Brandon Moore, Jaguars Guard Problem Solved
By Luke Sims
Ok, let’s be honest it probably won’t solve the guard problem immediately, but Brandon Moore would be a massive upgrade for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Nobody at left guard looks to be competent for the Jags in 2013, so to free agency we turn!…yet GM Dave Caldwell doesn’t want to spend big. Moore may be too good to pass up, though.
I like turning to the draft as much as the next guy, but if the Jags want to give their quarterbacks and running backs a fighting chance, they need an upgrade at guard. The 2013 offseason should yield that upgrade and Moore can be that guy. While his age, 32, may be a deterrent, Moore hasn’t missed a game since 2004. He is dependable, he is widely regarded as a top player at his position, and has not slowed down despite his age – he made the Pro Bowl for the 2011 season.
Entering free agency for the first time in a while, Moore may be happy to jump ship while he can from the disastrous New York Jets locker room. He may be too loyal to his team to move away, but if the Jags play it right, they could land a top guard.
Pro Football Focus has Moore listed as their top unrestricted free agent guard, but he is more than just a well graded guard. Pairing Moore with Eugene Monroe, Brad Meester/John Estes/Mike Brewster at center, and Uche Nwaneri at the other guard position would greatly improve the unity of an offensive line that has seen too many faces in recent years. If I’m O-line coach George Yarno, I would be insisting on someone like Moore, if only to improve cohesion.
Last year I advocated for a big free agent signing at guard, but the team obviously was not reading B&T. Hopefully they realize that they need someone solid in their now, not later. Draft a right tackle this year, spend at guard. The team needs it.
Other quality guards set to hit free agency:
- Andy Levitre, Buffalo Bills
- Donald Thomas, New England Patriots
- Louis Vasquez, San Diego Chargers
– Luke N. Sims
Feel free to leave comments on here or visit us at Facebook or Twitter!
You can also find me on Twitter @LukeNSims