2014 Jaguar Draft First Look

Nov 29, 2012; Piscataway, NJ, USA; Louisville Cardinals quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) passes during the third quarter against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at High Point Solutions Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chris Faytok/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports

Football is upon us. Hallelujah. Even with the NFL Season just a few days away, the college season was in full effect this weekend. I had a chance to sit down, much to my fiancés dislike, and watch hours and hours of college football. Many draftniks are projecting a high pick for the Jaguars next year, and after what I witnessed this weekend, I wouldn’t be disappointed. After week 1, here’s my take aways on a few of the games I reviewed.

The Sliders, Sleepers and Creepers- Johnny Manziel entered the second half of this week’s game after being suspended for the first half for NCAA rules violations. He came out strong and reminded us why he’s the reigning Heisman winner. Throwing for 94 yards and 3 TDs. His mechanics have improved vastly over last year as well. He then quickly showed that his immaturity and selfishness will keep him out of the first round by drawing a 15 yrd unsportsmanlike like conduct penalty. I truly like Manziel and am disappointed to see his behavior continue to nose dive, even after everything that’s transpired over the past few months.

Others of note were, Marcus Mariota (QB Oregon). He plays with tremendous athleticism, granted it was against Nicholls State. As long as the Option QB remains sexy, he’ll be a high pick come next year. Todd Gurley (RB Georgia) racked up 154 yards on the ground. Repeatedly juking defenders and picking up solid yards after contact. They’ll need to replace MJD at some point. AJ McCarron (QB Alabama) looked Alex Smithesqe against a decent VT team. He did a good job at managing the game. Didn’t WOW me though.

The Usual Suspects- Tajh Boyd (QB Clemson)looked great against a top 5 team, beating The Georgia Bulldogs 38 – 35. He fired off 270 yards for 3 TDs and 0 INTs. This was easily the best game to watch this week in regards to talent and excitement. Jadeveon Clowney (DE SC) looked like a Titan (not a Tennessee Titan) amongst men. It’s no secret that he’s long been a favorite of mine if we finish with the top pick, to be drafted #1. In this game he was double teamed continuously and multiple times made these double teams look silly. But man, he looked gassed at times. Granted players were dropping like flies due to the humidity and heat. He needs to get his conditioning down if he wants to maintain that “once in a generation DE” image.

The Standout- Teddy Bridgewater (QB Louisville). He started this game 9 for 9 for 121 yards and a couple of TDs before finishing with 355 yrds, 5TDs & 1 INT. As McCarron was to A. Smith, Bridgewater was to P. Manning. His play was simply beautiful. But two things stood out to me the most. First, his leadership. He commanded respect. Dissecting the defense and changing the play based off of what he saw over and over again. And second was an incomplete roll out about 2 min into the second half. He rolled out to his left (against his natural throwing motion), made a defender miss, adjusted his hips and with the flick of his wrist threw a 50 yrd bomb. It was only incomplete due to his receiver giving up on the play and slowing down. He flicked the ball, as easy as you or me throwing a piece of trash away. 50 yards. I know I’ll catch grief for saying this, but in this game he looked just as good, if not better than any of Andrew Luck’s games while at Stanford.

Im still high on Clowney, but there’s no denying Bridgewater. There’s defiantly two players I consider elite after week 1, and the season is just beginning.