punter Adam Podlesh. Last year Chris Hanson struggled with the punting duties and Podlesh has a stronger and more accurate leg.

A lot of so called experts thought this was too high to draft a punter, but what they failed to realize is that if you can have a punter that can pin teams back in their own end of the field, and if you have a really good defense, he (punter) can become a very strong weapon. The Jaguars have a very strong defense and if this draft pick solves the punting problem then he can become the most potent weapon the Jaguars acquired. Draft grade B+, didn't solve the WR gap they needed to take pressure off of the other WR's.

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