Jaguars’ Mt. Rushmore

I usually don’t lend much credence to Pro Football Talk and Mike Florio in particular, but a piece last week on the Jaguars’ “Mt. Rushmore” garners some attention.

After what can only be assumed was a very thorough and serious debate, Mike Florio revealed the Mt. Rushmore of the Jacksonville Jaguars to consist of running back Fred Taylor, quarterback Mark Brunell, receiver Jimmy Smith, and coach Tom Coughlin.

Anyone else notice the glaringly obvious name missing?

Yes, somehow the man who was the first player inducted into the Jaguars’ ring of honor was left off of the list. The Jacksonville Jaguars’ first ever draft pick is the only player in the history of  the franchise for whom a case could be made that for a significant stretch of time he was the best player at his position in the league. During his three All-Pro seasons (1997-1999), he was arguably the most dominant left tackle in the game. His utter dominance against one of the most decorated pass rushers of all time in Bruce Smith in the playoff run following the 1996 season is one of the more notable moments in franchise history. Yes his career was cut drastically short by injury, but his short stretch of dominance was just that – pure dominance. And if the criteria for a Mt. Rushmore extends off the field, Tony Boselli has played a vital role in growing the Jaguars’ fan base outside of Jacksonville and promoting the team in general.

Jan 20, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; NFL analyst Tony Boselli on the field prior to the game with the San Francisco 49ers playing against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome. The 49ers won 28-24. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

While I don’t have a problem with Tom Coughlin on the list, one can’t help but think his success in New York helped bump him onto this list. Although he helped bring the expansion Jaguars’ to unprecedented success in a short time, he left the franchise in salary cap hell and struggled mightily his last few years.

Being a fan since the franchise’s inception, I feel slightly more qualified than Florio to present a revised list. My Mt. Rushmore would consist of the following: Tony Boselli, Fred Taylor, Mark Brunell, Jimmy Smith. If Jimmy Smith’s off-the-field issues with substance abuse are taken into account (for publicity reasons and whatnot) I would switch him out with Maurice Jones-Drew.

Who is on your Mt. Rushmore? Let us know in the comments.

– Daniel Lago

Yell at me on Twitter @dlago89