Jerry Porter: OTA player report

by silencecs on May 18, 2008 12:41 PM EDT

Porter proving to be every bit the receiver Jacksonville hoped he'd be

May 16, 2008

Jerry Porter

Reactions were mixed across the NFL when the Jaguars inked former Raiders WR Jerry Porter to a six-year, $30 million deal earlier this offseason. Some viewed it as a wise move, sensing the need to pair emerging QB David Garrard with the kind of multi-talented wideout that the team lacked in 2007. Others saw it as a lot of money to invest in an enigmatic player in need of an attitude adjustment. If what was on display at the club’s first organized team activity (OTA) Tuesday is any indication of what will transpire during the season, those who praised the acquisition will be vindicated. Team sources raved about how fluidly Porter moved, and his body control on a couple acrobatic catches was something that hasn’t been seen in Jacksonville since Jimmy Smith hung up the pads two years ago. “There’s no question in my mind that Garrard-to-Porter is going to be a combination that will be very productive for us,” coach Jack Del Rio told the Florida Times-Union after the session.

There you have it, the first real OTA player review, care of ProFootballWeekly. .. Let's hear it for the front office for seeing talent and acquiring it. We sign players to long term deals in free-agency and while some people always give us flak, the deals almost always seem to work out. Don't forget that prior to Reggie Hayward's injury he was really coming alive on the line as well. They don't sign players who aren't worthy of it and they cut players that can't play up to expected levels, even if they may be fan favorites. The result is a healthy cap and strong depth at nearly every position.

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The Jag's receivers.....

will surprise everyone this year, especially the National media. In addition to Porter, the Jags passing game was already on the rise as evidenced by Reggie Williams emergence as a touchdown maker. Remember he had more scores than even Jimmy Smith in his hey day. Garrard’s experience and confidence is growing hand and hand together and combine that with Koetter’s grasp of play calling , the addition of Porter could equal an offense that has quick strike capabilities along with their grind it out ground game. I’m hoping the expectation level in regards to Troy Williamson is low, so any contribution from him is a bonus. Northcutt, despite his playoff drop, is still a good weapon in the slot. Broussard and Walker are wild cards who if given the chance, might produce good numbers. I also like the fact that we have been throwing the ball to Jones_Drew down the field. We also have some potent weapons at TE when everyone’s healthy. All this and a good offensive line that should be even better. I know these are high hopes but that’s what makes football, and sports in general , so fun to follow.

by Jaggernaut on May 18, 2008 2:26 PM EDT reply actions

If this works,

We’ll be unstoppable on offense. I’d expect to see the Jaguars “slighted” when talking about their receivers as we muck through the “dead zone”, but it really won’t take much for the Receiving Corps to change the way our offense is viewed.

All the Jaguars need, in my non-so-humble opinion, is for our receivers to do just enough to keep the safety out of the box. Make em stay back guarding receivers and let our offensive line and running game do the rest. We showed last year that we can grind it out against 8 or 9 defenders, let’s see them stop Fred Taylor and Jones-Drew with only 7.

-Chris

Big Cat Country!:: The Official Home of the Unofficial Blog of the Jacksonville Jaguars!

by River City Rage on May 18, 2008 3:16 PM EDT up reply actions

Porter is awesome. He’ll do just fine with the Jaguars. I’m glad someone else noted Jones-Drew’s reception capabilities. Get that guy in some open space, please. Someone is dang near likely to get their head knocked off. Have you ever seen someone get so many yards after the first hit. He almost runs better when he’s carrying a defender around his waist. But, back to Porter. There’s no character issues to speak of. In comparison to Randy Moss or even T.O., look what happened to them when they got to a team where they were the star and the team was winning. Everything is relative and each of their situations was unique, but the biggest concern was Porter’s character and he has proven he just needed to be on a team that was willing to make him the #1 receiver.

I tell you what, though. Porter may be the #1 “receiver” but lets not forget that Wrighster and Lewis (TE) were injured last year and I believe that they could make a HUGE difference in our passing game if they remain healthy. Both can catch the ball, both run routes well, and both block relatively well. I think Lewis will become one of my favorite players, coupled with Wrighster, this year, as long as they can both stay healthy.

Walker is a “wild card” but cross your fingers that this kid’s knee is at least 95% of what it was before surgery because he has some serious talent.

by meacham on May 18, 2008 3:38 PM EDT reply actions

Walker could compete for #2 WR spot

If he’s healthy, I see him having a real chance to take the second spot at WR. He may not have physically played last year, but I bet you he spent his time learning Dirk’s offensive schemes and plays. He should be able to compete for the opportunity to snag the spot.

by silencecs on May 18, 2008 5:38 PM EDT up reply actions