Jags Sign Mike Thomas - 4th Round Pick
Mike Thomas #80 of the Jacksonville Jaguars during mini-camp.
The youth movement was amplified with the trade of Dennis Northcutt, and today, the Jaguars signed a piece of that movement. Jacksonville.com is reporting that Mike Thomas, 4th round WR pick from the University of Arizona, has signed a deal with the Jaguars. Signing details are here. This appears to indicate that through OTAs the coaching staff was satisfied that Thomas' youth was sufficient to allow for the trade of Dennis Northcutt. It is a lot to ask of a rookie to fill both the KR\PR duties. Apart from Jones-Drew and Brian Witherspoon, a second year player out of Stillman College, the Jaguars have lacked true depth and star power at the KR and PR positions. Thomas, listed at 5' 8" and 193 lbs, should allow Jones-Drew to focus solely on RB duties while adding an upgrade in size to the return role as Witherspoon tips the scale at a reported 5' 10" 175 lbs.
Last year Witherspoon led the team in KR with 52, averaging 24 ypr with a long of 51. He had 17 PR, averaging 11.3 ypr with a long of 38. He did not record any scores. Witherspoon was ranked 21st in the NFL in KR average but was not ranked for PR average due to the low number of returns (per Elias Sports Bureau), though his 11.3 was equal to Darren Sproles of the San Diego Chargers. He did set the club’s single-season record for kickoff returns (52) and kickoff return yards (1,250).
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Per Jaguars.com “Rookie free agent Brian Witherspoon set the club’s single-season record for kickoff returns (52) and kickoff return yards (1,250).”
Good call.
In case you missed it, this is a nice interview from earlier this year: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/182292-getting-personal-with-brian-witherspoon/page/2 with BW.
The greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall.
Vince Lombardi
by Brian Fullford on Jul 9, 2009 1:24 PM EDT up reply actions
Exactly what I thought.
And upon hearing that he didn’t qualify for enough returns on the PR stats, I was reminded we didn’t stop people enough. ;)
The greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall.
Vince Lombardi
by Brian Fullford on Jul 9, 2009 2:15 PM EDT up reply actions
Wow!
Good news! Thanks!
Life without knowledge is death in disguise
by Zoltan from Budapest on Jul 9, 2009 1:16 PM EDT reply actions
They also released
Safety Calvin Lowery. Part of the reason I mention that is because I was just thinking yesterday that he was going to be the next guy cut when the next draft pick was signed.
Thanks
I just saw your post, and went back to jaguars.com. Thanks for mentioning it!
Life without knowledge is death in disguise
by Zoltan from Budapest on Jul 9, 2009 4:05 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm just glad they're reeling them in.
Ooops, ended it with a preposition!
Jacksonville Jaguars. It's what I do.
I was thinking about Underwood as well.
Between Britton, Underwood, and Jennings, I decided on Britton because 2nd rounders are also slotted, and he hardly seems like the type to want to wait…and I flipped a coin in my head.
def one of
the receivers, then knighton, then britton, then monroe, or possably monroe then britton, i think that would probably be smarter
Brown Kid
a reciever will sign next
Probably Jarret Dilliard but also it could be Underwood, but i’d think Jarrett. After them it should be Jennings, Knighton, Britton, Monroe
"HULU: An evil plot to destroy the world. Enjoy"
With Coxs signing probably before Knighton
"HULU: An evil plot to destroy the world. Enjoy"
by TheTealDeal on Jul 11, 2009 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions
Feels good to be correct
I’m crossing my fingers for underwood to sign next
"HULU: An evil plot to destroy the world. Enjoy"
An explantion
Teams usually sign there hotter/sexier picks first, so the public can see them in action. Then they’ll see the other positions, then the first round pick.
"HULU: An evil plot to destroy the world. Enjoy"

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