Gene’s Draft Picks
By Daniel Lago
With the recent signing of Denard Robinson, David Caldwell is ushering a new era in the Jaguars’ franchise with a completely overhauled roster. Gene Smith did his best Matt Millen impression over the past 4 years, but he did leave behind a few pieces Caldwell can build with. Left tackle Eugene Monroe, wide receiver Cecil Shorts III, wide receiver Justin Blackmon, and (sigh) punter Bryan Anger are all talented young players who could develop into top-10 players at their position.
Dec 2, 2012; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars punter Bryan Anger (19) punts against the Buffalo Bills during the second half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Bills beat the Jaguars 34-18. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
The Weapon.
While all of Gene Smith’s first round picks have managed to stay on the roster, the same can’t be said for players in almost every other round. Gene Smith drafted 26 players from 2009 to 2012. As of July 10th there are only 12 players Gene Smith drafted left on the roster.
On the Roster
Round/Year
Not on Roster
Round/Year
Eugene Monroe
1/2009
Eben Britton
2/2009
Tyson Alualu
1/2010
Terrance Knighton
3/2009
D’Anthony Smith
3/2010
Derek Cox
3/2009
Blaine Gabbert
1/2011
Mike Thomas
4/2009
Will Rackley
3/2011
Jarett Dillard
5/2009
Cecil Shorts III
4/2011
Zach Miller
6/2009
Chris Prosinski
4/2011
Rashad Jennings
7/2009
Justin Blackmon
1/2012
Tiquan Underwood
7/2009
Andre Branch
2/2012
Larry Hart
5/2010
Bryan Anger
3/2012
Austen Lane
5/2010
Brandon Marshall
5/2012
Deji Karim
6/2010
Mike Harris
6/2012
Scotty McGee
6/2010
Rod Isaac
5/2011
Jeris Pendelton
7/2012
Only three players remain from Gene’s first two drafts and D’Anthony Smith is likely to be released before the regular season. The other two candidates for the dreaded chopping block after training camp are Chris Prosinski and Brandon Marshall.
While most of the players no longer on the team were drafted in the later rounds, GMs need to occasionally hit on a late round pick. You can’t go TWO drafts in a row with only one above average player (Monroe) and one average player (Alualu) to show for it.
It will take Caldwell a few years to reload this roster and it’s easy to see why. It’s early but it seems Caldwell found at least two gems (Luke Joeckel and Johnathan Cyprien) in his first draft. If he can maintain that pace he’ll already be miles ahead of his predecessor.
– Daniel Lago
Yell at me on Twitter @dlago89