Source: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

The Jaguars have claimed yet another ex-Patriot off waivers today by being awarded DT Kyle Love. Love’s recent diagnosis of Type-2 Diabetes has been all in the media as of late, but it is something that has not scared David Caldwell. Playing in 41 games, 25 of them starts since being un-drafted in 2010 out of Mississippi State, Love has been a solid player for the Patriots.

Love is a big bodied DT, weighing in at 315 pounds and 6’1″ tall, and joins fellow ex-Pat Brandon Deaderick to what is becoming a crowded Jaguars defensive line. After last season’s less than stellar defensive play, especially on the defensive line, any addition is a good addition. Deaderick and Love (which I must say is a pretty badass DL combo) are two players that fit the mold of Caldwell that are young and have great upside. Both of these players have playoff experience, including a Superbowl appearance, experience that this young defense can use.

 
As it stands now, the Jaguars have nine defensive ends on the roster: Jason Babin, Andre Branch, Ryan Davis, Brandon Deaderick, Pannel Egboh, J.D. Griggs, Paul Hazel, Austen Lane, Jeremy Mincey and now Tyson Alualu. In addition, there are seven defensive tackles on the roster: T.J. Barnes, Abry Jones, Sen’Derrick, Roy Miller, Jeris Pendleton, D’Anthony Smith and now Kyle Love. Now, half of these players are camp bodies, but there is some huge potential here. However, I think the signing of both Love and Deaderick spells the end of D’Anthony Smith’s less than impressive performance on the field (which has been a total of 8 games since 2010!).

 
Staying true to his word, Gus Bradley has certainly brought in competition on the DL.

- Kyle Messina

Source: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

With the NFL Draft being less than two weeks away, the Jaguars have many holes to fill. The speculation on who the Jags will draft at No.2 and No.33 is about as well known to the public as what the dark side of the moon looks like. Jaguars GM Dave Caldwell has been playing his cards extremely close to his chest and trying to manipulate a trade (at least I think) the best he can.

Now, we have all seen many mock drafts of the first round, with the Jags taking anyone from Eric Fisher to Geno Smith to Dion Jordan (PLEASE BE JORDAN!!!!). However, the 33^rd pick in the draft could very well be the most important.

There is a very real possibility that come pick no.33 Mark Barkley could still be on the board and I think the Jaguars need to give him serious thought. Now, I have written previously about Matt Scott and EJ Manuel, but as of late I have developed a small man crush on Barkley.

Barkley’s 2012 season at USC was an extreme let down from his 2011 campaign. Had Barkley chosen to enter the draft in 2011 he could very well have been in the conversation as the 1^st or 2^nd QB taken. Now let’s look at a comparison between Matt Barkley and Andrew Luck just for the fun of it.

According to ESPN.com:

Andrew Luck

Matt Barkley

Now, stats are great but it is true that they do not tell the whole story. However, looking at the 2011 numbers of Luck and Barkley, they look pretty close. Barkley had more yards, TDS, and less INTS in his 2011 season compared to Luck. 2012 was clearly a drop off for Barkley, especially with a more than doubling of INTS from 7 in 2011 to 15 in 2012.

Barkley’s production suffered from an injury ridden offensive line and injuries himself. However, as Nolan Nawrocki has outlined in his scouting report that Barkley has a very high football IQ, a good decision maker, will stand in the pocket and take hits, and has good enough arm strength to connect deep.

The media has been harping on the idea that Barkley has a weaker arm, and that they question whether or not that he can make NFL throws. Well, everyone was on board with JaMarcus Russell at no.1 overall, or Mark Sanchez at no.5 or Ryan Leaf at no.2, the list goes on and on. At the end of it all just because a QB is not slated to go in the top 10 does not mean that they are not going to be a great QB. Look at Aaron Rodgers, taken no.24 overall, or Tom Brady taken no.199 overall in the sixth round, or Drew Brees taken with the no.33 overall pick.

Now if I may, I would like to draw a small connection between Brees and Barkley. Brees fell on many draft boards for (can you guess it?) a perceived lack of arm strength. Well, I guess someone forgot to tell Brees that. However, I am not saying that Barkley will be the next Brady or Brees, but I am not saying he wouldn’t be either.

-  Kyle Messina

July 27, 2012; Jacksonville FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars defensive lineman CJ Mosley (99) greets a fan before the first afternoon of training camp practice at Florida Blue Health

Jaguars beat writer Ryan O’Halloran as well as Jaguars.com senior writer John Oehser, have reported that the Jaguars have released defensive tackle C.J Mosley. Mosley took over the starting DT spot from Terrence Knighton after the Knighton’s injury and recovery.

Mosley did a pretty good job stuffing up the running lanes, but it is questionable if he was worth the 3 year 7.5 million dollar contract that former general manager Gene Smith gave him last off season. In addition, Mosley will be 30 before the season begins (August 6th).  Mosley worked hard to become a starter with the Jaguars, but he has a low ceiling and would likely not be a starter on other teams.  I wish him the best of luck but I’m glad the Jaguars are moving past him to better players.

I am sure now everyone and their brother is connecting the dots between Gus Bradley and former Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Alan Branch. I for one would not be opposed to the signing of Branch.  Branch could offer some versatility and would make the rotation of Roy Miller, Tyson Alualu, and Branch a dominating threesome along the interior of the defensive line.

Now, lets hope this wasn’t an April fools joke.

- Kyle Messina