Here’s a look at the perceived draft needs of the Jacksonville Jaguars, with heavy input from Matt Miller and David Gardner of NewEraScouting.com.
Defensive end: There is a wide-spread rumor that the team will try to dangle a third- and fifth-round pick in order to move up in the first round for Florida’s Derrick Harvey. It’s no secret they love Chris Long, but getting him may be a huge stretch unless he falls past Atlanta. Jacksonville wants a hard-charging end who can make plays every down. The team would love to find an Osi Umenyiora type.
Defensive tackle: Marcus Stroud being traded to Buffalo wasn’t the mega-deal that most fans thought, as Stroud is past his prime. Rob Meier can step in admirably, but he is not a starting-caliber player. The team likes Treveor Laws and Kentwan Balmer; both should be available late in round one and would complement John Henderson quite well.
Wide receiver: Matt Jones may very well be traded this weekend, cementing another first-round bust at receiver for Jacksonville. The team has added a lot in free agency with Jerry Porter and Troy Williamson, but both players have been wildly inconsistent at times. Adding depth, and a return man, is a need for the team should Maurice Jones-Drew continue to see more carries.
Running Back: Speaking of Jones-Drew, the team would love to add depth in advance of the eventual Fred Taylor retirement. Jones-Drew hasn’t shown he can be an every down back, or even a starter, so adding a bigger back like Matt Forte’ of Tulane is a great plan for the third round. Jacksonville will want to add a bruiser with some speed and blocking ability to balance out Jones-Drew’s traits.
Offensive line: Jacksonville has few remaining needs after smart drafting the last few seasons. It’ll be important to add depth to the offensive line, especially right guard and right tackle. Look for Jacksonville to be active on draft weekend, with extra picks and players to package.
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April 24th, 2008 at 10:27 pm
Rob Meier has started 17 games in the last two years. In ‘06, that was a pretty darned good defense and he started seven games. He’s not a superstar and he’s not flashy, but he’s not a longterm solution as he’s getting up there in age.
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April 24th, 2008 at 10:29 pm
Also, “another first-round bust at receiver”? Reggie Williams set a team record for receiving TDs last year. Yeah he’s a late bloomer (although I think he’s still only 24), but he’s not a bust. So the current regime in Jax has ONE first-round receiver bust… Matt Jones.
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April 25th, 2008 at 1:56 am
As par usual even when folks like newerascounting.com and the likes of some hack are focusing on the Teal Curtain, they whiff it like the bat; no mention of safety, but a quick exit stage right guard left.
Jax ‘08 Draft from the Apple:
RB: Fuggedaboudit. Show me one draft that doesn’t have third round talent at running back in the third round. Fred in our back. Fred has been our back for 10 years. You Fragile Fred Fans; our boy has run for more yards than all but 16 players to ever suit up. Jones-Drew is a MONSTER and all class, just ask Merriman. If Pearman isn’t motivated by that he’ll be splittin’ time for the Saints next year.
R1: If Jack gets up in the round for the Gator, right on! I like the 6′8” kid from the U. The only pick Shack gave us was Nelson, the safest pick in the ‘07 draft, the under the radar defensive rookie of the year. Lots are sayin’ Jints with Phillips at 31. The Jags could lock up the S positions.
R2: Jack, you have proven you can draft in R2. Smith, Mathis, G. Jones, Barnes, Jones-Drew. Who over the hell you take, right on!
r3 x’s 2 We all love Stroud. Thank you Coughlin, but in JD we trust. I hope if we went OL in 2, then we go DT in 3. Because of the three R5 picks, a 3 could get packaged in order to get the Gator.
R4-7 I don’t care how many LB’s we have. A blocking tight end with was missed with Brady in Bean town last season. An LT that can practice against the Gator. Depth at S. Depth at DL. 7th round QB
Coughlin now has two starting QB’s in the league. He took Gerry with a 4 in ‘02 from East Carolina to be the After Brunell.
Jags and Jints in the big game
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