Feb 21, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Central Michigan offensive lineman Eric Fisher speaks at a press conference during the 2013 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Thus, Caldwell’s options start with Eric Fisher, the perfect zone-blocking LT prospect for a team that has to make a tough decision about whether or not to pay Eugene Monroe top-10 LT money after next season.  We initially brought up the idea of the Jaguars taking a LT back in February here on B&T as part of the evolution of the offensive line against the varied defensive fronts and blitzes that quarterbacks see nowadays.  Much of this was just speculation, but now the idea has gained steam – especially based upon recent data compiled by Pro Football Focus on the how the play of quarterbacks varies based upon where they see pressure.  But the real question is, can the Jaguars afford to spend two top-10 picks on offensive linemen?  Monroe has become a top-10 player at his position, and the Jaguars would expect no less from Fisher.  But for a team that has so many holes, is that the biggest impact they can make when picking in the top 5?  Another thing to consider, however, is that this pick isn’t purely a luxury pick – it’s a security pick as well.  Not only is Fisher likely the most complete prospect in the draft at this point – he easily led all offensive linemen in Pass Blocker Rating, but he also makes sense doubly as Eugene Monroe is only under contract for one more year.  Caldwell has made cheap, young signings his MO, and while Monroe is a top-10 player at his position, he will command significant money next offseason, and thus there’s no guarantee that he actually gets re-signed by the Jaguars.  Picking Fisher at #2 has the potential to solidify the line for years to come if they keep Monroe.  If they don’t, it still gives them the opportunity to save that money they would’ve given to Monroe over the long-term, solidify RT for a year, and swap Monroe out for a player who is not only four years younger but also a perfect fit in the Jaguars’ new zone-blocking scheme.

Feb 25, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Utah Utes defensive lineman Star Lotulelei who was not medically cleared to workout due to a medical heart condition watches the workouts from the side during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Next up is Star Lotulelei, a DT/DE prospect who has to have Gus Bradley and Todd Wash salivating with his potential.  The most versatile and polished defensive lineman in this draft, Lotulelei could hypothetically line up at three out of the four positions on the new Jaguars defensive line – the strong-side DE/5-technique, nose tackle/1-tecnique, or the under-tackle/3-technique, who is the premier interior rusher on the d-line (and the most likely position for the Jaguars potential new Star).  That type of scheme versatility in arguably the cleanest prospect in the draft – one who  has consistently been considered a top-10 pick dating back to last season - has to be incredibly enticing for a Jaguars coaching staff that may fail to see any impact defensive linemen on their roster.  But Lotulelei’s not just a jack-of-all-trades DT– he led all interior defensive linemen in Pass Rusher Rating, a statistic that incorporates sacks, QB hits, hurries, pass rushing turnovers, and pass rush penalties generated, all as a function of the number of pass rushing snaps.  Moreover, his rating was even higher than that of interior sack-artist Ndamukong Suh when he entered the draft.  When you consider the unproven commodities the Jaguars have manning those positions on their defensive line currently (Alualu, Smith, Marks, Miller, Mincey), even the most casual of fans realizes that the Jaguars are in need of a significant upgrade, especially given the injury history of guys like Alualu and Smith.

Feb 23, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive lineman Dion Jordan speaks at a press conference during the 2013 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports

The LEO has been a popular topic of conversation this offseason, and no player fits the LEO in this draft better than Dion Jordan.  He’s incredibly quick, flexible, long, and athletic.  Moreover, his coverage skills add a dimension of versatility that is rarely seen from a player at his position and/or of his size.  Jordan was a popular “trade-back” pick amongst Jaguar fans early in the offseason, but his stock has skyrocketed through the roof since the NFL combine.  This is partially due to the Combine itself – it measures “measurables” – pure, unadulterated athleticism.  This is the type of forum where Jordan has probably excelled all his life.  But even more than this, he showcased some of those unique coverage skills during the Combine as well.  However, what doesn’t get discussed as much with Jordan is the lack of production he’s shown during the course of his college career.  I mean, Jarvis Jones had more sacks in the SEC this past year than Jordan did in his last two years.  Jordan apologists will point to the fact that he dropped into coverage more often than a guy with his pass rush potential likely should’ve, and they may also point out that Jordan has only spent two years at defensive end.  However, his production is almost identical to the other prototypical LEO in the draft, Barkevious Mingo – who got his production in the SEC against the likes of Luke Joeckel and DJ Fluker.  In fact, amongst all the top DE/OLBs, Jordan had the easiest “strength of schedule” – that is, he got his sacks against the worst pass protecting teams.   Pro Football Focus does a pretty good breakdown of Mingo and Jordan, distinguishing Mingo as the “creator” of the two and Jordan as the “reactor.”  However, Jordan also had the highest Pass Rusher Rating of any DE/OLB not named Jarvis Jones in this draft, posting a PRR almost twice as high as Mingo’s (without the luxury of a 1^st-2^nd round DE on the other side of his line, to boot).  Regardless of what you think about Jordan’s production – and of the three potential Jaguars picked at #2, he does have the most production questions – there’s no doubt that he is a perfect fit as the LEO in Gus Bradley’s defense.

I have little doubt that all three of these players are truly rare talents at their respective positions – particularly due to their elite athleticism for their size.  However, aside from their physical talents, we also have to consider the depth of this year’s draft.  Judging from ESPN / Scouts Inc’s draft tiers, there’s not a whole lot of variation between the amount of 1^st or 2^nd round OTs (6), DTs (9), and LEO eligible DEs/OLBs (9).  Of these positions, it’s probably hardest to get a true pass-protecting tackle outside of the first round (and exponentially harder as you get further away from the top 10).  Yet, this is also the position that the Jaguars are strongest at, with Monroe already at LT, and more than a few RTs available in the draft and free agency.  At the end of the day, it’s hard not to see how a DT or a LEO wouldn’t be more valuable to the Jaguars in the short term.  But I have no doubt Caldwell is thinking about the long-term when he makes this pick, so much of it will depend on how Eugene Monroe fits into the long-term plan.  For now, on the day before the draft, I believe that the Jaguars pass on both defensive players for a “luxury” pick at OT – and I have no doubt that Eric Fisher will be worthy of the second overall pick for years to come.

– Zain Gowani

A right tackle like Guy Whimper, however, is not worth any draft pick.  Source: Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports

Picking a right tackle at number two overall in the 2013 NFL Draft wasn’t a sexy idea when it first came out.  Why would a team like the Jacksonville Jaguars “waste” their high draft pick by selecting a player at a non-premium position?  The left tackle is where it’s at in the NFL.  Just take a look at the free agent market and see the right tackles languishing in unemployment if you’re curious.  There are some good players out there but even the best, like Andre Smith, can’t land a contract.

But is this stigma of right tackles not being a premium position actually accurate?

A recent article from the good guys at Pro Football Focus shed some light on the situation by publishing two tables:

Pressure Surrendered by Position 2012:

Pressure Surrendered by Position Five-year (2008-2012):

As noted in the article, centers that give up pressure hurt quarterback play the most, which makes sense.  But, focusing on left tackle versus right tackle, we can see that the completion percentage of quarterbacks over five years is about the same whether the pressure is coming from the right or left tackle.  In point of fact, more interceptions have been thrown due to right tackle pressure over the past five years resulting in a lower TD/INT ratio.

This is particularly relevant to the Jacksonville Jaguars as they gear up for the draft.  Many mock drafts have the Jags taking an offensive tackle like Central Michigan’s Eric Fisher in the first round at number two overall.  The early analysis of picking Fisher that early as a right tackle (assuming Eugene Monroe retains his left tackle position for at least a year) was negative.  A lot of the discussion revolved around a right tackle, as a position, being less valuable than other positions that early in the draft.  This is odd, when looking at the numbers, since left tackle is considered such a “premium position” that is worth high draft status but doesn’t have much difference in helping quarterbacks when facing pressure.

Based on the numbers presented, and I trust PFF to be accurate, it appears a right tackle is worth a high draft pick and should be on equal footing as a left tackle in terms of helping a team – a quarterback in particular.  Left tackle may be a more taxing and difficult position to play but it appears that right and left tackles, as separate positions, both help fairly equally.

A big thanks to PFF for putting my mind at ease heading into the draft so I can relax and not worry about whichever position the Jags pick at number two overall.  From right tackle to defensive end, I’m now fine with whomever.  Now, is Geno Smith “the guy?”  That’s something entirely different.

- Luke N. Sims

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Feb 23, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Central Michigan offensive lineman Eric Fisher runs the 40 yard dash during the 2013 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Eric Fisher would be a great right tackle in his first year in the league.  He’d be a great right tackle for the Jacksonville Jaguars for years, assuming he doesn’t usurp the left tackle position from Eugene Monroe.  But is he worth taking at number two overall?  According to Josh Sanchez in Fansided.com’s last weekly mock draft, he is.

Here’s what Sanchez had to say about the Jags drafting Fisher:

The growing belief around the league is that the Jaguars will select an offensive tackle. Taking Dion Jordan will be tempting, but the Jaguars can take Fisher and then hope Lane Johnson goes off the board early. If that happens, they will be able to dangle Fisher to tackle needy teams as trade bait.

Once a ridiculous thought, the drafting of an offensive tackle by the Jaguars at number two overall has become popular as of late, as Sanchez notes.  What’s most interesting about this mock is that Sanchez then suggests using Fisher as trade bait in order to get more picks in the draft.  Fisher is certainly no Eli Manning but he could pique some interest from teams that are as desperate as the Jaguars to fill a void at right tackle.

If the Jaguars were to select Fisher I hope they keep him.  I think that number two overall is a little high for a right tackle (especially if the Jaguars retain Monroe after his contract year and keep Fisher on the right side) but if the Jaguars are confident that he’s the Pro Bowl caliber player they think he is and they pull the trigger, then I want them keeping him around.  I like the trade bait idea, but it just isn’t as likely as GM Dave Caldwell, who is drafting based on need, keeping Fisher and being content with his new bookend tackle.  Fisher is going to be a good tackle in the league and it pays to have a player of high caliber at the position, even if he isn’t protecting “the blind side.”

- 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