[Editor note: Zoltan strikes again and he believes he is closer to striking at the heart of Gene Smith]

So, since the last time I did a scout report, the Jaguars signed 2-time Pro Bowler DE Aaron Kampman which means most likely Gene Smith doesn’t need to hurry and draft a defensive end with the 10th pick. Meanwhile he said that this draft is loaded with talent on the defensive line, especially at tackle. I did a report on UCLA DT Brian Price but we concluded he might be a little bit of a reach at 10. (If the Jaguars can trade down then he and Mike Iupati; the guard from Idaho- are possible options than at 10). But I have a (maybe not so) secret candiate for the 10th pick: Tennessee DT Dan Williams.

Now you might said “no way he is more of a 3-4 nose tackle; then a 4-3 DT”. Well isn’t that what was thought of Terrance Knighton; last year’s 3rd round pick? He played well in the 4-3 (and until the experiment ended. the 3-4 too). Plus there is another factor coming to play here. Gene has a philosophy: “Get the big guys early”. Add to that the “The Jaguars ain’t done with the rebuilding of both lines!” part and now you have to believe guys like Dan Williams are being strongly considered. And one more possible clue: On the March 3rd, 2010 edition of “Jaguars This Week” Jaguars.com senior editor said right now Dan Williams has the best shot to become the next 1st round pick of the Jaguars. Well now we have 3 good reasons to look at this player.

Williams is a 6:2 327 lbs senior, a big DT from Tennessee; sound familiar? The Jaguars own big man John Henderson was a Vols product and Albert Haynesworth was as well. Both have pretty impressive NFL careers under their belt. Dan Williams ran 5. 17 40-time at the combine which is 0.2 slower then Suh and McCoy but it’s ok because he is heavier than those two top DT by 20 and 30 pounds!

He was selected All-State by Associated Press and Tennessee sportswriters in 2004 in his final high school year. The defensive tackle redshirted in Knoxville in 2005 and has been close to a full-time starter in 2006. He played 6 games in that year; recorded 1 tackle; and 1 sack. Williams played in every game from 2007 through 2009. In his sophomore year he played all 14 games and started 10 of them. He recorded 40 tackles, 19 solo; and 6.5 TFLs. He had 2 sacks as well. Vol fans will forever remember Williams’ 2007 season for the game saving blocked field goal in the incredible four-overtime win over Kentucky, a moment that Vol fans voted as the best play of the season! He played all 12 games in his junior year; but he started only 9 of them. He had 48 tackles; included 23 solo; and 8.5 TFLs. Recorded 1.5 sacks…He played and started all 13 games in his senior year. He had a breakout season in 2009. He recorded 62 tackles; 13 TFLs; and 2 sacks. He was named Second Team All-SEC by the league’s coaches in 2009.

He has an excellent combination of size, strength and athleticism for an interior defender. He plays with great pad level and a natural base to anchor effectively versus the run. He is a powerful bull-rusher who can collapse the pocket in the passing game. [Terry's take: !!! Hello and welcome to Jacksonville !!!] Williams is a true force against the run. Even if he is constantly double teamed he is capable to still making an impact on tackles. He is covering a lot of ground from his nose tackle spot and gets moving in the right direction off the bat. Reads blocks and gets himself in position to make the tackle or alter the running lane. His tackling is improved in this area since his earlier years. Someone who had over sixty tackles from the nose tackle position is a huge achievement. When in position, he completely swallows the ball carrier with his arms and does not let them escape. Strong tackler. He is very athletic on his position: which is perhaps the most surprising part of his game. Chases well sideline to sideline, makes a lot of tackles outside the box. Does not adjust well to the late cut block, can get heavy feet in the trenches. Most likely he is capable to play 0 or 1 techniques; which means -although he is more of a 3-4 NT- can play 4-3 DT as well. [Terry's take: and what is not to love here?]

Now let’s see his weaknesses. 6 sacks in 45 games telling you; that he will be not much help on the pass rush. [Terry's take:  What? You said he was!!] The hustle off the snap is not always there, seems to tire easily. Sometimes in the second half you can see a decline in his performance. Does not always give a solid effort and takes play off; which is unacceptable in the NFL. [Terry's take: Except if you are from Tennessee and are named Big Hen or Albert I guess] His coaches in Tennessee (Lane Kiffin in particular) did a very good job motivating him and there is some worry about he will maintain his level of play on the field and in practice once he gets paid. He has shown not much significant moves other then the bull rush; but that is maybe not a big problem at a DT/NT. [Terry's take: Motivation? You want motivation? How about Joe Cullen beating him with a stick]

So what will the team who’ll draft Williams get? An excellent run blocker DT; who is absolutely ready for the NFL. He should send a “Thank you” card to our Terrance “Pot Roast” Knighton (and maybe Gene Smith too). Because of Knighton success as DT (who was and maybe still is considered more of a NT) not just 3-4 teams may take a look on him; but 4-3 teams -such as the Jaguars- as well. If he is that good (by good; I mean elite) on stopping the run; then I think he is a candidate at 10. If Gene Smith will pull the trigger on him; it means (ironically) that most likely John Henderson’s (another former Volunteer) days are numbered in Jacksonville. He might be on the trading block immediately. If that happens¿ the jaguars have all of sudden a very young core of guys at the defensive line -with the exception of newest Jaguar Aaron Kampman.

Bottom line about Williams – he will be a surprise pick for a lot of people who don’t know Gene and his draft philosophy; but completely makes sense. I would draft him rather any of those 3 defensive end I made a scout report recently. And would I pick against Joe Haden or Rolando McClain if they are still available? Now that is the big question. Despite Haden’s slow 40 time; and McClain didn’t performed at the combine and he recently revealed that he has suffering from Crohm’s disease (Jaguars QB David Garrard is battleing with that; but has no or little effect on his play so far) I still would like to see them as the Jaguars selection at 10; but if Gene Smith; head coach Jack Del Rio and the defensive coaching staff approve to selecting him; I’ll have no problem with the pick.

Zoltan Paksa

[Terry's take:  I think the defensive tackle spot is so rich this season, the Jaguars almost have to move in this direction. I would bet in the first 50 picks, ten defensive tackles are taken, they are that good. It means if Gene wants one, he has to move early.  Zoltan is right, Dan Williams is a fantastic pick at this spot. I don't think Big Hen is gone however. He can take a few series off and we can rotate fresh DT into the game.  The selection of Dan Williams is ok with us and we will move him into our draft board candidate. Good job Zoltan, another wonderful piece of work]

I can’t help but to be happy about the Jaguars. I can’t help but to be excited about the season to come. There is so much to look forward to!

Now I’ve been happily thinking about good things to come. And I believe it could be, something good has begun.                    

                               Cat Stevens – Peace Train

Maybe it is Aaron Kampman coming. Maybe it is Kassim Osgood. Maybe it is the draft. Maybe it is Wayne Weaver’s optimism, I can’t put my finger on it. Maybe it is just the time of the season. I am happy, very happy.

Jeanne, in her last video blog spoke something that resonates with me. The best Jaguars are those with a chip on their shoulder. She said “we are a small town, we don’t get any respect. We have a chip on our shoulder and the best Jaguars do as well”. She pointed out Maurice Jones Drew was too small to play. He had a chip on his shoulder. The best of this team comes out when they play with the chip.

Kassim Osgood has that feeling. He has a lot to show and wants to show it. Derek Cox was a small school guy ready to show he could play. Aaron Kampman wants to show Green Bay he was worth keeping. The chip is returning.

The best Jaguar team under Del Rio showcased the 2006 defense. Big Big men up front daring you to run. Daring you to stand too long in the pocket. Ready to crush you for even taking the field. Ask the Steelers, ask the Cowboys, ask the Jets. I am beginning to feel that again.

This draft has Big Big men ready to play defensive tackle. This draft has ten great defensive tackles ready right now to dominate the NFL. One of the best of them will probably be a Jaguar.

With Derrick Harvey ready to break out and Aaron Kampman ready to play, the ends are looking solid. With Pot Roast ready for a second season and Big Hen with good football left in him, one more big guy up front means the dominate line will emerge again. Imagine if Big Hen can rest a few downs and come in fresh. Imagine a number 10 draft choice ready to crush the pocket. Anyone doubt Joe Cullen doesn’t have a chip? Anyone doubt he doesn’t have something to prove? I don’t. The chip is returning. Jaguar defensive football is coming back.

This draft is also full of good middle round offensive linemen. Zane Beadles from Utah might be one.  Vladimir Ducasse from Massachusetts might be one. Gene will find him. With a strong offensive line, Maurice breaks free. With a strong offensive line, David has time. Everything clicks. This is our draft. This is our time.

Gene is building this team from the lines. When you go back to the Coughlin era, where Gene learned his trade, you see offensive and defensive linemen always taken early in the draft. That stopped in the Shack era. We are back to the old ways again. Zoltan has begun his look at defensive tackles. Watch for those reports here soon.

I promise you this, Gene will build a powerful Jaguar team.

Get your bags together, come bring your good friends too. Because it’s getting nearer, soon it will all be true.

Cat Stevens said it best. All I can do is repeat it, good things have begun. One last thing… to Peter King. Remember Peter, Jaguar fans don’t need you around anyhow.

Get ready folks. The Jaguars train is rolling around again. I promise!

 - Terry O’Brien

[Editor Note: Arthur Hardie was a favorite writer of our at Big Cat County. We invited him to write for B&T and he came through wonderfully. Rarely does a post reach the hights of artistry, but Arthur achieves that here. In his premise, the days leading up to the draft are hopes and dreams. Later, on the field of battle we will determine if our dreams come true. Give a listen]

Quoting Arabic comes with baggage these days in the United States. But, when poignant, let’s shrug off such international squabbles.

“A mirage has offered its solace to my heart,

Leading me on with a promise to end my drought.”

- excerpt from Dark Mirage, by Badawi al-Jabal (1907-81)

Determined desert travelers press onwards, united in pursuit of a new horizon. And with the shifting sands of a stormy desert, the horizon changes, and so does the pursuit. Leaving one to wonder, when will we actually reach water?

But no! Water is not what we want. This is football. We are fans; Jaguar fans. On our horizon we seek playoffs, playoff wins and a bowl not made for liquid, but for champions…the Super Bowl. Yet, measurable truths of man-on-man confrontation gasp for air beneath the quicksand of offseason adjustments, blockbuster trades, free agent gambles and the gypsy-like mystique of the draft. For each and every team in this chimeric league seeks a new horizon. Defense may lead to safety now, but so many caravans before pointed towards wide receiver.

“Why did it come so close to me, this mirage,

Bringing its tantalizing presence near.”

Thirst kills a man within 72 hours. But fans are thirsty now. Will the Jaguars draft Tebow? Has Kampman relaxed the need to draft a defensive end in the first round? Might Eric Berry float down to our pick? Oh, the thirst. The desire for action. Aha! There it is. We’ve found our horizon. And that is, action.

“You have made my heart oblivious to the world.

Only the phantoms of our love are true.”

Desire for quench leads many a seasoned fan astray during the offseason. You seek action. But you get, a mirage. Because when the day is done, football is played on the field. Whether you select Joe Montana with the 82nd pick or R Jay Soward with the 29th, the only option that remains is to press on and see what lies ahead. Together we search for the horizon, for the playoffs, for the Super Bowl. Yet all we do is wander aimlessly on the sand, because the game is played on grass. And what happens there is no mirage.

- Arthur Hardie

[Terry's take: We have been burned before in our hopes but sometimes our quench for action is satisfied as in Maurice Jones Drew. Who will come? When will our next hero emerge? Is he waiting for his name to be called? Gene has shown a keen eye for talent. It is right to be excited when Gene goes into action, but we must wait for the proof. We must wait for the season to begin. Right now, let hope spring eternal. The draft is almost upon us and soon the season. Soon our new heros will emerge. Stay tuned! Thank you Arthur!]

I want to write about Derrick Harvey and tell you how good I think he is becoming.  I also want to get rid of the word “bust” when people talk about trading up to get the rights to Derrick.  Derrick Harvey is not a bust as a draft choice. You can decide if he was worthy of the trade or whether the trade was smart. I am here to defend the person.      

Source: My own camera

 Let me start with this fact; every first round draft choice does not turn into an NFL starter much less a pro bowl caliber player. From the 2008 draft, Glenn Dorsey, Vernon Gholston, Sedrick Ellis, Lawarence Jackson, Kentwan Balmer and Chris Long were all defensive linemen taken in the first round.  Drafting college players is not an exact science. I believe only 50% of first round draft choices are starters 5 years later. It is a game of probablities. You take the player and hope they make it. This is why the rookie salraies need to be managed, but that is another story.     

Derrick Harvey was never considered to be a finished product day one. He was always recognized to be a project, someone who would develop into a good football player. Derrick only played high school football for two years and then came out as a junior from Florida. He had five years experience in football and never much technique coaching. Despite this, I think he came out at the right time. There was nothing left for him to learn in college. After dominating the National Championship game for Florida, there was only one way to progress his skills, come into the NFL. Derrick Harvey was a young inexperienced but talented athlete and high quality individual. He had run out of competition in college and deserved to be a top candidate for the NFL.     

Let’s turn to ProFootballFocus and see how they grade his 2009 campaign, his second year in the NFL. According to them, Derrick Harvey was the 23rd best defensive end in football. Not good enough you think? He is the highest rated defensive end drafted in 2008 or 2009. There is no better defensive end in football with his years of experience. Remember, Derrick Harvey is still young and learning.  He was the 13th best defensive end against the run, better than Mario Williams and Dwight Freeney and as good as Robert Mathis.  In 2008 he was ranked 72 out of 82 defensive ends and 75th against the run.  Defensive ends take patience. Mario Williams in his second year (2007)  was ranked 45th (depite having 14 sacks). His third year (2008) he was 11th and his 4th year (2009) was 8th.     

Let me make excuses for Derrick and the pass rush. I don’t think we can expect Derrick to put up huge QB sack numbers all by himself. There was no one on the other side causing any concern and the push up the middle wasn’t happening either. I saw all home games last year and Derrick came very close to a sack many times. If the opposing QB had faced any pressure, Derrick would have recorded more sacks. Derrick was not that easy to contain and not that easy to run against.      

So we have a new defensive lineman on the way to Jacksonville. We have a new defensive line coach in Jacksonville. We have the number 10 draft position in a draft filled with quality defensive tackles.  Are you on my wave length yet? Derrick Harvey got a lot better in 2009 and will get a lot better again in 2010, only this time he won’t be alone on the line. I think we will finally get to stop hearing the ignorant remarks about Derrick Harvey being a bust. Those people labelled him as that never impressed me with their intelligence or football knowledge anyway. Derrick Harvey was a very good first round draft choice, just ask the other GM’s who drafted defensive ends in 2008.  Get ready to cheer, Derrick Harvey is about to have a breakout year.   You agree?

- Terry O’Brien

All signs point to the end of Reggie Hayward’s career as a Jaguar.  I am sorry to see it come to this. I liked Reggie and believe he has more to give. I guess it will be with another team.  Having said that, I bow to Gene Smith’s knowledge of when it is time to let go.

Reggie came as a free agent to the Jaguars after a career with the Denver Broncos. He was a third round draft choice and was a very productive Defensive End with Denver. He had 19 sacks in his 2003 and 2004 season. In his first year with Jacksonville he had 8.5 sacks, 6 passes defended and 2 forced fumbles.  That is enough productivity to turn two games in our favor. Reggie was a force to contend with. 

In 2006 he suffered an achillies tendon tear and missed the entire season.  In 2007 he had 3.5 sacks and in 2008 he had 4.5 sacks. Reggie was still a force on the end and was poised to have a great 2009 season. A broken fibula in his leg (where the fibula is) caused him to miss the entire 2009 season. There was no replacement for him on the squad and all sack numbers suffered.

Reggie was a high paid player making $3.5 million in salary. His 5 year $25 million contract with the Jaguars ran through 2009. He did renogotiate his contract prior to 2009 in which he made $1.25 million in 2009 plus incentives.  This was Reggie’s way of saying he wanted to be a part of the team.

I don’t think it would have taken much to sign him again, he already made his money. I just think the Jaguars felt his football career was over.  For two of his 5 years, Reggie was out of action.

Football is a rough game and players know injuries can take them out of the paycheck quickly. I am glad Reggie made his money. I am also sorry we never saw the full impact of the money paid.  I wish he had another year to show it, but I guess not.

Reggie Hayward is a great guy and a good solid football player.  I will miss him. Good luck Reggie.

 - Terry O’Brien

[Editor Note: When I wrote for Big Cat Country, Zoltan was a regular contributor and commentor. I asked him to be a part of the Black and Teal Family as well. He agreed and this is his first post.  I want to say I am so very happy to have Zoltan participate and will post whatever and whenever he writes for us]

We all know how important the Draft is for General Manager Gene Smith in order to rebuild the Jaguars. I think he considers April 22-24, 2010 as the most important 3 days of the year. But in my opinion: April 22nd, the first day of the draft, maybe the most important day for any Jaguar GM in a very long time. Among the possible candidates to be selected is someone everyone from Jacksonville and a Jaguar fan knows and is rooting for, Tim Tebow!

Well I’m from Hungary; but even I heard Tim’s name mentioned for a long time. And because I’m not a local maybe my view is more objective about the Tebow case. In my opinion he is a huge risk factor; because almost every analyst raises big question marks about whether he can be a successful player in the NFL. I think he can; but not in the Jaguars system! He doesn’t fit here. He is not ready to be a Day 1 starter; and no matter what many people says; he is someone you cannot put on the bench, not in Jacksonville. Although every Jaguars fan has some issues with David Garrard; he is by far a better pro QB then Tebow will be on day one. Owner Wayne Weaver said exactly one week ago-that he wants to return into the playoffs in 2010. I think with Garrard the Jaguars have a chance (not to big; but they have one); with Tebow; well not much. So that means for Gene and for the Jaguars the obvious: Tim Tebow will be NOT a Jaguars player in the draft. Gene wants players ready day one and that is not Tim Tebow.

But Gene Smith must take actions against the massive upset; and (fake?) outrage for a possible “No Tebow” draft. How he can do that? Well it is simple: with the 1st round choice he must select a big difference and playmaker. A talent that he can say in the end of the season: “Hey; you still wanted to pick Tebow with that pick?” Yes this is the only way to do that. He needs a home run.

Now the fantastic 2009 Jaguars draft class made a major impact for this team, but it has something missing…. A STAR! I know Eugene Monroe can be a Pro Bowl-All Pro caliber left tackle; Terrance Knighton might be a pro-bowl player some day as well. Derek Cox; Mike Thomas; Jarett Dillard; Zach Miller and Rashad Jennings all have a potential to grow. But let’s face it: only one player was mentioned at the all-rookie team from the Jaguars: Terrance Knighton; and he does not have as much the fame as say a Cushing; Byrd; Laurinaitis; Matthews; Raji a.k.a. the real star defensive rookies from this class. We are lacking a STAR draft choice!

The first round pick of the Jaguars in 2010 MUST be a player like that. He must be racing every week for the “rookie of the week” awards; and he must be one of the candidates in the defensive/offensive rookie of the year title. Only then can Gene say to all the Tebow lovers: Hey I made a better selection and choice with the pick I had. I made this team much better then picking Tim. Thankfully with the top 10th – 11th pick he can find a player like that. Joe Haden; CJ Spiller; Rolando McClain; or Derrick Morgan (just to name the most talked candidates right now) might become players who can fulfill that need. All we can hope for is for Gene to make a wise choice among them. And in the end of the year; nobody among us will regret that he passed on Tim Tebow! Gene Smith has his hands full this year!

- Zoltan Paksa

Man, am I confused.  The Jaguars hired Joe Cullin whose defensive resume is second only to his rap sheet. What happened to ensuring the moral character of the team? I thought we were on a different journey?

It was written that Donnie Henderson was let go as the defensive secondary coach because someone didn’t like how he swore at players. It was not Jack’s decision but done higher up.  OK, I bought into that because we said we wanted good moral character.  So consider this from the Detroit Free Press:

  Cullen, a fiery coach who screamed so much during the preseason that he lost his voice, likely is Marinelli’s type of man on a football level.

By Jim Schaefer and Nicholas J. Cotsonika, Detroit Free Press. 9/7/06.

Gerald Sensabaugh was not pursued as a Free Agent because he was carrying a loaded gun around in his car when he went home for a visit.  I don’t know if that was the real reason he wasn’t pursued, but it was the impression we all had.  So consider this from the same Detroit Free Press article:

Cullen was arrested and charged with indecent and obscene conduct Aug. 24, the night before the Lions’ third exhibition at Oakland. A worker at a Dearborn fast-food drive-thru window saw him naked behind the wheel of his SUV and called the police, according to police reports.

This arrest coupled with multiple DUI’s make up this man’s personal life.

Joe Cullin supposedly sought treatment and received a strong endorsement from Roger Godell to Wayne Weaver that he has more than met all requirements placed upon him.  He has sought redemption through his actions.

Joe was let go, along with everyone else after the 0-16 2008 season with the Detroit Lions. While there, he did lift the Lions Defensive Line performance up a level. The sack totals were 2006 (30), 2007 (37) and 2008 (30). He supposedly knows how to get to the quarterback.   

Here is what I think is going on.  45,000 people attend a home game doesn’t generate enough revenue to pay the expenses. Player salaries are not going down, at least not the good player salaries. The Jaguars must make cost adjustments to stay even close to solvent. Mike Tice was a very high paid assistant coach.  I am glad for him if this move is what he wanted. I don’t think Joe Cullin commands the salary of Mike Tice. I think the cost of coaching is being reduced.  In short, we are bargin hunting.

I remember when the Joe Cullin story broke and I thought “only in Detroit”. I do not want my Jaguars to become laughing stocks of the NFL.  Joe Cullin needs to remain sober and be a model citizen here in Jacksonville.  Joe Cullin needs to pitch in and help this team and this community.

I am all for redemption. I am all for giving him a chance.  I am not for a double standard on this team.  Players and coaches need to live up to the high moral standards bar that has been set. Joe Cullin needs to lead by example.

- Terry O’Brien

[Editor Note: Zoltan returns with another great article. His last one was picked up by ESPN. Time to make him part of the staff]

Zoltan Paksa watches the Jaguars from Hungary

Watching the playoffs and specially the games of the New York Jets keeps me wondering: How in the world could the Jaguars beat this team in “The Meadowland”? The Jets embarrassed the Cincinnati Bengals not once but twice in back-to-back weeks, the same Cincinnati Bengals that won the really hard AFC North and had a 6-0 divisional record. Then they defeated the San Diego Chargers in California, the team almost every expert said was the favorite to win the Super Bowl. The NY Jets are a legitimate Super Bowl contender and yet, not so long ago, the ’09 Jaguars beat them. How could they do it? Was there just luck; coincidence; or something else?

Well let’s see. Yeah the Jets were in a bad shape when the Jaguars meet them, having lost 4 of the 5 games before meeting in Week 10. But; they were the same team! They had that outstanding defense. They had the running game. Darrelle Revis was that impact player on that game like he is in this season. Then how could the Jaguars win?

Well one reason might be that the Jets have issues with teams with a good running game; which the Jaguars had on week 10(what happened with the rush attack from week 11 is another story…). The Dolphins won both games against the Jets; the Dolphins are also a powerful running team. So yeah the Jaguars have that advantage in my opinion.

But what was a major factor besides Maurice Drew’s fantastic performance in the Jaguars win?

Three things that were not frequent enough in 2009. First was (especially in the 1st half and the end of the game) very good offensive play calling. Dirk Koetter did his homework for that game. He often gave good answers to Rex Ryan’s defensive challenges. No matter that he called 5 running plays in a row (that ended up in a TD in the 1st Jaguars drive) he also called wise passing calls against Ryan’s blitz schemes-which also helped for scoring TDs.

But that game had one more thing that proves me that was not a lucky victory. Something the eagle eyed Jaguars fans said and missed over and over again. Both the offense and the defense performed very near in periods of the game to 100% of what they are capable of doing. There were moments when the offense played at its best against a very good defense. The second Indy game had something like that; except in this game the defense could helped out David Garrard and the offense in the second half. They took away the Jets biggest weapon-the ground attack; and they did (compared with other games) quite well against the passing game.

And the third key was in that victory-the Jaguars could finish that game. With the positive moment of the “09 season (Maurice Drew took a knee at the one yard line) the Jaguars can executed the game plan almost perfectly for 60 minutes! We see come from behind wins against the Rams; and the Bills-but they were not good caliber team-opposite of the Jets.

I agree and believe that talent wise that Jets team was way better then the ’09 Jaguars. We need more talent and we will have an opportunity to address that need soon. But I think in the Jets game we saw the future as well. Good game plans; offense and defense playing at the same time near 100%; and finishing in the game at crunch time. I think doing those three elements consistently and talent wise upgrade at the roster can transform this team real fast to become a real contender in 2010, even with the upcoming hard schedule the Jaguars have! The QB is a significant factor but I don’t think Mark Sanchez is a better QB then David Garrard; and yet his team is still standing! If all that happens-we could follow easily the footsteps of the ’09 Jets. And who knows maybe one of the participant team of the AFC Title game will be called the Jacksonville Jaguars one year from today…

Zoltan Paksa

Assume it is draft day and the Jacksonville Jaguars are on the clock.  Sam Bradford and Joe Haden are available.  You are Gene Smith and the draft room is divided.  You have the conn, make the call. If you want, tell us why.

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Congratulations to David. Does anyone other than me thinks it is time for a simple award banquet?
- Terry

[Editors Note: The web is a great avenue to share and exchange team information as many fans are spread across the globe.  I added that statement to our Mission Statement and little did I know how true it was.  With Zoltan reporting from Hungary, I then receive an email from Fabio Rios from Chile asking if he could post an article.  I'm floored and honored. Jaguar fans across the globe are finding us and joining in the discussion.  With that, let me present Fabio's first American post with part II coming tomorrow]

Fabio: First I have to thank Terry for giving me this opportunity. One of my dreams during the past 15 years was to write something about the Jaguars, because here in Chile, as a journalist, I only report such sports as tennis and soccer.

Coach Jack del Rio said the past week that he isn’t thinking about free agency or the draft yet, because he must finish his own player’s evaluations. So that got me thinking about doing some evaluation myself.

So here we go with the Jaguars roster evaluation: Continue Reading »

[Editor Note:  I am amazed that the Jaguars have international fans and that they are so knowledgeable. Here is Fabio's take on the offense.  I hope we hear from him again.]

Offense

Offensive line: If there’s one position that Gene Smith will try to avoid drafting in the first round is offensive tackle. Let’s be clear: Eugene Monroe and Eben Britton are the present and the future. I like Eben more, because of what Jeff Lageman has said about him. Hard worker, down to earth guy. I know Terry loves Eugene, but he still seems a little stiff sometimes.

On the inside, it seems the team loves Uche Nwaneri, so they will keep him as a starter, for sure. Also Vince Manuwai will be given another season to get stronger after blowing his ACL in 2008. But if he continues to get worse, he could be gone at the end of next season.

Brad Meester is one of the team’s most deteriorated players, and will likely be cut. That’s sad because he’s one heck of a guy and the longest tenured Jaguar.

The team likes Jordan Black, while Tra Thomas seems to be gone. The team needs a new starter at center or guard, depending if they move Uche to the middle. Another backup tackle late in the draft or in free agency isn’t out of the question.

Continue Reading »

It has been very frustrating for the coach.

One day after the season ended, Jack Del Rio takes a vacation and the knives come out aiming for his back.         

FOX’s Jay Glazer reports that some members of the Jaguars’ organization have been “killing” coach Jack Del Rio behind close doors.          

Jack Del Rio said that he and Gene Smith have a good relationship and I believe him.  I don’t believe Gene Smith is behind these attacks on Jack. These are coming from someone closer to Wayne Weaver.        

There are other reports that said the problem is a disconnect between Jack’s guys and the others. But who is deciding it is a problem?         

Del Rio has never hesitated to change assistants but seemed headed for a stable off season. Indications from inside have long been, however, that there were two tiers on the staff — those who qualified as JDR’s inner circle and those who didn’t.        

By Paul Kuharsky Jan 15, 2010        

Continue Reading »

I couldn’t be more pleased with the announcement, or pending announcement, of Ernest Byner and Rob Boras as new assistant coaches.  Take nothing away from Mike Tice and Kennedy Pola, both are top quality men and coaches.  I hope the best for them both, but their replacements are fantastic!     

95 Catches!!!

Let’s start with Rob Boras.  If there has been one thing the Chicago Bears could count on, it was the play of the Tight Ends.  In 2008, Desmond Clark and Greg Olsen combined for 95 catches.  95 CATCHES!!!! I can’t contain myself… 95 CATCHES!!!  Hello Marcedes, Hello Zack Miller!  If you can make early picks in your fantasy league, get either of these two.  95 CATCHES!!!  This is an over the top good coaching selection.   Marcedes and Zack are both offensive weapons that can contribute a lot more, looks like they will be! They had about 50 catches together this year. I expect over 100 catches next year.    

Welcome Rob Boras!   Is Desmond Clark our next Torry Holt?  Maybe, probably not, but maybe. Desmond was very outspoken about losing his coach.  I can understand why.  I don’t understand why Rob Boras was thrown out with the others to save Lovie Smith. Rob did nothing wrong.  In fact he did a lot right. 

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The Jaguars are committed to Best Available Player regardless of need. I think Gene Smith makes a smart call, but will the fans agree? Do you agree?  Let us know!

Pick	Team	Player Selected	Player’s Position	Player’s School	Analysis
1.		Ndamukong Suh	Defensive Tackle	Nebraska	The Rams have needs in both of the lines. They gave up a lot of yards on the ground and gave up a large number of QB hits.  With a good run game, maybe it is best to pick the best player who will also help their weakness.  This pick falls right in their lap. Now get off the bottom St, Louis, you have too much talent to stay there.
2.		Eric Berry	Safety	Tennessee	The Lions secondary is just too weak to ignore at the number 2 draft spot.  With Eric Berry sitting in front of then, a rational person would select them. Detroit has James Harris helping them draft, so rational may not be the way they go.  I am giving them Eric Berry for their own good. They won’t like it, they drafted a safety last year, but it is for their own good.
3.		Gerald McCoy	Defensive Tackle	Oklahoma	Tampa Bay can’t stop the run. They are not a horrible team if they could stop the run. Rasheen Morris is in charge of the defense and will want this area addressed. Gerald is a one gap player in a cover two defense. Hello Tampa Bay!  Another pick falls right into place.
4.		Jimmy Clausen	Quarterback	Notre Dame	The Redskins have the defense. They just need a smart signal caller to get things moving. They tried to trade up last year for Sanchez. Will they think Clausen is the right choice? I don’t know, but they want a QB real bad.  I am not sold on Clausen, but perhaps the media attention in Washington will inspire him to play all 60 minutes and not just in a rescue effort.  I don’t like this pick, but so be it.
5.		Russell Okung	Offensive Tackle	Oklahoma State	Who got sacked more than David Garrard? Matt Cassell.  KC drafted  Branden Albert but with Russell Okung sitting here, there is no decision.  This pick is yet another that falls exactly to the right team. I don’t know if KC will listen, but they should!
6.		Sam Bradford	Quarterback	Oklahoma	What does Pete Carroll want? He has always cherished a quarterback and always appreciated a good defense.  He has two first round picks.  Does he go QB then defense?  I think so.  He can’t win without a QB and he has to take a chance on Sam Bradford.  No QB no success.  I think he is forced into this decision. That isn’t too bad, Sam Bradford is simply the only franchise QB in this draft. He will do just fine in Seattle.
7.		Joe Haden	Cornerback	Florida	Cleveland wants Eric Berry real bad.  He could fall if the quarterbacks break as predicted and Detroit drafted a safety last year, they may pass on Eric. If Eric doesn’t make it down to 7, Haden is a nice consolation prize. Joe Haden is the only premier corner in this draft and will boost the Browns secondary and help give Mike Holmgren a good start. The Cleveland fans know football and will appreciate this pick. Bring Dixon and Minnefield in to talk to him!
8.		Trent Williams	Offensive Tackle	Oklahoma	The Raiders have talent on the defensive side of the ball, so this pick should be focused on offense.  They drafted a QB, a receiver and a running back. Is it time to address the offensive line?  Trent Williams is a good choice because if he doesn’t work as a tackle, he can work as a guard.  He is a monster and will help immediately.  Take my advice Al!
9.		Brian Bulaga	Offensive Tackle	Iowa	The poor Bills had to cobble together an offensive line all year.  They were second in allowing the quarterback to be hit even though the QB threw it away as fast as the ball was snapped.  The Bills really need a quarterback but until and unless they address the offensive line, no quarterback will ever look good.  Problem is Buffalo never got this.  Let me help them on this; no college  team develops Offensive Linemen better than Iowa. Brian Bulaga may need time but he is a lot better than many guys the Bills have on the line.
10.	(CHI)	Dez Bryant	Wide Receiver	Oklahoma State	Eddie Royal and Dez Bryant, now that is a duo to fear.  But what if Brandon Marshall wants to stay? Has he worn out his welcome?  I don’t know if Dez Bryant is a lock here. They could use a good defensive lineman or linebacker.  Rolando McClain would work.  I really don’t like Dez Bryant’s potential and think Denver makes a mistake, but Zoltan has spoken, Dez goes to Denver.
11.		Rolando McClain	Linebacker	Alabama	McClain can play all three linebacker positions and he would add to an already impressive set of Jaguar Linebackers. McClain would add a solid tackler to the edge of the defense which is currently held by Clint Ingram. Ingram could be gone and having a guy like McClain on the depth chart could prove to be a good decision.
12.		Sergio Kindle	Outside Linebacker	Texas	Miami has a great power running game, a good offensive line and a quarterback they are happy with.  They could go wide receiver since Ted Ginn Jr isn’t what they thought.  A good receiving threat?  Is this a place Golden Tate fits? Miami needs linebacker help, and Sergio is a great choice to get into the backfield and disrupt the play. They will like that.  Sergio is your pick Bill.
13.		C.J. Spiller	Running Back	Clemson	I know Anthony Davis is supposed to go here but I am not buying it. When the combines come around, he falls. So does Mike Iupati. I am thinking excitement here C.J. Spiller or Golden Tate.  I think we go Spiller here. Too much talent to walk away from.
14.	(DEN)	Brandon Graham	Defensive End	Michigan	A lot of people will be kicking themselves for passing this pick. Brandon will climb the charts soon and Pete Carroll will have his QB and a disruptive defensive end. This is a good draft for the Seahawks already.
15.		Carlos Dunlap	Defensive End	Florida	The Giants big time defense suffered this season. Drafting to the defensive line is a trait the Giants always do well and Carlos Dunlap will love this home in NY.  I really like this pick and this placement. Carlos will be a star with Tom Coughlin.
16.	(CAR)	Jason Pierre-Paul	Defensive End	South Florida	Wow, C.J. Spiller and JPP. Hey what about the offensive line?  Mike Singletary let’s it go for the star appeal.  Suddenly SF 49er are dangerous on both sides of the ball.  The QB and offensive line will wait.  There is power in this draft and Mike likes it. A good pick.

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[Editor Note: Zoltan and I continue our look at the top candidates available to the Jaguars with the 10th or 11th draft selection.  So far, we like and hope for Joe Haden. Today we look at Rolando McClain who we also like very much. Here is Zoltans write-up with some of my notes included.]   

McClain a Jaguar? We hope so!!

Well we can dream about Eric Berry or Joe Haden (or some about Tim Tebow…) but let’s face it, we would need luck for either of those two to be available. But that doesn’t mean the 10th or 11th spot won’t produce an impact player. If we had to project right now, the title of “Front runner of the 2010 Jaguar 1st round draft choice” belongs to Alabama LB Rolando McClain! He is most likely to be available when the Jaguars are on the board no matter how the coin flip ends up. Rolando McClain would fill a role missing since Mike Peterson left the team, a true leader of the defense!   

I can hear some of you now, “But Zoltan, we don’t NEED a linebacker, they are the strongest unit inside the defense!” Well; in 2009 we saw some little bit disturbing signs. First of all the major disappointing season Clint Ingram produced. He was in his contract year (he is an RFA because of the uncapped year; so his fate is still in the hands of the Jaguars) and he was clearly the worst of the starting linebackers. Even the best player of the 3; Justin Durant struggled sometimes-mostly because he suffered a concussion and battled with that the whole season. The only 100% performance belonged to Mr. “do-it-all” a. k. a. Daryl Smith. He did everything; even tried to rush the passer later in the season. He finished over 100 tackles. He is the only one we consider to be a locked starter among the linebacking corps. The Jaguars have UDFA rookie Russell Allen; a big gem found by Gene Smith; who showed he can be a reliable player, who may be able to start for this team, but he also might not belong as a regular starter yet. And there is another UDFA; Brian Iwuh; who can ht people; but he might be more of a ST/LB player and a true backup; then a starter.   

Listen to GM Gene Smith a she explained (to the Florida Times Union) how he saw right now the LB position:  

That’s just one of five positions on defense where Smith expects very competitive battles for starting spots. He lists the two safety spots and two of the three linebacker roles in the same category. Daryl Smith is set as a starter at linebacker.  

So looks like to me there is room for a new starting LB player…   

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The 2009 Jaguars will be remembered as a team that fought hard and knocked on the door of the playoffs.  Is it because Jack Del Rio coached his butt off? Is it because Gene Smith made performance on the field a job requirement?  Maybe, just maybe, it was because the 2009 Jaguars were graced with the presence of greatness.  Maybe the presence of Torry Holt had more to do with it than we imagined.   

I make no apologies for my steadfast belief that Torry Holt was the best thing to happen to the Jaguars following the 2008 season. He came in and set the tone for work ethic.  He publicly stated he would mentor the rookies to the bench.  Then he set out to make a team and show them how to play and how to love each other.   

Torry Holt didn’t mentor the rookies to the bench, he mentored them in every minute he was around them. The new rookie recievers flocked to him. He spent time with them. When they did well, he was the first one to congratulate them.  It wasn’t only the rookie receivers he supported. I remember when Maurice Jones Drew scored a touchdown against Houston I think.  Torry didn’t congratulate MJD, he went out and congratulated Eugene Monroe for throwing the key block.  He rode on Eugene’s back in a celebration trip to the sidelines.  You could see Eugene smile from the upper decks.   

Torry and Hughes

Remember when Nate Hughes was cut for dropping a touchdown pass? Remember when he redeemed himself and snagged the long bomb from David?  Who ran out to him?  Torry Holt did.   

Remember when Torry caught the long bomb against Miami?  Remember the celebration that ensued? The Jaguars received a delay of game penalty for celebrating too long.  I didn’t care. Celebrate all night long, Torry deserved it.   

During training camp I remember Derek Cox trying to cover Torry.  Derek followed him every step of the way until the final step. In a blink of an eye, Torry was gone. Derek never knew what happened.  Derek learned a lot from following Torry.  

To me, the loss of Torry Holt means greatness has left the Jaguars.  We are back to relying on Maurice Jones Drew. No offense MJD, but Torry could add the magic like no one else.  When he was introduced, the ovation was loud.  He isn’t coming back.  The great one will not return as a Jaguar.  I am simply sad, very sad.  

 - Terry O’Brien

When you read about the Jaguars as much as I do, you don’t go a day without seeing Tim Tebow’s name come up and usually not in a kind way.  The Tebow attacks seemed to intensify after the Senior Bowl.  Now even Uche Nwaneri (I assume it was him) weighed in on the negative side.  I don’t know why.  I have never seen this intensity concerning a college quarterback before, ever. The thing that dismays me the most is Tim Tebow has never done anything to provoke it.  Let’s review what Tim has said:

Did he ever demand to be a first round draft choice? No, he said he wants a chance.

Did he say he would only play quarterback in the NFL? No, he said he wants a chance to play quarterback but if it isn’t to be he accepts that.

Did he say he wouldn’t try to change if needed? No, he said he would work harder than anyone to be good and if they coach him, he will learn.

Does any of this sound like a guy who deserves the negative intensity he receives?  Not to me it doesn’t.

What is justified is to discuss the mountain Tim would have to climb to be a good quarterback.  Take a look at this picture:

With Tim’s long front stride and deep arm drop, this situation would be a sack, a fumble or a scramble for him.  For David, it was a touchdown pass.  Tim can’t get the ball out of tight places and that is all. No hatred, no mocking, no character assassination, just a simple observation, he needs work.

When I moved down to Jacksonville the first name I heard was Tim Tebow. In his freshman year I thought he was a bit of a novelty. I running kid with a trick jump pass. Very amusing. I didn’t think he could throw.

In his sophmore year I was shocked. Tim could throw. He won the Heisman that year and I admitted he was good.  Probably couldn’t win a big game, but he could throw.

In his junior year I was amazed again. Tim could handle pressure and win a big game. Tim Tebow had grown up quickly and advanced his skills again.

In his senior year I saw the effect of the concussion. Tim didn’t look the same after that. I thought the blow to the head took his courage away. I thought that until the Sugar Bowl. What he did to Cincinnati was ridiculous.  As Brian Billick said on air “How good must Alabama’s defense be?” I agree.

My point is this, Tim Tebow advanced and grew every year he played.  From what I saw, he got better as an all-around player, much better, each year.  He promises to bring that dedication to the NFL.

So where does he stand?  To me a first round draft choice can play immediately. I don’t think Tim can. He needs to go to work and start from scratch to learn everything over. He needs to tear himself down and rebuild everything about his play.  I think he will do that. I think it will take three years.  He will learn in 2010 and 2011 and part of 2012. By 2012 I think you will see a real NFL quarterback with a bright future ahead.

Unfortunately, you do not draft a guy in the first round to rebuild him for three years. You do that in the third round.  Tim Tebow, as a third round prospect, will be hard to pass up.  I think the team that does pick him knows what they have to do. I think Tim knows what he has to do.  Will Tim Tebow be happy as a third round selection with years of hard work ahead?  Isn’t that exactly what he is asking for? All he ever said was give me a chance and coach me, I’m all in.

Hate Tim Tebow? I think not. Jacksonville has every reason to be proud of him. I think they will have more reasons in the near future.  Tim Tebow, I applaud you and wish you the best.

 - Terry O’Brien

In case you didn’t know, Uche Nwaneri is entertaining the participants of the Jaguars blog site.  He attempts to explain football and give them his perspective.  I like that, I think it is wonderful. The problem I have is I don’t think everything is accurate.  Consider this quote: 

 i had one MA the whole game, which turned out to seal the win for mia, i went to the wrong man on our QB draw, which was goin to be wide open for dave, and the guy i was spose to block ended up sacking dave. it happens. 

Two things bother me. First, somehow Uche has been assigned the blame or has accepted it.  The botched play was not his fault.  Second, the problems in our offensive line go deeper than this. It isn’t this simple.  I will document that in later articles, but let’s have a look for ourselves. 

Here is the sequence of events for the final drive against Miami Uche is referring to. 

[Editor Note:  In this article Zoltan looks at the possible players we will say goodbye to this year.  Personally, I wish we could say goodbye to Jack Del Rio, but that will come someday. Zoltan tries to predict the future, let's see if he is right.  - Terry]

Gene Smith has been thinking.

Well; February 8th; 2010 is not just the day after Superbowl XLIV; but the first day GMs can cut players from the roster. I’m telling you; Jaguars GM Gene Smith (if he not looking at tape of some of the next generation of future Jaguar players) is already counting the hours to do that.

Smith also has to make some personnel decisions in the near future, although he can’t start releasing players until next week.”(Florida Times Union January 30th 2010.)

Well I made a list about players who can wait next Monday with a bit fear in their heart. Let’s see:

Tra Thomas: He is a classy person; a true legend; I didn’t heard a bad word about him. But he was mostly inactive in the second half of the season. And he is at best a backup for starting LT Eugene Monroe. I think he is too old enough; to have a shot here. The Jaguars are lucky to have him here; but I think we must start to say “goodbye” to Tra.

Chance he is leaving: 100% This is a free space on the Bingo card, it has already been announced informally. 

Torry Holt: Terry already wrote an article about this future hall of famer. Looks like the Jags will loose a great motivator/WR assistant coach. He is thinking of the future as a TV commentator. He was a bit disappointed the Jaguars didn’t call his number in the whole season when they were near in the endzone. I hope there is a chance to him to stay; but I see another true champion will leave the River City…

Chance he is leaving: 100% Good luck Torry!

Clint Ingram: The most disappointment performance -other then an infamous someone; from who I will talk about later- is Clint. He was in his contract year (because of no CBA; he is a restricted free agent now); I expected a monster year from him, instead; he was worse then we expected. He is a good locker room person, but I want more from a player in his 4th year. He represents big value because he is young. I think he is the best candidate to trade for a good draft pick (2nd-4th rounder). Or can let him go-signing a big contract which can benefit the Jaguars in 2011. He is a big question mark for Gene and the player personal department I’m sure.

Chance he leaving: 50% Chance he leaving next week: 20%

Brad Meester: I’m a big fan of Brad. I would like to see him play for this team in his whole career. But he showed us that he was getting really “old” most of the games in 2009. Another adorable Jaguars icon caught by age. I would keep him until training camp at least to share his wisdom with the guy Gene bring to the position (most likely via the draft) and battle for his position. I hope he will last until the final roster cut. But maybe Gene Smith; who was not afraid doing the hard choices thinks otherwise.

Chance he leaving: 60% Chance he leaving next week: 40%

Quentin Groves: Very interesting situation. I think Gene Smith will want to give him one last shot during this off season before he decide either leave him to earn a place at the roster or cut or trade him when the final 53 names will be announced before the season starts.

Chance he leaving: 40% Chance he leaving next week: 10%

Reggie Hayward: One of the biggest question of the offseason is what will happen to Reggie. H e had a very serious injury (again) last year; and he is over 30. BUT he is right now the BEST PASSRUSHER of the Jaguars; also one of the leader of the defense! He is free agent now. What will Gene Smith do with him? I hope he will resign him for a 1 year deal at least! That’s what I would do. But what will Gene Smith plan with Hayward? That is a big question…

Chance he leaving: 40% Chance he leaving next week: 5%

Nate Hughes: If the Jaguars had not played yoyo with Kennard Cox all year in ’09, I would say Nate Hughes was the up and down man. He earned a roster spot, then he dropped 2 TDs against Arizona, and went to the practice squad. Than Jarrett Dillard was injured and Hughes got a second chance. He had a beautiful TD reception against the Texans but he dropped passes in the last 4 games. If Torry Holt really goes away and no WR will come via draft or free agency he had a shot. Otherwise I think he will go away/back to the practice squad when the season will start in September…

Chance he leaving: 55% Chance he leaving next week: 5%

Troy Williamson: He is the biggest mystery the Jaguars have. In the 2009 preseason he was the go-to-guy WR. Then the season started and Troy Williamson was the same non-factor player we saw since he ended up here (via trade for a 6h rounder-another “nice” 2008 offseason move…) He is young; and what we heard so far indicates that he will have a chance once again. I don’t know if he deserved that…We will see

Chance he leaving: 35% Chance he leaving next week: 1%

Reggie Nelson: I left the biggest one for last: “The worst player of the 1st round choice of Shack Harris era still with the Jaguars”. Well I know many want Reggie out of Jacksonville. Probably he will play elsewhere in 2010. Although Gene Smith said he wants to give a chance to the young players like Reggie, I think we saw the obvious. He is not the solution in the defensive backfield we can always count on. Maybe with better pass rush he would be better. But let’s face it, he has had no interception in 2009 and his almost tackles were often just cost us the game. I hope Gene can find a partner where he can trade Nelson for a pick or a player (Northcutt style); but is there any GM who will want Reggie as a player on his team? Let’s hope the answer is yes…

Chance he leaving: 75% Chance he leaving next week: 35%

I could name a couple more players (James Wyche; Kennard Cox; Bryan Smith and I have a few more names) or sleeper picks (John Henderson; Greg Jones; and yes; David Garrard) but this list is focusing on the impact players more then “jar on the shelfs”. Later we will find out I was right. And I’m sure Gene Smith plan to surprise us; about his plans of the current roster.

Zoltan Paksa

I was watching some 2007 Jaguar games and reflecting.  What happened to the Jaguars and will they be back in for for 2010?  I don’t know.

One thing is certain, each team, each year is different.  In today’s NFL, the roster turnover is approaching 25% per team.  This is getting closer to baseball than the old NFL ever was.  With that backdrop, here are some hunches for 2010.

This draft is filled with decent offensive linemen later in the draft. With guys like Kyle Calloway from Iowa, Vladimir Ducasse from Massachusettes, Jason Fox from Miami, and Mike Johnson from Alabama, it wouldn’t surprise me to see Gene stock the offensive line. I do think the Jaguars will start the year with our current offensive line, but add backups and competition. How far would Pouncey fall?  I don’t see first round for him, but third round? Maybe.

I can’t rule out a first round draft choice being a quarterback.  I think if Sam Bradford is available, it will be a hard decision.  One thing that struck me about 2007 was how sharp David Garrard looked and less sharp he looked in 2009.  I think they know David’s days are numbered and I can’t help but think this is an area of concern for the club.  If not a first round selection, Jarrett Brown from West Virginia looks to be a good value pick later in the draft.

The defense clearly needs help, but not at corner. I think they are sold on Derek Cox and Rashean Mathis as starters. Tyron Brackenridge also played well.  The obvious need is Defensive End, but the top first round guys rarely work out.  Guys like Koa Misi from Utah or Austin Lane from Murray State might provide value.  We need to watch the combines to see what the defensive line guys look like.

A new Wide Receiver might be in the mix, but letting Torry Holt go seems to indicate they want the rookies from last year to get more time.  I don’t know if they go wide receiver in this draft.  Certainly there are a lot of them this year and anyone from Cincinnati might be attractive. Marty Gilyard is a smart player that Gene might latch on to.

I don’t see them going with a running back in this draft. 

So my hunches are the lines, defensive and offensive lines get shored up and possibly quarterback.  I don’t know if a Safety is worth taking.  It just looks like the meat of this draft where the Jaguars will be drafting is just were they need help, the lines.  

Do you see it any different?

 - Terry O’Brien

[Editor Note: Zoltan and I looked into Brian Price.  He looks like he can disrupt the pass, stop the run and develop as a leader.  But we agree on one thing, we are not sold on any of this just yet.  We think other prospects exist that are ready to play. However Zoltan points out a huge weakness in the Jaguars that needs immediate attention and Brian Price may come into play. Here is his take on things] 

Jaguars GM Gene Smith said recently he is searching new players for the defensive line right off in the off-season. Although we all know DE is a much bigger need than DT for the Jaguars if we begin looking closer at the defensive Tackle position we see reasons to be concerned, here are the reasons why:

The Jaguars have not only depth concern but even the 2 starter have issues (yeah Terrance Knighton has –despite all the great thing he did for the Jaguars- concerns.) Let’s have a look to the position. Do you remember what happened when Big John Henderson missed the Miami game? Yeah the Dolphins ran over the Jaguars in the first half.  Montavius Stanley or Attiyah Ellison were there and it didn’t help the Jaguars. So if one starter going down in the middle the Jaguars are in trouble.

Another issues is Big John himself. Although DTs can play a long time in the NFL,  Big John will be 32 on opening day plus although he played well in 2009, he struggled in 2007/08. He does represent good trade value for the Jaguars-so maybe he will not be a Jaguar in 2010(although; unless we can get a second rounder back; I don’t want to see him go). John is probably safe from trade because he showed leadership values in a very young area of the defense, especially after Reggie Hayward went down.

Third, and I guess a BRAND NEW concern is Terrance Knighton’s weight! Did you see “Terrence “Mount” Cody at the Senior Bowl? Well Terrance is far from that; but Jeff Lageman and Vic Ketchman who covering Jaguars games admitting; “Pot Roast” is gained weight late in the season; and if he doesn’t care about himself in the off-season; he will represent serious weight issues for the conditioning and strength coaches in OTA’s.  We will see how professional is the maybe best pick of the blockbuster 2009 draft; when he is back in action.  This is a cause for concern.

Well luckily looks like this draft will be a blockbuster for defensive lineman; and specially in DTs. We all heard of Ndamukong Suh; or Gerald McCoy. They are not even close to the Jaguars. But there are 2 players who have their stock’s are rocketing sky high these days on the draft boards. And because all the 3 points I mentioned the Jaguars must look at and consider selecting them at the 1st round. Jared Odrick from Penn State and the subject of this piece UCLA DT Brian Price.

Price is a junior, coming out early and is 6-2 tall; 295 lbs.  During his time as a Bruin he recorded 97 tackles; 12.5 sacks; 44.5 TFLs(tackle for losses) and 1 INT. In his freshman year he played in the last 10 games of the season, with five starts. In his second year he started all of 12 games at UCLA, had 25 tackles; and 4.5 sacks and recorded his only pick of his college career. He also recorded 14 TFLs. He was a first-team All-Pac-10 selection by the league’s coaches. In 2009 he had a fantastic year. 41 tackles; 23.5 were for tackles for loss-which was the most in the Pac-10 conference; and 3rd in the entire NCAA! He had 7 sacs as well! He has received a lot of attention for that year: Named first-team All-America by the American Football Coaches Association and SI.com; second-team by the Walter Camp Foundation, The Sporting News, Phil Steele and scout.com; third-team by Associated Press. He was selected Pac-10 Pat Tillman Defensive Player of the Year and first-team All-Pac-10. He was a semifinalist for the Bednarik Award (nation’s top defender) and a quarter finalist for the Lott Trophy (nation’s best defender on and off the field). Very impressive resume!

Let’s see his strength: Price made a living in opponents backfield during his time as a Bruin. Price had flown slightly under the radar before this season despite a solid sophomore season. His quick first step is the first thing you notice. He is able to routinely shoot the gap and beat his opponent. He shows pretty good hand use, but there is room for improvement. He has a nice low center of gravity. He appears to have adequate upper body strength. He has a great motor and is a vocal leader.  In short, he can disrupt the pass, stop the run and encourage good play out of his teammates.

Let’s see where he has issues. Overall, Price plays too high. He struggles to bet off blocks, and his legs often go dead when engaged by a blocker. He often takes poor angles and over-pursues plays. He leaves his feet to make a tackle. He rarely makes a play that’s not in the backfield. He lacks the speed to make plays away from him. He is not scheme diverse and is a bit of a one trick pony. Price has overall undeveloped technique. He’s not an overly terrific athlete. He lacks great feet and balance. He winds up on the ground often once he is in the backfield. Kind of like Quentin Groves.

Because of the emphasis NFL teams put on getting to the quarterback, Price should be an attractive prospect to teams beginning around the middle of the first round. He is going to be limited scheme wise, and won’t be looked at by the 3-4 teams. He reminds the experts of Warren Sapp, but not yet on the same level.

Well my view about his selection as a Jaguar: I’m not sold on him 100%. Specially if a Rolando McClain is still on the board. But if Rolando and Joe Haden are both gone, then he might have a chance because of the issues at the defensive line and because I think DTs are offering much more ready talent than DEsin the 1st round. Gene Smithis looking for fast big guys and I think he is keeping priority Number ONE to rebuild both lines. If so, drafting Price might fit into this scheme. He need a strong combine to convince me (and Gene in the 1st place) that he is a Top 10-11thprospect. If the Jaguars trading back say 3-4 spots and he is still on the board, he might be the front runner and selected as a Jaguar. Right now he is more of an insurance policy pick (with great upside) to me than the BAP in 10-11th. But time and the combine will tell if he is worth to be a 10-11th pick of the draft. 

 - Zoltan Paksa

Terry’s take:  I worry about Brian Price coming into the NFL and not having immediate success. He was successful at UCLA and seems to be a proud kid.  Sometimes the big time can take that confidence away from you.  It happens all the time. I just don’t know if Brian can make the leap into NFL stardom. Few do that.  We are not placing Brian in our big board as a good Jaguar selection just yet.

I really like a power running game.  Nothing is more fun to watch, to me, than to have the lead late in the game and then run the ball without fear.  Play after play, the snap, the offensive line fires, the wall pushes forward and the running back gets 4 yards.  That to me is real “in your face” football.

That is the football the Jaguars are going to return to.  Greg Jones, Maurice, Rashed Jennings, these guys can run and punish people.  An added benefit to being able to run is the play action pass.  The linebackers respect the run, Marcedes slips deep and POW, 25 yards down field. We are unstoppable. That is Jaguar football.

The best play action pass comes when the team can run to the left. This allows the quarterback to roll to the right. For a right handed QB, this is more comfortable. So here is something you may not know, The Jaguars are very good at running to the left.  Eugene Monroe and Vince Manuwai turned out to be a very good combination in run blocking.  ProFootballFocus rated Vince the 13th best run blocking guard and Eugene Monroe the 15th best run blocking tackle. 

The statistics provided by the NFL for offensive lines back this up.  They have a power rating for offensive lines which says if it is 3rd or 4th down and 2 or less yards to go, what percent of the time do you make the first down.  The Jaguars are 2nd in the NFL in gaining the first down running to the left. They got the first down 88% of the time.  They are tops, as in no one better, in negative yards running to the left.  They almost never lose yards running to the left.

According to ProFootballFocus, the right side of the Jaguars is weak. Uche Nwaneri is rated one of the worst run blocking guards.  Eben Britton is 29th in run blocking for tackles.  This is why the Jaguars almost abandoned running to the right later in the season. 

Uche is a decent pass blocker but Eben Britton is considered almost the worst pass blocker in the NFL among tackles.  Vince Manuwai was a bad pass blocker while Eugene Monroe improved throughout the season. Brad Meester was a disaster this year at run blocking.  So Vince, a bad pass blocker, is with Eugene, and Uche, a bad run blocker, is with Eben. Meester isn’t helping in the center. Let’s rethink this lineup.

So here is my thinking, Uche moves to center.  Vince Manuwai moves to the right side to team with Eben on run blocking and Gene finds a new left guard in the draft. Preferably one that is a great run blocking guard and decent pass blocking. 

What we would then have is strong pass blocking from the center to the left tackle and a great run blocking left side.  We have Eben Britton hopefully getting better with Vince Manuwai getting stronger to have a decent run blocking right side.  Pass blocking on the right side remains an issue, so Marcedes will still be called into blocking action. The key being we can now run to either side successfully and provide David with a little more pass protection.

I like the Uche at center idea a lot. He is young and willing to learn. I think the Jaguars tried him at his position during the season.  It stops the pressure up the middle problem that David has.  I’d like to leave Vince with Eugene on the left side, but he and Eben I think can form a great right side run blocking duo.  I say we go looking for a left guard.

Later we will profile some guards in this years draft.  Even one good solid offensive line guy can make a huge difference in this teams offense. I think Gene knows that.

- Terry O’Brien

[Editor Note: Zoltan and I believe Gene will stock the lines in this years draft, although maybe not with the first round choice.  We like Eric Berry, Joe Haden and Rolando McClain for that choice, but they might be gone.  Zoltan looked at Brian Price and together we are not sold on him being a top ten pick.  Today he looks at Derrick Morgan and again I am not sold on him. Let's see how Zoltan feels] 

 Is Derrick Morgan worthy of a Jaguar first round  #10th-11th selection?

We looked at the possibly best available player candidates at the first round draft selection, Joe Haden or Rolando McClain. Now let’s review the best players at the need positions and the biggest need is for the Jaguars by far is a pass rushing defensive end. The position was a mess in 2009. The Jaguars lost their best DE in the 1^stgame when Reggie Hayward (who sacked Peyton Manning in that Week 1 game; which is speak for itself) went down. In the rest of the season the Jaguars defense recorded 13 sacks together over 15 games. Let me repeat that one more time: thirteen sacks in 15 games!!! Jared Allen (Oh I wish the Jags traded for him instead of trading for Harvey) and Elvis Dumervil each alone had more sacks then the entire Jaguars defense! Veteran DT(!) John Henderson had 3 sacks; which was the best among the defenders (Ray Edwards from Minnesota recorded 4 in 2 games in the postseason). Although there were games with some flashes of hope such as the 2^ndHouston game when Harvey knocked out Texans QB Matt Schaub long enough to give the Jaguars a decent lead to win the game. We also saw the opposite such as a 4^thstring LT activated just 1 day before the Seattle game prevented Derrick Harvey and co from getting to Seahawks QB Matt Hasselback who also played with broken ribs.  This is as pathetic a performance as it can get, so the situation is critical.

The Jaguars however starting to doing things in the right way. They finally fired D-line coach Ted Monachino. If someone knows me, they know that I’m not a big “calling for coaches head after losses” type of guy, just the opposite. But even I wanted to see Monachino out from the Jaguars. Replacing him is Joe Cullen. He had some troubles in his private life but to be sure he showed (in Detroit) he can teach Defensive Ends how to sack the QB. So maybe the right coach is in place. And I have more good news; I think the Jaguars need only one player for resurrecting the pass rush. If there is someone who can chase the QB out into Derrick Harvey’s hand or  opposite, if  Derrick Harvey can chase the signal caller to the new guys hands, well problem is solved. So it’s obvious the Jaguars need to find a new DE either in the draft, returning from IR, or in the free market. But the big question is: Is there a DE good enough to be BAP when the Jaguars pick in the first round at 10^th-11^th position?

And this brings us to the point of the article. we need to answer the draft question concerning Defensive Ends and today Derrick Morgan; the DE from Georgia Tech is coming to the focus of the Jaguars draft picture. In the mock drafts I see his name popping up next to the Jaguars a lot. Let’s take a look and see if we agree.

Derrick Morgan is a 6′4, 275 junior. [Terry: Being a junior is already a red flag.]  He was first-team all-state selection at Coatesville High and defensive Player of the Year in his league.  He was No. 1 overall prospect in Pennsylvania coming out of high school. He saw action in 12 of the 13 games in his freshman year at Georgia Tech. He had 9 tackles in his first year. In his sophomore year he showed some flashes and started all 13 games for the Yellow Jackets and received an honorable mention All-ACC. [Terry: That is a good sign!] He had 51 tackles and 6 sacks. His breakout year was however his junior (and last) season at Georgia tech. He recorded 12 sacks; 52 tackles (18.5 TFL) and 2 forced fumbles.  He was selected ACC Defensive Player of the Year. Also he earned AP 1st Team All-American with his performance. So he is not a bad player at all.

Derrick Morgan is another “athletic freak” defensive end prospect from Georgia Tech.  While Morgan doesn’t possess the same level of athleticism his former teammate Michael Johnson does, Morgan makes up the difference in effort and attitude. He possesses the elite size and quickness to make him a very dangerous pass rusher but it’s his ability to stuff the run and lock down one endof the line that has him in high regards. His upper body strength allows him to release quickly and his burst of the line is explosive. He has the frame to add weight, making him attractive to teams that value versatility. He may not hold up full time at DT but he could make for a tough match-up against slower guards. There’s a belief that he may be able to move to LB but I’m not sure. He has good athleticism but I don’t think he’s that quick-twitch. Strong, violent hands and a variety of pass rush moves [Terry: A variety of moves? Not just a bull rush? Good sign!] with the ability to string them together make him well suited to keeping his hand on the ground. Not every DE prospect that’s sub-280lbs needs to move to LB. Morgan is one of those prospects.

Let’s see his downside: Morgan isn’t raw, but does have some areas in his technique that need refined.  He might rely on the spin move a little too much at this point and needs to develop more NFL like pass rushing moves.  If he remains at defensive end,  which is why he would go high in the draft, he will need to add some bulk to his frame and core strength.  At times Morgan plays too high and needs to play with a better pad level more consistently. [Terry: Playing too high means he gets pushed over and knocked down]  He has less experience than most of the other DE prospects in this class. [Terry: Oh oh, Derrick Harvey was the same picture]

But the biggest flag on him was the Orange Bowl against Iowa. He disappeared in that game. The only time he was close to Iowa QB Ricky Stanzi was a situation when he chased the signal caller to another 1^st down. That is really worrying me. If the Iowa O-line can take him out of the game then I think every NFL team’s O-line can do that as well. Also right now he seems like a player who wants to cash in on 1 very good season. Is that enough to consider himself as the best pass rusher of this draft class? Those who place him as the 1^st DE in the mock drafts/prospect rankings suggesting yes and that’s worries me about the whole class not just about Morgan.  If Morgan is the best Defensive End in the draft maybe there is no worthy Defensive End for the Jaguars to select?

To be honest with you right now I do not like this pick very much, maybe the combine and his Pro-day workout can change my mind. Most likely that NOT will happen. I think the disastrous result of the 2008 draft (DE selections –with trade ups- who are underachieving are too fresh of memories…) plus the fact that I do not consider Morgan a top 10th-11^th value pick leaves me wondering about drafting a Defensive End in the first round. But some say even a little bit better pass rush is a huge leap for the Jaguars D-line. I’m not happy with that thought. We saw what drafting for need did to this team. But there is a long time until April 22^nd 2010. Lot of things can change…

(Part II with USF DE Jason Pierre Paul coming soon to Black and Teal)

Zoltan Paksa

Terry’s take: I couldn’t agree more.  I like to draft Seniors over Juniors, that extra year of maturity means a lot.  Defensive Ends are risky selections in the first round with a high bust potential.  The Orange Bowl spoke volumes to me as well, Derrick Morgan was taken out of the game.  If the Jaguars are going to pay $12 million to a first round draft choice and cut other players to pay for him, let him be a play maker.  Derrick Morgan does not fit that description right now.

[Editor note: Zoltan continues his series on Defensive Line help. So far we have not found any top ten pick eligible candidates. Mel Kiper likes Jason Pierre-Paul for the Jaguars. I would rather trust Zoltan. Let's see what he thinks]

 In the first part of this series I already showed how desperate the situation of the Jaguars pass rush is looking. In the first part I showed the secure candidate for many is Derrick Morgan however I expressed my doubts on the Georgia Tech DE.  Now let’s see a not so secret candidate for the job, USF junior DE Jason Pierre Paul.

He had a great 2009 season as a Bull. He came from nowhere and is now flying high on the value boards of the scouts. He is looking like a sure 1st round selection which is pretty impressive from a player who was literally unknown for the most of the football fans. Why? Because he spent every year in different schools in his 3 years in college.

Let’s see his background. He is 6’6 260 lbs junior. He looks like he is a big player compared to most of the DEs playing at his position. Just like others such as Matt Jones,  Reggie Williams and Derrick Harvey, the size and measurable would make him a top candidate to former vice president for player personnel James “Shack “Harris. Luckily he is not in charge in the River City anymore. Jason was a Five-star prospect at defensive end coming out of high school but he chose to go College of the Canyons. [Terry: There are very few 5 star candidates and they usually have their pick of where to go. Why here?] He did very well there amassed 49 tackles, 14 sacks, 19 tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles, one interception and one fumble recovery as a freshman at College of the Canyons and earned First-team All-WSC and All-America honors. Then he chose to go to Fort Scott Community College (Kansas), and he continued where he left in his freshman year: he recorded 70 tackles, 10.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. Garnered first team All-Jayhawk and first team little All-American honors following the 2008 season. So he played in small schools but he was very good in each year and each school!

Then he did the big step and chose to go to USF where he performed there too and began to show he is someone to watch for. He had a breakout season with 45 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks and had an interception returned for TD. He was named First Team All-American by Pro Football Weekly and received first team All-BIG EAST selections by the league’s coaches, ESPN.com, Rivals.com and the Sporting News. Before the season started if the commentators and experts spoke about USF and defensive end everybody talked about George Selvie. Not anymore, that’s how good Pierre-Paul performed. After a year like this, he declared (alongside with Selvie) to this years draft. I think it was a mistake by him. He clearly showed every year that he can play. But he is very raw and 1 more year in USF could made him more NFL ready. [Terry: This has red flags all over it. Pay the guy $12 million and hope he shows up to play?  I am not so sure]

Now let’s see his strengths. He has a very quick first step; flexible and balanced. He is aggressive in pursuit and will chase down runners from behind. He can play (and played) both end positions and even outside linebacker. He had very strong hands; once he is motivated, he plays in a very high level and has great counter moves. I think with a good strength coach (which the Jaguars have in Luke Richesson) he can be “built” to be even better. We can say he is an impressive all-around athlete.

Now let’s see his weaknesses: Playing 2 years in a relatively small school comes with a price. He is very very raw! He must be taught for lot of things by the team’s coaches who select him. Luckily Jack Del Rio is working really well with young players and now with new defensive line coach Joe Cullen; there is someone who can teach him to be a successful pass rusher in the NFL. He often struggled against the run and sometimes he can disappear and battles with inconsistency. He is a finesse player with sometimes a little bit too finesse and sometimes lacks of be more aggressive. He must learn to use hands to keep blockers off his legs. At this time he does not have the strength to hold-up against NFL blockers for an entire game, much less an entire season. However, he does have the work ethic to get bigger and stronger. No matter who will selecting him, they need to help/work with him much more than most of the other possible 1st rounder prospects. To be a successful player good coaching is extremely important for him.

So as we can see the picture is mixed. He is a very risky pick (another flag for Gene Smith); with great upside. Both also he has a really big bust potential as well. It might sound cliché, but this time is true: either he can be by far the best pass rusher of this draft class or a Jarvis Moss/Vernon Gholston category bust (“honorable” mention to Derrick Harvey sadly). I think he is another player you can’t expect too much in his rookie year (another flag for Gene Smith I think) but with good coaching he can show his upside in the second half of his rookie season/second year why he was drafted.

My personal take is he is raises more question marks than Derrick Morgan.  I think he is a very high risk/reward player and I do not see him as a Top 10th/11th worthy in my opinion. The Jaguars must hit a homerun with a plug-in/NFL ready player which is not the case right now with Pierre-Paul. I only see him as a potential candidate to become the 1st round choice of the Jaguars if Gene Smith could trade down 5-8 places. But then other players like Mike Iupati; Earl Thomas or Carlos Dunlap might be more attractive for the Jaguars than him.

The final verdict will be his combine and Pro-day workout but opposite to Derrick Morgan (who might need to perform there good/well) I think he must have a lights out performance there to help himself. Right now he would not be my Top 10th-11th pick.

(Part III with Florida DE Carlos Dunlap soon can be read on Black and Teal)

Zoltan Paksa

Terry’s take: Another great piece of work by Zoltan and a correct assessment as well. We may kick ourselves for passing on this guy but he does not seem like a guy Gene will take.  The second round is where guys with top talent but big questions are selected. Second round guys have more motivation because they didn’t cash in big like first rounders and must play for the next contract. I worry this candidate will get paid and disappear. It happens a lot with top rookies and this player scenario has that feel to it.  I vote to pass as well.

While Zoltan looked into the defensive line and college draft prospects, I have been looking into the offensive line.

I know a lot of Jaguar fans don’t believe this, but the improvement of Eugene Monroe was very impressive. I believe him to be close to Pro Bowl caliber play and have documented it.  No matter, I think we are fine at left tackle and Monroe will provide both good pass protection and surprisingly good run blocking.

The other line player that is beginning to impress is Uche Nwaneri. Uche played left guard in 2008 and right guard in 2009.  The improvement he showed year over year is impressive. Now before I go on, let me say all of my information comes from ProFootballFocus.com.  They look at every play and every player and provide game by game grades on the player.  I don’t know how accurate, but they seem to tie out to what I see, so let’s go with it for now.

In 2008, Uche Nwaneri started all but one game and was on the field for over 1000 snaps. ProFootballFocus grades each play and assignes a value of +2 to -2 with zero as an average play. You have to do something really good to earn +2 and really bad to earn -2. Scores are done in .5 increments.  The total of all plays is the game score and the total of the games is the season score. For the season, Uche Nwaneri, in 2008, was considered the 69th best guard out of 74. In short, it was hard to find a worst player at guard. His weakness was pass blocking where he was 69 out of 74.  Any idea why David was hit so much? In run blocking, he improved to 65th out of 74 guards. To be blunt, Uche Nwaneri stunk up the place in 2008.

But let’s look at 2009. For the season, Uche improved to 37th out of 84 guards overall. That is an impressive move up the standings. He was 56 out of 84 for run blocking.  Not a lot of improvement in run blocking, but some. For pass blocking, he improved to 30th out of 84. Now even if the scoring is slightly flawed, that is tremendous improvement. The fact is Uche is not a run blocking guy, but he has become a very good pass blocking guard in the last season. He is clearly working at his craft.

When you look at his 2009 season by games, he had 5 standout pass blocking games, 8 average games, and 2 bad games. Compare that to the best pass blocking guard Josh Sitton from Green Bay. He had 5 standout pass blocking games, 11 average games and one slightly bad game. The difference is Josh was more consistent. What I am saying is if Uche improves a little bit more, he will develop into a top pass blocking guard.

Uche Nwaneri is a keeper as a Jaguar. He was tried out at center for few plays. Don’t be surprised if he becomes the top candidate to replace Brad Meester.

Later I will look at Vince Manuwai and report on his progress. If you can’t wait, go visit ProFootballFocus.com. Those guys do a great job.

- Terry O’Brien

Earlier we looked at Uche Nwaneri and was surprised to find at right guard his pass blocking improved incredibly well. He went from a bottom of the league guy to knocking on the door of top ten pass blocking guard. He was credited with ONE QB sack in 2009. Given how many time David was on his back, that was impressive. Uche struggles in run blocking but not in pass blocking!  So let’s visit the left side and see how Vince Manuwai is performing.

Since we are talking about pass blocking, let’s take a look at his 2007 – 2009 performance. Well that isn’t fair, he was out all of 2008 with a nasty ACL tear. To those that don’t know, when the leg twists, first your meniscus in the knee rips. This is called “a little cleanup” surgery and they repair the frayed edges. More twisting and your MCL tears. These are the ligaments on the outside of the leg. Deep inside your leg is the ACL and when that tears, you twisted so hard that the interior portion of the leg was affected. An ACL tear is the worst and takes almost two years to recover from. Vince played this year on a repairing ACL. Thank God he is ok.

Pass blocking, sorry I digressed, pass blocking, yeah, I am sorry to report Vince was 68th out of 84 guards in the pass blocking performance of 2009. He was credited with 5 QB sacks. In 2007, he was 35th out of 62 rated guards in pass blocking with 2 QB sacks.  Clearly, Vince Manuwai either missed assignments or can be beat.  When I look at it, I see both, but I see an opportunity for improvement. When you look at the details, 4 of the 5 sacks came after week 13 in the season. Without three bad games late in the year, Vince would have been back in the mid 30’s. I wonder if the leg got to him late?

OK, time to get happy. Let’s talk about run blocking.  Ready? Are you sitting down?  If you look at left guards who took over 1,000 snaps, Vince Manuwai is considered the fourth best run blocking left guard in the NFL. Want to know why the Jaguars ran to the left? Eugene Monroe and Vince Manuwai showed the way. Overall, among all guards in run blocking regardless of snaps, Vince Manuwai was 13th out of 84.  In 2007, Vince was 33 out of 64 in run blocking. Surprisingly he was 35 out of 64 in pass blocking.

Let’s sum up where the Jaguars are at the guard position.  Uche Nwaneri is a dramatically improving pass blocking guard on the right side. He has not shown elite skills at run blocking, but he has shown a good improvement.  Vince Manuwai is a bulldozer of a run blocker on a repairing ACL.  Very few are better. He was better at pass blocking in the past and I expect him to improve this year.  I think some of the issues with sacks and QB hits is the result of assignments and confusion. Vince was just returning this year, Uche moved to the right side, Eben and Eugene were new and Meester was struggling.  The overall season wasn’t good, but some of the individual performances were getting much better. Let’s look at Brad Meester next. Until then, have a great weekend!

- Terry O’Brien

[Editor Note: Zoltan continues his analysis of Defensive Ends available in the coming draft. To date we have ruled out Jason Pierre-Paul and Derrick Morgan. Today he looks at Carlos Dunlap. Maybe Carlos is the answer the Jaguars seek? Let's find out] 

Junior defensive end coming out from Florida. Sounds familiar? No; I’m not talking about Derrick Harvey, I’m talking about another pass rusher with huge question marks. In fact Carlos Dunlap is the ultimate enigma here. He can be the best pass rusher of this draft class, or he can be the next Jarvis Moss/Vernon Gholtson not to mention our own Derrick Harvey. Let’s dig a bit deeper.

He is 6ft 6 and 240lbs. As a  junior he has a bit more growing to do.  Carlos is a defensive end with size. He had a very good high school resume: He was ranked 15^th in ESPN’s prospect list; and was 2^ndamong defensive ends. In high school in his junior year recorded 103 tackles, 22 tackles for a loss, nine sacks and scored four defensive touchdowns. In his senior year he made an outstanding 105 tackles, 35 tackles for loss and 24 sacks. Not bad start…When he played for the Gators as a freshman he saw action in all the 13 games, mostly as a pass rusher but also on special teams (in high school he returned kicks). He had 7 tackles; 2 TFLs; 1 sack; forced a fumble and block a kick! Dunlap delivered his most memorable play of the season when he blocked a punt against Troy that led to a Florida touchdown. Not a bad start at such an elite team like Florida! In his sophomore year he was even better (of course). He played all 14 games and recorded 39 tackles, including 21 solo and 18 assisted, while racking up a team-leading 13.5 tackles for a loss and 9.5 quarterback sacks. Also he had 3 blocked punts in one season. Not bad at all! He played extremely well on the BCS national title game against Oklahoma: blocked an Oklahoma field goal in the 2009 BCS National Championship Game was named the Defensive MVP of the National Championship Game. He recorded four tackles, 1.5 tackles for a loss of four yards and half a sack to compliment his blocked field goal. He was ranked first in the SEC in sacks and fifth in tackles for loss; and received AP second-team All-SEC selection.

And in his junior year he got even better! He started 12 of the 13 games; and played in all Florida games. He had 38 tackles; 10.5 TFLs; 9 sacks. He was the best Gator at getting to the quarterback and 2^ndin TFLs. A 2009 first-team All-SEC selection by the AP, Sporting News and league’s head coaches and he was semifinalist for the Lombardi Award and on the Watch Lists for the Ted Hendricks Defensive End of the Year Award, Chuck Bednarik Award and Bronko Nagurski Award in 2009.  Overall he played 40 games; with 14 starts; recorded 84 tackles; 26 TFLs; and 19.5 sacks. He deflected eight passes, forced two fumbles, recovered two fumbles and blocked four kicks during his career at UF. Impressive statistics at one of the best college team and in the toughest college division of the US in the last years!

We saw the stats and the numbers; let see his strengths and weaknesses. He can get to the quarterback from every angle, best used as an interior rusher on passing downs. Uses a nice spin move to the inside gap while maintaining balance and power. When his leverage is right, Dunlap can use a variety of moves to get past a blocker and in to the passer’s face very quickly. He is strong in bull rush; and he can collapse the pocket. He has good agility and solid closing speed. He makes a lot of tackles and sacks from the behind. He can be very good against the run his 26 tackles for loss speaks for itself. Well his size of body is almost prototypical for a left defensive end:  Has a strong 290 pound frame with minimal loose weight. He has very long arms that create a lot of separation between him and the blocker when his technique is on point. He can play everywhere in the D-line: Dunlap saw plenty of time inside and outside, left and right. Was moved all over the place at Florida, creates mismatches and absorbed double teams across the line. His best performances have come from the inside as a pass rushing defensive tackle.

Now what flags to we see about him? He is slow and usually has a late reaction. He is often the last defensive lineman to move post-snap. Does not shoot out of a cannon, instead gets out of his stance too high which slows him down even more at the point of attack.  He is extremely inconsistent (perfect match for the Jaguars…) sometimes shows flashes that suggest he is an elite pass rusher; but often he is just the guy. There are motivational issues with him as his level of effort given on each play is up and down. Often you get the feeling when you watch him during games; that he doesn’t love football so much; and has a terrible body language(serious red flag; and also it reminds me a bit of ex-Jaguars player –M. Jones-. Maybe a current as well) He struggles to get off a block when rushing the edge. If he doesn’t get the initial position advantage against a blocker, he takes way too long to get off a block.

And he had a recent legal trouble as well: On December 1, 2009, Dunlap was arrested on drunken driving charges. On January 29, 2010 he pleaded guilty to the charge and was sentenced to one year probation and fines of about $1,000, along with community service. Of course that is not a big thing. But under current Jaguars GM Gene Smith; there are new standards: Be a role model in and OUT of the field! Of course everyone deserves a second chance (we saw last year the huge red flags on Percy Harvin- another ex-Gator; who became “Offensive rookie of the year” in 2009; so not so fast with the judging. But I think that is another flag in Gene Smith’s eyes!

Again another player who cause me head scratching. He can push the passer. He can perform at the high level. But the consistency issues; legal troubles; and lack of other things (starting speed; countermoves; body language etc.) are all warning flags in my opinion. To be honest; he reminds me of Derrick Harvey. Maybe with 2 “Derrick Harvey’s” the Jaguars might rush the passer better; but maybe the Jaguars could get another dose of the same again. I think he is the best NFL ready pass rusher of the Morgan; Pierre-Paul, Dunlap trio but I am not sold on him either…We need a combine on him. I think with trading back a few spots he has more chance to be selected; but I think he is still a risky pick at this time!

Zoltan Paksa

Terry’s take: We may regret passing on any of the three defensive ends in this draft or we may end up being glad we did. All of them are juniors. All of them are questionable top ten picks. All of them may take the money and run.  Of the three, I trust Carlos Dunlap is the most ready having played the position successfully the longest and at the highest level. Derrick Morgan got buried in the ACC, Jason Pierre-Paul showed up in South Florida one year, but Carlos has been on the big stage for three years. I would love to recommend him, but as Zoltan said, the combine is critical and the motivational aspect must be assessed.  He is right on target once again.

bernard pollard

We are just 2 weeks away from the start of free agency, so it is a perfect time for this discussion I have been pondering. Well we all know that Jaguars GM Gene Smith has a “Draft first!” mentality which is good when we saw how he executed his 1st draft. But in today’s NFL you simply can’t ignore free agency. To be fair so far Gene’s free agents put more to the table then the average Shack Harris era FA’s (not to mention the Porter-Florence-Lemon trifecta; which cost around 25 million $ for Wayne Weaver for almost nothing…) But he said the Jaguars will most likely play a very limited role in that time period. In opposite to many fans, I’m OK with that because usally free agents cost a ton of money and if you ignore them, the league will award you compensatory picks.  

I like this mentality with one exception… If you have the opportunity to make a boost for a relatively moderate price, then try to sign the guy! I will tell you a story about 2 safeties which illustrate how you can be smart and help your team in a big way in free agency!  

I remember a year ago there were a few centers in free agency, among them was Jeff Saturday from the Colts and our Brad Meester, a Jaguar.  I was happy when Brad signed his contract extension. Brad got a 4 year $10 million contract. Jeff Saturday got $7.5 million signing bonus and and a $12 million contract.  Jeff Saturday went on to have an incredible year, Brad Meester didn’t.

If you believe ProFootballFocus, and I tend to believe them, Brad graded out as one of the worst centers in the league.  As I mentioned before, they grade every play of every game. Each play is graded on a +2 to -2 score with zero being what an average player would score. They watch every single play.

Brad graded out as almost last in run blocking. Only Kevin Mawae from Tennessee graded worse.  In pass blocking he graded out as 29th out of 34 centers.  Overall, Brad graded out as 33rd out of 34 centers.  Even if the scoring is flawed, it can’t be so flawed that Brad could have had a good season with these scores. These people look at every play of every game.

When I looked at photos I took, I could see the errors or missed blocks.  Remember, the quickest way to get to David is right up the middle.  If Brad Meester isn’t holding his own, David will have a bad day. 

Here is the problem the Jaguars face. Brad Meester is the guy who calls out the blocking assignments. His knowledge is key to the success of the line.  Brad knows a lot and is counted on to be the rock for the new guys to lean on.  I know they respect him. I know the Jaguar organization counts on him.  I just don’t know if we CAN count on him any longer.

Here is what Andy Heck told Paul Kuharsky from ESPN about Brad:

“We got strong veteran leadership from him. I’ve never been around a player that was more dedicated to his craft than he is. He’s really outstanding at communicating and getting us all going in the right direction and is the leader of our group. I’d say Brad is a very well-balanced player. The thing that he has that the young tackles don’t have is the benefit of a lot of experience. There is not a lot that he hasn’t seen. He’s able to sort out difficult looks and play smart football.”

No offense intended, but I don’t hear a lot of “Brad had a great season” or “Brad did a fantastic job”.  It is more about his brain than his ability. 

I am very sorry to say this.  I am very sorry. Brad Meester has seen his better days.  I remember Mohammed Ali late in his career saying “I could see the openings, my brain knew what to do, my body couldn’t execute”. I think Brad can see a lot, but he may not be in a position to stop a lot.

The Jaguars will not cut Brad Meester until the final cut if then. There is too much hope invested in him.  Gene Smith, however, has no feelings for the past. He lives in the future, a future of Championship football. If he doesn’t see Brad as helping to get there, we need to be prepared to say goodbye.

Brad moved from left guard to center.  Uche Nwaneri was a left guard. I think Uche is headed for center.

- Terry O’Brien

The 10th pick is ours. Zoltan and I believe all eyes on Rolando McClain!

I don’t know why Jaguar fans are not elated over Eugene Monroe. There is plenty to be excited about and I believe he will be someone not only Jaguar fans but the entire NFL comes to respect in very short time.  There has not been a first round draft choice in the Del Rio era that equals his outstanding ability.  Let’s look at the facts from a Pro Football Focus view.

Let’s start with the negative.  ProFootballFocus graded him out to be 53 out of 77 tackles. Among pass blockers, he was 68 out of 77, as a run blocker, he graded out to be 15 out of 77.  Well, this doesn’t sound like a reason to be euphoric, but we need to look deeper. So let’s do that.

As a pass blocker, he earned an overall score of -12.4.  His first two games as a rookie, he graded out as a -12.6. That means his entire ranking was skewed by his first two games.  Remember who he faced in game 1 and 2? How about Game 1 against Dwight Freeney which earned him a – 8.8.  The second game was against Arizona where he graded out as a -3.6.  Anyone want to be a rookie and face Mr. Freeney?  If you remove his first two game scores, he graded out as a zero meaning he was an average tackle. An average tackle grades out as 34 out of 77.  In short, Eugene Monroe improved throughout the season until San Francisco where he and every other Jaguar had a bad game.

Run blocking was even more impressive. The only bad game was against SanFran again. Take that game away and he was a top ten quality run blocking tackle.

This is Eugene and Marcedes sealing off the left side.  If there is anything everyone gives Eugene credit for it is his footwork and balance. He is simply a very gifted athlete is an absolutely huge body. He uses his leverage very well and is almost never off balance.

This is why the Jaguars learned to run to the left.

Eugene got better and better as a pass blocker and I believe the line had not learned how to work as a unit in 2009. As soon as they have anothe season together then David will have better and better protection.

This is what you want your left tackle to look like in pass blocking. Someone is about to see stars.

Eugene in his first year more than stood up to what a first round draft choice should be. Andy Heck said that Eugene is already a good pass blocker and it is his run blocking that needs work.  My point is the line needs to work together better and that Eugene Monroe will get even better in his second year.  The NFL is full of great left tackles, Joe Thomas and Jake Long come to mind, so he may not make the pro bowl. He will, in my opinion, not be much different than those two after season two is over.

I am begining to sense Gene Smith’s mind. I believe he sees the making of a very good offensive line and will not be suprised if this draft delivers another quality lineman. I expect him to draft a tackle that will convert to a strong pass blocking guard. When that happens, watch the scoreboard light up. We will assume that the receivers have developed. In truth, it will be the line that allows the time to show off the receivers we have. That line will have a strong leader by example, Eugene Monroe.

 - Terry O’Brien

[Editor note: I am reposting this article because over the last week the Jaguars have moved on the defensive line front. Zoltan was on it a week ago. It is worth rereading!]

Well in the last couple of weeks I wrote about candidates who might be targets for the Jaguars in the first round. None of the 3 candidates convinced me they were worthy to be  a top 10 caliber guy. Luckily there are other ways to improve the pass rush, for example free agency which will  kick off in high gear this weekend!

Well I know what you thinking; free agency? The Jaguars  declared they are building this team via draft pick and UDFAs. They only want to be participating in a limited role in this period. Well that is most likely the case but I suspect they will try to improve the DE position a bit in free agency. Based on the things I heard (and what Florida Times Union reporter and Black&Teal reader Michael C Wright shared-among others-with me) I have 3 scenarios about how the Jaguars might trying to improve a bit on the position via free agency!

Plan A:
Resigning Reggie Hayward which to me is the most welcomed scenario. He is the best pass rusher on the Jaguars (Hey; remember how he sacked Peyton Manning; who was pancaked only 10 times in the regular season! That is speaks for itself.) Reggie is a locker room leader and his talent and presence are needed and welcomed in the Gene Smith era. If the Jaguars can resign him, he can be much more than the insurance policy player that Tra Thomas was in the LT position or Torry Holt was for the WRs. I think there is enough fuel in Reggie’s tank for 2-3 seasons at a high level. With Reggie on the roster, the Jaguars don’t need to be in a hurry during the draft to find a DE in the 1st round (not to mention that I think there are NO DE’s who are worth to be picked with that 10th… ). They can target a guy like Austen Lane (no coincidence that I mentioned him; not at all…) in the 3rd round; and can pick the BAP in the 1st. That would be the ideal scenario for the Jaguars in my opinion.

Plan B:
If the front office and Reggie cannot workout a deal which is good for both sides, there are 2 plans. The 1st is a bit opposite to what I wrote about the Jaguars free agency spending policy. Because if Reggie wants to test the free agency, then the Jaguars must make a move for a veteran DE who can rush the passer, preferably one who can still can play. In the last weeks I found 2 players who have names (I have heard about them many times watching the NFL)  and might still have the ability to be a force for us. These 2 gentlemen are Kyle Vanden Bosch and Aaron Kampman.

KVD is a player every Jaguars fan knows; who covered the team in the last years. Now the problem is with Vanden Bosch is he had a bad year in 2009 with only 3 sacks. It seems he lost a bit of his power and the departure of Albert Haynesworth has also had impact on him.  He might come at a price which may be ideal for the Jaguars (with a wise deal like Tra Thomas and Torry Holt got in ’09). But for example experts like Peter King; believes he might be going to Detroit to reunite with current Lions head coach and former Titans defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz.

What about Kampman?  He registered 38 sacks between ’06-’08 but had serious problems with the new 3-4 system in ’09. Plus he is coming off from a torn ACL which is always a big risk, although he said he will be ready for the start for training camp. So these factors might lower the price you need to pay for him. But the problem is he is still good enough player to receive multiple offers from teams which will raise his price so high the Jaguars might not want to pay for. I think Vanden Bosch is over the hill; and Kampman might be too expensive to sign here; but if  the Jags reach a deal with Kampman; Gene Smith can be patient drafting to the position in April.

Plan C:
That plan is simple, sign Jared DeVries. Jared Who? He was a defensive end for the Detroit Lions over the last 11 seasons. He was a 3rd round draft pick in ‘99 and played in 120 games recording 16.5 sacks and 164 tackles. He didn’t play in 2009 and was released by the Lions on February 23rd. So why would the Jaguars target him? There are 2 reason; he spent 4 seasons under the hands of current Jaguars D-line coach Joe Cullen; and he can be easily signed by a Sean Considine-type of salary. To be honest with you I think he deliver little if any help to the Jaguars in the pass rush. I think if the Jaguars cannot reach a deal with either Hayward or the Kampman/KVB duo then I think Gene simply CANNOT BE patient!  He must pick a DE in the 1st round or trading up to the 2nd to grab one. Because without Hayward or Kampman you have the same DEs who did almost nothing in pass rush all of the ‘09 season. During the draft, Gene needs to find a player who is a major boost in the position very very early. And that will mean you might pay very high price (top 10 price to be exact) for a pass rusher who maybe doesn’t deserve that amount of money just yet. (By the way DeVries can come even if the Jaguars sign Reggie Hayward too. As I mentioned I don’t consider he will be a very high priced free agent; so he can come even with Plan A is succeed)

Bottom line is- The Jaguars need to upgrade the pass rush. I think with the resigning of Reggie and 1-2 player via the draft might be enough to see moderate progress. I think going after a pricey DE  in free agency is not a likely scenario. So in my opinion, the Jaguars MUST extend Hayward. It will cost less money than a player like Kampman and give time to the young players (Harvey; Groves; and the new DEs via draft and possible UDFA) to develop themselves in the NFL. Or in Harvey’s and Groves case decide if they are really big busts or there is a chance they –specially Harvey-  are the players the Jaguars expected when they drafted them. Sooner than later we will know about A; B; or C; which is the correct answer at the DE position in 2010.

- Zoltan Paksa

[Terry's take: Wow, I feel like Gene after reading this article. Every possible combination is there and we will know soon. Zoltan has opened up communications from Hungary with key people in Jacksonville to research this article. I appreciate it.  I do, however, have one issue with him. Derrick Harvey is not a bust. I will write that article this week. If Reggie Heyward were chasing the QB from one side, he would chase him right into Derrick Harvey. Watch and see how Derrick looks when someone else can get pressure. Other than that - THANK YOU Zoltan!]

I have been reading and hearing a lot about the Jaguars draft intentions and to be honest, most of it is laughable.

Let’s start with Mel Kiper. Mel seems to feel Jason Pierre-Paul would be the Jaguar choice if the Jaguars are as wise as he is. Jason Pierre-Paul has produced maybe one half of a college football season at South Florida.  Thanks for the wisdom Mel, we will discuss this choice later. 

Of course, every mock draft had Tim Tebow coming to the Jaguars in round one because of some conspiracy the owners are supposed to have agreed to that would allow Tim to fall to the Jaguars.  Somehow, the home town scenario and save the franchise became the  common agreed to truth. Even Al Davis was supposed to have signed off with an inside secret handshake.  OK.  Let me be clear. If you believed this, even for a moment, don’t go to the poker room just after payday.  If you are at the poker table and you don’t know who the sucker is, get up and walk away, you are the sucker.

The latest inane statements came on Big Cat Country radio as Jon interviewed Dan from Mocking the Draft. Dan declared that Gene stated he would “draft the best defensive end available in the first round and then anyone from Florida because it would sell a couple of hundred tickets”.   Jon does a great job on BCC radio, but Dan from Mocking the Draft was not a highlight moment.

I will tell you what is on Gene Smith’s mind when he approaches the draft. How do I know? He told us. Gene will draft the Best Available Player, period. It has nothing to do with need of the team. It has everything to do with who will help the team win in the future for many years to come.

For the first round draft choice, Gene will want to be sure he has drafted someone who can help the team. He won’t take flyer on Jason Pierre-Paul or Derrick Morgan or Carlos Dunlap unless he is so solid in his conviction that the guy can play at a high level. He will want to be sure the guy he selects won’t take the money and check out. Gene likes and believes in both talent and character and will be very sure of his choice.

Jason Pierre-Paul doesn’t have a body of work to give anyone assurance he can produce at a high NFL level. Derrick Morgan got eaten up by the Iowa offensive line. Carlos Dunlap may not be the BAP at 10.  Tim Tebow is not expected to save the franchise. Gene will want a more solid choice than these guys represent. He is simply not going out on a limb for guy when he doesn’t have to. There are plenty of good choices available.

Let’s start with sacking the quarterback.  Elvis Dummerville was selected at position 126. So was Jared Allen. Dwight Freeney was the 11th overall selection. Lemarr Woodley was the 46th overall selection and Will Smith of New Orleans was the 18th overall pick. Those are your top five sack leaders of 2009.  In short, if Gene Smith doesn’t believe any of the top three defensive ends are BAP, he will pass and address the defensive end position later in the draft or in free agency.  Great defensive ends do not always come from the first round and there is no urgency by the Jaguars to select one in round one.

A number 10 draft position will command $15 million guaranteed. If that player is guaranteed the money, Gene will want the same guarantee of performance.  You don’t need to look at needs of the team or at conspiracy theories. Just look for the most solid for sure football player available and your head will be where Gene Smith’s head is at.  The most probable selection will be a senior playing a strong role for his team at a high level of competition and demonstrating a love for football. Someone with a long bright future ahead of him as a Jaguar.

With that criteria, I would not be surprised to see C.J. Spiller, Golden Tate or Rolando McClain as the 10th player selected by the Jaguars.  Barring a trade down, the first round selection will be a solid play maker choice and will have nothing to do with need or college he graduated from.

[Editor Note: When coming over to Black and Teal, I was happy to be joined by Zoltan Paska and his wonderful perspectives. Zoltan writes me one day and tells me Phillip Blair has resurfaced. Phillip was one of our favorites and so we asked him to write something. He agreed.  So without further fanfare, let me introduce the first piece authored by Mr. Blair. - Welcome Phillip! ]  

During a time of slight boredom and an ever increasing curiosity in the days ahead, fans of that one team down in Florida—who are they again?—have plenty to digest. The off season has been colored with quite a few notable events, and it has further reinforced the mission of rebuilding which began a little over one year ago. 

During the last several months, residing head coach Jack Del Rio dodged the bullet and retained his job. Several members of the organization have departed for other teams, and in the process, JDR’s inner circle was successfully disbanded. With only one leg to stand on this season, it would seem JDR has reached the end of his rope. It would also seem, in a way, that owner Wayne Weaver has given him the last remaining slack of cord for the upcoming season. Success or failure could prove to be the determining factor in JDR’s continuing stead in Jacksonville. 

Throughout the upcoming months, JDR will work together with beloved General Manager Gene Smith, and the two will put in hours of hard work to assemble what fans hope can eventually become a championship caliber team. However, there are several challenges the team’s head coach must face, and some question marks that remain to be answered for this to take place. 

Jack Del Rio’s credibility has been damaged. Has he lost respect from the players? 

It doesn’t take any type of genius to understand that JDR’s reputation has suffered throughout the past couple of seasons. JDR was under close scrutiny by the fans during the 2009 season, and then he underwent a close examination of his coaching practices by Mr. Weaver. Gene Smith has kept him on a short lease, and all of this has been surely noticeable by the team. Not to mention the media has recently been shredding him to pieces, or so it would seem. 

Will JDR be able to regroup his young football team, and will the players be receptive to his messages throughout the season? Every football fan knows that a head coach is more of a philosopher, a cheerleader of sorts. He manages the coaching staff, evaluates the players, and is the “head honcho” on the field, but determinations of a player’s status is almost always made by each position coach. Position coaches must have a strong dedication and sense of “buying in” to what the head coach is teaching and preaching. With all that has taken place, his job has become much more difficult. 

Luckily, I honestly believe opinions and perspectives can easily change. With hard work, grit, and by showing that he is still truly committed to establishing a high-caliber team, I believe the young group of players will be true professionals and have no trouble drinking the kool-aid JDR puts out. The biggest question is how effectively JDR will operate as a head coach now that his supporting cast of inner-circle coaches is out of the picture. Will he reach out to his current staff and establish a lasting rapport, or will the constant hiring and subsequent firing of coaches continue? Many outstanding coaches have departed from the team in years past solely because of JDR’s coaching style. Only time will tell if the winds of change have actually changed anything at all. 

Player Development 

Since the Gene Smith era began, the G.M. has made every effort to put highly talented football players who are leaders of men on the field. Great strides in the receiving corps were made last season, but several areas on the team still need to be addressed. The defensive line and the secondary is still an issue, and these two areas will no doubt become a focus in this year’s draft. However, Smith will also be keeping a close eye on the development of his crop of players from last year. With what many fans believe to be a blockbuster draft by the Jaguars, last year’s draft picks showed plenty of promise throughout the 2009 season. Will the second year players continue to improve, or will they regress? Inconsistency has always been a trend during the JDR era. Will it continue? 

Part of JDR’s responsibility is to ensure the development of his football team. A great leader establishes a tightly knit rapport with his staff, thereby ensuring his team of coaches instills the philosophies and teachings of their trade into results by the players. The closer his coaching staff becomes, in ideology and overall commitment, the more productive this team will become. JDR must ensure his coaching staff is just as committed as his players are, and only then will this team see the strides in development the fans so badly seek to enjoy. 

Can JDR ensure the second year players continue to improve or will they hit their sophomore slump? CB Derek Cox has a huge ceiling and could develop into a dominant force against top wide-outs of the AFC South, such as Andre Johnson and Reggie Wayne. DT Terrance Knighton has already opened the eyes of many around the league, and the team takes comfort in knowing the offensive line will be anchored for the next 10 plus years by 2009’s 1st and 2nd round draft picks. It all sounds so lovely, right? 

Maybe not for JDR. The more talent this team acquires, the higher the expectations for the head coach. He is being given every opportunity for success as Smith is bound and determined to produce results for Mr. Weaver. One season is all that is left. The expectations are high, not to win a Super Bowl, but to improve and become consistent. This is it, Jack. Through it all, I’m still amazed at how hard it is for me to dislike JDR, and I hope he rises to the challenge. The fans are waiting, hoping with fervent anticipation for everything to click for JDR, his staff, and the team. For better or for worst, we love our Jaguars. 

- Phillip Blair 

[Terry's take:  JDR has his flaws, no doubt. I do, however, understand Phillips feeling of finding it hard to dislike Jack.  I will say he has produced motivated teams in his time.  I guess I root for him to do well. Being a season ticket holder, I want some excitement in the stadium! Thanks Phillip. ]

Joe Haden posted a 4.6 40 yard time at the combine.  Some scouts claim Golden Tate ran the 40 in the mid 4.3 range. That means if Golden Tate ran a fly pattern, Joe Haden would have to turn around and try to keep up with him. Golden Tate would quickly gain seperation and begin to pull away if the ball was led properly.  In the NFL, a tenth of a second is enough to gain an advantage, a quarter of a second is a lifetime. 

So Joe Haden opened up a lot of questions.  Here is what will be going through scouts and GM’s minds right now:

“Maybe the Florida front seven made him look good”. “Maybe Joe Haden wasn’t challenged by elite speed”.  “Maybe we need to go back an look to through the tape again”.

I remember in the Sugar Bowl half way through the first quarter, Cincinnati tries a flea-flicker. Tony Pike pitches to Isaiah Pead who heads for the right side, then throws back to Pike. Tony Pike, with no pressure, throws deep to tight end  Ben Guidugli.  I thought the play was brilliant and the pass slightly, ever so slightly, under thrown.  Joe Haden closed, leaped and knocked the ball away.  He made a very good play. I don’t remember Joe Haden being challenged after that. I do remember how well Haden tracked the ball and timed his leap.

I guess I am simply having a problem believing Joe Haden will be a liability in the NFL. I am having trouble believing he has true 4.6 speed and nothing faster. If this is true and he is that slow, there is no way he can be a star in the NFL. Malcolm Jenkins ran a 4.53 40 at the combine and was still drafted as a corner back, but hasn’t produced as an elite corner for the Saints. In fact, he has been a bit of a disappointment.  If 4.53 is bad speed, 4.60 is terrible.

I am still having trouble digesting this.  I can’t believe Joe Haden is that slow. I can’t believe he was helped so much by the Florida defensive line that he lacks top NFL talent. This just doesn’t make sense to me.

Joe Haden is a smart football player and has the ability to get into position quickly. He plays fast. He reacts fast. On March 17th, he will have a chance to redeem himself when he runs for his pro day. If he puts up a 4.45 40 time, he will still leave questions, but less so.  I can’t be sure, but this combine result might be a fluke, but it might be just the kind of fluke that falls in favor for the Jaguars. Joe Haden might have left just enough doubt to allow him to be an option for the Jaguars.  I can’t believe Florida is a team the Jaguars don’t know very very well. Gene Smith knows if Joe Haden’s times are real of not.  Just like in 2009 when somehow Eugene Monroe fell to Jacksonville, Joe Haden might be a gift in 2010. I hope so.

But then again, he might be the slowest corner back on the planet.  I doubt it. Joe Haden will redeem himself and hopefully be a Jaguar.

If anyone reading this has any insight, please post a comment! Thanks!

 - Terry O’Brien

The free agency started almost 36 hours ago; but we are not any closer to a solution for the pass rush. All we know that all 3 option are still on the table.

Here is an update:

Plan A: The Jaguars didn’t give a contract that Reggie Hayward wanted (yet) or he simply decided to test the market. That is smart of him. According to Vito Stellino the Jaguars offered him more then the veteran minimum; but not much more. Reggie said he didn’t turn any offer down so the Jaguars still can bring him back if there is no better offer for him.

Update: Looks like Reggie think he is still part of the Jaguars organization: http://twitpic.com/16yco4 This Photo was made today morning!

Plan B: The news of the day is that Aaron Kampman is in Jacksonville after he left Philadelphia without a new contract. Well so far none of my or any other big sources confirm or denied that he is in Jacksonville. If the Jaguars sign him; well I think the position is almost fixed (with a new possible DE coming via draft…) But it will be not a cheap one, that’s for sure…

Plan C: Jared DeVries has been contacted by the Jaguars(as Michael C Wright talked about the Jaguars interest in him last week. MCW proves once again he is the best source with trusted credentials for us simple fans); and I think if Reggie Hayward and Aaron Kampman both end up going elsewhere he will probably get signed the next day.

So stay tuned Jaguars fans; more to come I think very soon! And you will hear it as fast as I do here at Black & Teal!

Zoltan Paksa

Sweet sweet morning in Jacksonville. Although Gene Smith is a GM with “draft first” mentality, yesterday he proved to the Jaguars fans that he isn’t shy to make (big) moves in free agency. And yesterday he got 2 players who I belive will contribute to the ‘2010 campaign in a big way! First he signed special team start and possible threat at WR  3 time Pro Bowler Kassim Osgood (who is very very happy to be a Jaguar according to his twitter page:http://twitter.com/kassimosgood.) Read his Jaguars related messages: I think he believes he will like it here! In fact I think he wants to prove San Diego he was used much less then he should have been. Free agent with great motivation! I love it! And in the same night he signed Aaron Kampman as well.

The money part of the contract are not clear yet but Michael C Wright reported that he received around the same kind of salary that new Lion acquisition Kyle Vanden Bosch got ( reportedly worth $26 million -including $10 million in the first year) in Detroit. Kampman has a torn ACL so his signing  has some risk in it, but he stated that he’ll be ready when training camp starts in the summer. Plus Jaguars Strength & Conditioning Coach Luke Richesson proved last year he can keep the “tealteam” in shape (I remember the Jaguars have very few injured player around the end of the ‘09 season which I hope speaks good things about injuries!) And don’t forget Araron Kampman has 38(!!!) sacks between 2006-2008. And he had 3.5 sacks last year when he struggled with Green Bay’s new 3-4 defense. He would have been the sack leader with that number in Jacksonville still. And that was a bad year for him!

So overall; I’m very happy wih this move. And now the best part… The Jaguars can STILL bring back Reggie Hayward accordind to Michael C Wright; so the Jaguars can execute Plan A & B plus a new DE via draft:

 Hayward might also remain in the club’s plans. The Jags offered Hayward a one-year deal worth a little more than the veteran minimum $755,000 on Thursday, but the nine-year vet opted to explore his options in free agency. Hayward told the Times-Union on Saturday that he liked the organization and the fans, but added that the situation is more about “business” than anything else.

Plus this FA move brings time and patience to the position to Gene Smith who can wait for his ideal DE in any round in the draft (Since Gene and I know there is no #10 worthy). He does not need to hurry at all. He can pick say an Austen Lane or anyone else in the later rounds! And he can skip a DE draft in the 1st round too! (Which he should).  Now the Jaguars can go BAP without any fear. By the way Aaron Kampman who is a 2-time Pro Bowler was selected in Round 5. Like Elvis Dumervil and Jared Allen -the players with the 1st and 2nd most sacks in ‘09. Pro bowl DE’s can and do often come in the middle rounds of the draft. 

Now imagine Kampman, Reggie Hayward, Derrick Harvey, perhaps Quentin Groves and at least 1 possible new DE via draft under proven D-line coach Joe Cullen! I’m more then exited right now about that. That is rebuilding the team and the lines(at least the defensive line) in a great way!  Once again Gene is doing what owner Wayne Weaver (and the fans) demanding: from the “team of the mediocore”(not bad; but not great in the ‘2000s) on the way to become a constantly great team.

Zoltan Paksa

[Terry's take:  A big thank you to Zoltan for all of this digging and tracking he has done.  I agree with him, Aaron Kampman is not an old broken down player. He is a question with the ACL tear which will not be ready by training camp nor will it be fully healed this year. It will be 2011 before he trusts his leg. It should be "good enough" this year and a "good enough" Aaron Kampman is better than what we have.  Don't rush him Jack, let him heal!  The money to pay Aaron will come from Reggie Hayward. Reggie is a big time salary guy who will take a pay cut for his years of injuries. Not a problem, if he invested and saved his money, he will be fine.]

[Editor Note: Phillip Blair chimes in on the recent GM signings. As usual Phillip brings a wonderful perception to the activity in Jaguar land.]

In a previous article, I noted that General Manager Gene Smith “has made every effort to put highly talented football players who are leaders of men on the field.” Now it seems Smith is continuing to do so as the team has signed two former pro bowlers to contracts over the weekend.

________________________________________
Don’t get it twisted. Smith is a frugal G.M., but he understands the importance of the team being successful in the near future. Owner Wayne Weaver has no doubt sat in Smith’s office (or vice versa) and the two have surely discussed what the organization’s outlook is and how to build on that outlook going forward. Smith understands the importance of and has spoken adamantly about signing high quality players to the team. He shows interest only in those who will pose zero distraction for the rest of the team and who will do great things in the community. It’s all about establishing a standard and implementing with personnel who epitomize that standard.

Smith did such by landing contracts with former wide receiver and special teams star for the San Diego Chargers, Kassim Osgood, and DE formerly of the Green Bay Packers, Aaron Kampman. Both characterize the types of players Smith has sought out since his tenure began, and it would seem each of the recent additions have reason for playing with a sizeable chip on his respective shoulder.

Osgood became a special team’s star for the San Diego Chargers, receiving pro bowl selections in the 2006, 2007, and 2009 seasons. The undrafted receiver worked to carve a niche for himself but saw his playing time dissipate as a wide-out. Osgood stayed motivated in his role on special teams, yet he still holds aspirations of becoming a feared and respected wide-receiver. The Jacksonville Jaguars will give him every opportunity. If Osgood works hard and pans out as a productive threat opposite of rising WR Mike Sims-Walker, Jaguar fans will no doubt lose their minds with excitement.

Smith’s other free agent acquisition, DE Aaron Kampman, has already been tried and tested. He has produced on the field, and his statistics in recent years are impressive. I’ll let you “google” those. Sure, his season was cut short in 2009 due to injury, but the word is the DE will be ready to go full-throttle by training camp. I am confident the two-time pro bowler will instantly upgrade the pass rush and bring the most out of third year player Derrick Harvey. Just imagine Derrick Harvey running Peyton Manning straight into Kampman’s shoulder pads. Now imagine Kampman chasing Manning into Harvey’s crushing tackle from the other side. Lovely thoughts and I can’t stop daydreaming about the different scenarios as the 2010 season kicks off with two sexy signings by the front office.

It’s okay to smile Mr. Weaver. You deserve a good smile. Your fans have been wearing one all weekend.

- Phillip Blair

[Terry’s take: Chris Motensen recently twittered this :

Jaguars landing Kampman reminds me of something owner Wayne Weaver disgustedly told me over the phone after season: “We only had 16 sacks!”

I guess when the owner is upset the employees respond!  Let’s get those tickets, the season has begun!