The Quarterback is the Trophy, is this where Gene will look?
As Vic Ketchman said last week, on his ”Ask Vic” column, Joe Namath has said that “[the Quarterback] is the trophy.” This is now commonplace in the NFL. Drew Brees, Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Ben Rothlisberger, Eli Manning are all players who have been to the big dance and perhaps after next Sunday all will have won a Super Bowl. Their draft position isn’t what they have in common, it’s the fact they are elite QBs with great offensive linemen.
Now draft position may help. If Bradford or Clausen is available when the Jags draft at 10/11 they will probably consider them, how seriously only Gene Smith knows. I do think there is a strong possibility we could see the Jags trade down and draft Mike Iupati to put some more youth on the offensive line. With Minnesota and Arizona needing QBs, a trade partner to get the Jags back later in the first and back into the second is feasible if Bradford or Clausen are available and desirable.
Jarrett Brown has impressed many this week at the Senior Bowl while Jacksonville native, Tim Tebow has proven his detractors right with his inability to take snaps under center and make accurate throws. Neither look to be first round selections.
There is still quarterback depth in the later rounds, which is in the favor of the Jaguars. The Jags do not need to rush a rookie QB out onto the field. Garrard will be serviceable to do what the Jags need from the QB position this season. This gives the drafted QB a chance to learn the offense and be put in a position to lead the Jaguars into the future and possibly hoisting the Lombardi trophy this decade.
Rebuilding takes time, and the Jags right now are in a situation to capitalize once age catches up on the AFC elite, the Pats and Colts. As I said the Quarterback is the trophy but the the trophy needs protected. The best way is to build a solid wall of security around him with a youthful line growing in experience together. Whoever is the QB for the Jaguars in 2012 and beyond will have one of the best security around him. If you don’t believe me, just look to New Jersey and see what the J-E-T-S did this season with their first round offensive line and Mark Sanchez this season. Drafting again into the offensive line makes a lot of sense. Don’t be surprised if Gene Smith finds the BAP to be an offensive lineman.
-Bryan Simek
I definitely agree with the premise of this article. My only problem is the title. When Namath said “The Quarterback is the Trophy,” he was talking about a pass rush. When you say that’s where Gene Smith could look, I instantly thought pass rush.
Good article though.
February 2nd, 2010 at 2:49 amMe too but still the article is dead on. Vic said it and I agree, “you have to get the big guys first”. If the Jags can put together a strong talented and especially young offensive line together in the next couple of years then not only will the next Jaguar QB benefit but so will Garrard. Any QB will be successful if he has a good line. I think Gene knows this and I bet it is what we will see him continue to do this upcoming season. Nice read.
February 2nd, 2010 at 8:37 pmAdam – My thought process is the pass rush is relatively young. I think Gene will pick up a veteran DE and possibly draft a DT in the 4th or 5th round but this is the year where a drafted DE makes big strides, so hopefully Harvey will improve and the pass rush won’t be as big a problem as it was this past season.
February 2nd, 2010 at 9:03 pmI think that a great offensive line helps average qbs look a lot better, but to say the Colts and the Steelers have a great o-line is plain wrong.
If the Jags o-line returns to 2006/2007 form then David Garrard will start looking a lot better. Get some big guys/defensive backs early, get skill positions later.
February 6th, 2010 at 1:02 pm