Grading The Forsett, Miller, and Ball Signings
By Luke Sims
December 17, 2011; Tampa, FL, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Alan Ball (20) prior to the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
On Friday the Jacksonville Jaguars added three pieces to their massive rebuild. Running back Justin Forsett was the headliner to go with defensive tackle Roy Miller and defensive back Alan Ball. I am pleased with all of the signings, but how do they grade out? Like any good football fan, analysis goes much deeper than grades but resisting the superficial assigning of a letter to a transaction is irresistible.
Justin Forsett’s signing was big news for the Jags. While bigger name players have been signing with contenders for relatively cheap money, Forsett was the biggest name the Jags have attracted in free agency thus far. He is a great backup running back who doesn’t slack off when stepping into the starting role. I can’t grade Forsett’s signing as anything less than an A because of his versatility, experience starting, extensive change of pace experience, and ability to succeed in different systems. How do you grade him?
Roy Miller could be a real dark horse signing that pays off big for the Jaguars. You aren’t going to see a lot of numbers next to his name, but Miller will create situations for the entire defense to be successful. He is a run stopping defensive tackle that takes up space and allows linebackers and other linemen to make plays. I like his addition to the Tyson Alualu and C.J. Mosley tandem and think he can outplay Mosley for the second starting spot. Right now he looks like a guaranteed strong rotation man and possible starter. I the signing at a B because he doesn’t create enough push to collapse the pocket on passing downs, but that could easily change if his influence is more pronounces than it was with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. How do you grade him?
Alan Ball is the less impressive signing of the three from Friday. I like his versatility and experience starting at free safety as well as cornerback. Ball shouldn’t be confused for a player that is a game changer but he does have the ability to play in the league and be serviceable when called upon. He can be an effective depth player at all defensive back positions and will be a strong fourth corner. If he proves to be more physical, which is possible based on his past experience, he could be a strong candidate for the nickel corner spot. Like Miller, I want to see how he transitions but I like the signing as a B overall. What about you?
– Luke N. Sims
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