As always, Collin. As i wrote about in the Del Rio article, I totally understand the “staying critical” point of view, but i think it is a good article to explain yourself fully.
About the UDFAs, what do you think (and that can be a poll) how many will reach the 53 from them, and who will he/they be?
If I must name the number and the names, I have 2 candidates: Allen, and Ittersagen

You’re lucky bro’, it’s been raining and storming up here in J-Ville. I kind of like the rainy weather though, its great for grabbing some shuteye.

I agree that we can’t trade Henderson, yet. If we trade him for picks, or just flat out release him, our D-line could be among the weakest on the interior in the league. I’m a big fan of trading for Glenn Dorsey. I’m sure we would have to throw something extra into the pot for them to pull the trigger, maybe a third round pick?

I agree that everyone, including myself to an extent, jumped the gun a little bit on your last article. Speaking for myself, I know where you are coming from now, and I agree with your opinion on Del Rio.

I’m excited about some of the UDFAs this year, maybe more so than the receivers we picked up in the draft itself. I think Julius Williams and Russell Allen have a really good shot to make the team. Williams reminds me so much of James Harrison, and I think he could turn out to be a steal. Allen seems like he could almost start someday. He may not have the best physical attributes, but he is sound in his game and is a solid tackler. I think the linebackers should go like this.

Strong: Clint Ingram Middle: Daryl Smith Weak: Justin Durant
Backups: Brian Iwuh, Russell Allen, and Tim Shaw

He’s my favorite undrafted rookie. Allen is next. Bolen is my wildrcard/dark horse.
i say 2-4 rookies can make it (70%), 1-2 (20%), 0 (5%), 5+ (5%).

several weeks ago by a colts fan who paid us a visit. He correctly pointed out how JDR never seems to get critisized for his team’s performance. Tpoka and I got into a conversation where I was asked if I thought JDR was part of the problem. My response was I didn’t up to that point, but I had started to question him now, mainly because of the lack of the Jags consistency from year to year (up / down).

You point out that you like his physical style. I do too – football is a physical game. Smashmouth running is fun BUT you must develop a solid passing game to contend in the NFL. As Jaws says, points come out of the passing game – he’s right especially at playoff time. JDR hasn’t really placed an emphasis on developing that aspect of our offense and we really need to.

JDR was also part of the three headed monster responsible for several mediocre drafts. Shack got the lion’s share of the blame – but JDR had a hand in that also (to my knowledge). It is entirely possible that draft analysis is not his forte and that Gene is much better suited to making those deceisions and JDR just handle the coaching. That appears to be the arrangement now so we’ll have to wait and see if that works out.

I’m also not thrilled that a defensive oriented HC would allow our D-line to age as it did and now must be considered the weak link on this team (assumes O-line improvement). You are quite correct that without big Lazy, we’d get gutted every week. That may still happen. I’m not saying it will, just that the foundation for that to happen is clearly there and JDR has to take at least some responsibilty for that.

Finally, for 5 years, this team has been a yoyo – up one year and down the next. JDR MUST get this team to perform consistently not only during a given season, but from year to year as well.

I for one, think it’s about time JDR receive some scrutiny so please don’t back off of that.

I think the UDFA guys will indicate where this team is going.
I think if either Julius Williams or Jeremy Navarre makes the team we will see more 3-4 fronts than previously expected, as they are both 3-4 guys at the positions of OLB and DE respectively.

I think that if Meier gets cut and Atiyyah Ellison makes the team that could be another indication of a 3-4 front. I think it would also be a good sign for our DL.

I’d like to see Newton beat out either Norman and or Miller for a roster spot as a backup center, being that he will young and more prototypical for a center.

With the additon of McCree I doubt Forrester will make the 53 or any other pure safety rookie, especially since Brian Williams also offers some depth at safety. (Making Starks a 3rd CB)

I would like it if Ittersagen makes the team because I think he can be a good solid backup at all the DB positions.

I like Russell Allen more than Thomas Williams, but they are very similar players as LB’s. Even though Williams has the 5th round pick and experience helping him; Allen has a cheaper paycheck, more college starting experience, and more expected special teams ability.