Can the Jaguars ever narrow down their choices at #10?

by Jonathan Loesche on Mar 17, 2010 6:00 AM EDT in 2010 NFL Draft Comment 30 comments

I've been racking my brain for awhile on this issue. Everyone has their ideas as to who is the best fit for their team, as has been evidenced by the wide variety of opinions as to who the Jaguars should take with the tenth pick. Just to give you an idea on how wide opinions can be off the mark, fill in the blanks of this quote

Give me the linebacker-sized ____(A)________, who at 6-5, 238 pounds is more rugged, less susceptible to injury than the 6-5, 222-pound ____(B)____. [Quarterback A] is a better athlete, stronger of arm and more fiery than [quarterback B]. To those who point out that he's also rawer, I say: So what? No quarterback does squat until he's been in the league at least three years. And to scouts cautioning that [quarterback A] is a "free spirit," spare me. You had the same line on Brett Favre.

Answers at the end of this article, and a major H/T to Andy Staples of SI.com for providing it.

Now that mock drafters are finally going away from the lazy answer of Tim Tebow, there have been plenty of different opinions as to who the Jaguars will take at the tenth pick in the draft. While the majority have settled on Georgia Tech DE Derrick Morgan, that pick is looking closer and closer to joining Tebow.

So then, really, who will the Jaguars try to get with the tenth pick? They've sent scouts to see Morgan at his Pro Day, they'll work out Earl Thomas in a few weeks, and have been to several other Pro Days, yet we're nowhere near closer to figuring out who they'll go with.

It's the beauty of the draft that allows for such speculation. For every strength there is also a flaw. With all of this in mind, let's take a look at all of the Jaguars realistic options at #10 and see what we can figure out.

CJ Spiller, RB Clemson

Why he is the pick: An explosive playmaker who can line up at running back, wide receiver, and returner. If the Jaguars can find a patch on the offensive line, maybe the last piece of the puzzle is adding a guy who is a legit threat to break it 80 yards everytime he has the ball, and that player is Spiller.

Why he isn't the pick: Does the name Reggie Bush ring any bells?

Anthony Davis, T, Rutgers

Why he is the pick: The Jaguars could complete their hope of resurrecting the Boselli/Searcy combo by taking Davis and kicking Eben Britton to guard. In addition, he could potentially end up even better than Eugene Monroe.

Why he isn't the pick: Do you really want to spend the tenth pick on a guy who will be a RT initially?

Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech

Why he is the pick: Best player at the position of highest need for the Jaguars. Allows the team to have another option of Aaron Kampman doesn't work out.

Why he isn't the pick: Poor Pro Day and bowl game suggest he hasn't been having a focus post season regiment. Will that translate into his pro game?

Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama

Why he is the pick: The Jaguars have stated they want to address the MLB position, and McClain is the best one in the draft. Nick Saban said he's the best defensive player he's had, and that isn't a recommendation you take lightly.

Why he isn't the pick: It seems he doesn't have the sideline to sideline speed you want, and he has made several comments to the fact he wants to play in a 3-4 rather than a 4-3.

Earl Thomas, S, Texas

Why he is the pick: He had an insanely productive sophomore year at Texas. He has the speed and instincts to play corner as well as safety, which adds value.

Why he isn't the pick: Does this pick officially signal the end for Reggie Nelson? Do you gamble on a player who was essentially a one year wonder.

Quote Answers

A: Ryan Leaf

B: Peyton Manning

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Comments

Nice piece John.

Once again April 22nd can’t come soon (And the Tebow outbreak is still waiting to break out….). I left Gene to do his thing. I hope his eye will catch the right guy; who will be a STAR in the NFDl; and then he can say; hey I brought a STAR instead of ’youknowwho"…

Gene must hit a BIG home run with the 1st rounder guys; because of Timmy…So I hope the crystall ball will help select one this time…So I don’t care who will be the pick; He must be a veeeeeeeeeeeeeery good one!

Life without knowledge is death in disguise

by Zoltan from Budapest on Mar 17, 2010 8:16 AM EDT reply actions

The problem with that way of thinking is

no matter who they pick, we won’t KNOW whether it’s a good one until the end of next season.

And no matter who we select there will be some that are upset with the pick. Even ignoring all the Tebow nonsense.

For example, knowing how Terrance Knighton played last season, should any of us have been upset if we picked him in the 2nd round ? But honestly how many of us had ever heard of him before or were happy with the pick ?

by pksiv on Mar 17, 2010 9:58 AM EDT up reply actions

i aggree with everything, C.J. Spiller is not needed, and i dont think MJD would lik it either. He worked for his position, and is good to be in a 2 back combo. We dont need another dynamic duo in this league

by rhettchrystal on Mar 17, 2010 9:17 AM EDT reply actions

I totally disagree.

I don’t think MJD would have any issues if they drafted C.J. Spiller. He understands how things work and while I think we already have a very good #2 RB, you can never have too many good RB’s. If Spiller turns into the next Chris Johnson I’d be happy to have him, even with MJD.

by pksiv on Mar 17, 2010 9:59 AM EDT up reply actions

+1

I agree, I’m totally on the Spiller Bandwagon, I’ve watched what he can do first hand in the ACC for 3 years now, the guy would be a major asset to any team especially ours. His blazing speed gives him the ability to change games in a single play. He has great hands and good vision and is just as much of a receiving threat as a RB.

MJD has proven he is one of the toughest backs in the league but NO ONE can bare the burden we put on him last year and last long in the NFL. We need two top tier backs to share the load so we can extend his healthy career as long as possible.

This situation is very similar to our position in 06’ with Fred and MJD. Albeit MJD is younger and Spiller will be a 1st rounder. The great thing about Spiller is like MJD, he can provide an immediate special teams impact while he is being groomed to share RB duties with MJD. He’ll start as a change of pace back and based on his progress, we will determine the role he’ll play.

I don’t think MJD will have any problem with that, he’s a team player, his contract is secure, and he wants to WIN!

Not that this is a reason to draft him, but an added bonus with Spiller is that he is an exciting player that almost everyone in this city will recognize and will be eager to watch. He will add an exciting element to our games that fans will pay to see.

I’d take him, even at ten but if we can trade down and still get him, even better!

by rusty904 on Mar 17, 2010 11:42 AM EDT up reply actions

Why isn't MJD exciting enough for fans to pay to see?

I don’t think any player will make people buy tickets…winning games will do it…as will discretionary income.

by acedarney on Mar 17, 2010 1:50 PM EDT up reply actions

That's why I put the disclaimer in bold

My point was that not only is Spiller a smart draft choice, but an exciting one as well. Monroe for example, excellent pick up but not particularly exciting for the common observer (only true fans understand the value).

If we pick Spiller in the first, that’s going to get some people talking It will spark a little more off season excitement. I’m not saying he will singlehandedly save the franchise, but it can’t hurt to get more people talking about the team in the off season.

To re-emphasize, I don’t think factors like this should be considered in our draft choice, it’s just an added bonus.

Also, Spiller will in my opinion help us win more games.

by rusty904 on Mar 17, 2010 2:45 PM EDT up reply actions

I have to disagree.

I think he’ll be a waste of the 10th pick. He won’t be worth the contract that the Jags will inevitably have to sign him to. No change of pace back/returner is worth that much.

by Kbot on Mar 17, 2010 4:02 PM EDT up reply actions

I can see why he might not be worth a 10th pick

But I think he can be more than a change of pace/returner. That’s what he’d probably be as a rookie, but i think he would eventually be the second back in one of the NFL’s best RB tandems.

I think he’ll have all the attributes of Reggie Bush in the receiving and return game, but will be far more productive as a running back.

by rusty904 on Mar 17, 2010 4:58 PM EDT up reply actions

Spiller can do everything Reggie can do and everything Reggie can't.

He compares favorably to Felix Jones but has the speed of Chris Johnson.

by Slvrgun on Mar 17, 2010 6:45 PM EDT up reply actions

You don't give a RB elite money just to draft another one in he first round....

but i’d like to be proven wrong…

by mattarne on Mar 18, 2010 9:50 AM EDT up reply actions

I still think

we trade down and get C.J. Spiller. If we stay at 10, I’d go with McClain or Earl Thomas.

by ajagsbeliever on Mar 17, 2010 9:20 AM EDT reply actions

McClain doesn't address the lack of speed on defense.

by Slvrgun on Mar 17, 2010 6:43 PM EDT up reply actions

Nice Article

I agree that the Jags have to move out of this slot to get maximum value out of their pick.

I actually wrote a similar article to this one a few days ago: http://www.jacksonvillejaguarsblog.com/draft/trading-out-of-10-a-must/

by TheMC2 on Mar 17, 2010 10:54 AM EDT reply actions

Spiller

could also provide us a returner that the Jags are wanting. They don’t want the burden to fall on Thomas or MJD.

by ajagsbeliever on Mar 17, 2010 11:48 AM EDT reply actions

With those choices

I just want to make sure you are establishing the fact that Joe Haden will be gone already. I really think he is being overlooked because of the combine. Gene said he had his board put together based on football play, and the combine wouldnt affect much. If thats true, this kid is still easily top 10 talent. Lets wait and see what he runs today, because he could be a huge get at #10.

by GoGuars21 on Mar 17, 2010 1:35 PM EDT reply actions

Agreed

He reportedly ran in the 4.4’s at his pro day today…that’s plenty fast to play nickel/safety I’d think.

by acedarney on Mar 17, 2010 1:53 PM EDT up reply actions

I've reached my threshold.

I’m so tired of this topic already. I don’t care anymore, in that I’m just going to let Gene do his thing and not worry.

I don’t want Spiller because I don’t want any RBs that high and he’s not once-in-a-lifetime good and so it seems like a dumb choice, but if Gene wants it, cool.
I don’t want McClain because he doesn’t have the sideline-to-sideline speed you need from a 4-3 guy, but if Gene wants him, cool.
I don’t want Morgan because he clearly doesn’t care and is not the 10th best player in the draft, but if Gene wants him cool.
I don’t want Anthony Davis because he’s RT. I think Gene will agree with me on this one.

And most of all, I don’t want to think about this anymore because we used up so much brainpower on this last year, and in the end Monroe fell into our laps and all of the other research and commentary and predictions ended up being moot.

</end rant>

In Gene We Trust.

by MoveThoseChains on Mar 17, 2010 2:50 PM EDT reply actions

Just out of curiosity, who do you like at 10?

Sure this topic is pointless since you never really know what will happen on draft day, but it’s fun to talk about. Just like I did with Curry Last year, it’s easy for me to get overly excited about a player I’ve watched a lot both first hand and on TV.

by rusty904 on Mar 17, 2010 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm hoping for a trade back

But that’s me hoping.

I wouldn’t mind trading back and grabbing another fat guy like Mike Iupati (ESPN has moved him up to 14 on their big board, but that’s WAAAY too early for a guard imo).

I like Sean Witherspoon (Mizzou), but definitely not that high.

Side note – I noticed ESPN moved Maurkice Pouncey, C, UF up to 26 on their big board. I know jack about him. Any thoughts?

Ignore the hype; look at the results.

by harperslaw on Mar 17, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions

He's good.

Certainly the best of this draft. Rimington Trophy winner as well.

by Kbot on Mar 17, 2010 4:06 PM EDT up reply actions

He doesn't like anyone. He is one of those give up and trade back guys.

Every year its the same thing. Trade back. Trade back. I don’t like <insert pick #> because trading down is better.

How can you say Spiller is not a once in a lifetime back? How does he know? History does show that most of the truly great back have come out of the first round. Did he feel this way when Fred Taylor was talked about? Clearly Spiller has just as much or more talent than Fred did coming out of college. How did MTCs feel about the MJD pick. I’m sure he said “dumb pick, dumb pick!!!”.

Spiller has the goods. The film proves it.

606 ATT
3,547 YDS
32 TDs
5.8 avg

If I remember correctly over 15 TDs from gains over 50.

Breaks tackles.blocks alright. dangerous in KR/PR. Great hands. What more do you want? Oh trade down and let someone else in the AFC get em.

by Slvrgun on Mar 17, 2010 7:07 PM EDT up reply actions

Reggie Bush had mind-boggling stats too, and could break tackles, and was a dangerous returner.

He was once-in-a-lifetime, a surefire BAP worthy of a top selection. How’d that turn out? Or Kijana Carter?

The Jaguars got MJD in the 2nd round, and he’s pretty great. Oh look, I guess you CAN find great backs in places that aren’t the top 10. Thanks for helping me make my point. Spiller is not worth such a high pick because you can find that kind of player anywhere. Therefore picking him would not be getting full value, therefore he is NOT THE BAP.

Ideally who do I like? I would love Berry. I would like Haden, who ran great at his pro day. I’d be ok with Thomas too. But mostly, I just want this to be over.

In Gene We Trust.

by MoveThoseChains on Mar 18, 2010 1:37 PM EDT up reply actions

Spiller will be Much better than Bush

When you watch Bush’s College highlights you’ll see he’s constantly reversing field, moving backwards and generally running around people. No one has made that work in the NFL with the exception of Barry Sanders.

Spiller on the other hand, makes one cut then he’s gone. When he makes his cuts he never stops moving forward, Very Chris Johnson like. He has excellent vision and is much stronger than he gets credit for. He belongs in the first half of the first round.

That being said I’d much rather have Eric Berry, there’s nothing I like more than a big mean safety but there’s no way he’ll be available.

by rusty904 on Mar 18, 2010 6:37 PM EDT up reply actions

My take...I've been saying this since the begin.

If Jags cannot arrange a trade and must pick @ 10 the BAP is CJ Spiller.

Here’s why: CJ Spiller is extremely athletically gifted. This guy is loaded with talent and upside. A MJD-Spiller backfield would be one of the nastiest, most dynamic duos in the league and would significantly delay the “wall” that every running back hits as they near 30.

This guy has world class speed, can break tackles, run better than CJ in between the tackles, catch out of the backfield, and excel if put at KR/PR duties. While I understand the need for DTs, DEs, CBs, Ss et al none of them have the abilities at their respective position that tells me they must be picked at 10.

Joe Haden is a slow cornerback. If you are a top 10 pick you need to be a shutdown corner running at a minimum 4.4. Let someone else overdraft this guy. After Eric Berry, I believe Earl Thomas is a more complete DB. I don’t believe Haden is really that much better than the other corners in my eyes. I really like Verner…

Derrick Morgan and JPP are good DEs but both belong in the back half of the 1st round. They will be overdrafted simply because of position.

This leaves several other guys…

McClain…great guy but slow and has health concerns
Brian Price….arguably the 3rd best tackle.
Earl Thomas….really like this guy but not at 10.

Spiller is BAP and will provide instant production as MJDs spell plus RBs are one of the safest picks you can make. They can come in and near instantly adjust to the game. Spiller is a bonafide playmaker.

by Slvrgun on Mar 17, 2010 6:39 PM EDT reply actions

Also people keep bringing this up, perhaps because they do not understand BAP.

BAP means to pick the best available player regardless of position.

That also means regardless of whether you already have a backup running back.

Regardless of how MJD feels.

Regardless of your need at other position.

You pick the BAP!!!! The idea is to constantly accumulate talent.

by Slvrgun on Mar 17, 2010 6:42 PM EDT up reply actions

I mostly agree with you

especially with Spiller. But I also think Haden is worthy as well.

by Blair72 on Mar 18, 2010 11:15 AM EDT up reply actions

Jason Pierre-Paul. Make it happen, GM Smith.

"My team of nine guys who hit like Albert Pujols and never ever bunt just beat your team with one Shane Victorino 472 to 3."

by justincredubil02 on Mar 17, 2010 10:12 PM EDT reply actions

what a bad dream I had last night...

at pick # 64 the Colts draft Tim Tebow, QB, U of F, and I am subjected to 12 more years of Indianapolis torment… thank god it was only a bad dream!

by Jaghomer on Mar 18, 2010 7:21 AM EDT reply actions

HAHA

Thats a horrible dream lol im living a bad dream every day i see Vince Young in a titans uniform. Anyways, i think C.J Spiller would be a great pick. If MJD gets hurt can we really win with only Rashard Jennings? Plus he would help our return game, be a good slot just to change it up, and ive seen him line up and run the Wild Tiger in Clemson so that could be another thing. But if we drafted someone like Bryan Bulaga or Anthony Davis i would love it. Eben Britton could be a great guard. And who cares if they play RT. They are starting and thats all that matters. Plus we wont find a reliable Tackle to start later in the draft.

by LoyalJagfromTX on Mar 21, 2010 4:10 PM EDT reply actions