This is a list of who I think our Jacksonville Jaguars will sign in free agency, that I'm expecting to see next week.

2011 Free Agent Signings by Jacksonville:

• Dashon Goldson
• Kirk Morrison
• James Anderson
• Nick Bellore
• Kristofer O'Dowd 

* Does not include players I think will be signed, and cut during/after training camp, these players I expect to make the final roster.

Dashon Goldson:

via nimg.sulekha.com

This past year saw Dashon Goldson take that title for the defensive side of the ball as he appeared to struggle after a strong impact season in 2009.

Florida Danny had an interesting take on Goldson's 2009 season HERE:

 

The 5th-most surprising stat you probably didn't know is another double-whammy:

• Dashon Goldson's 51 tackles on completed passes was the 3rd-highest total among Ss. He also ranked 3rd with 11 completion stops.

So, going back to the last discussion, Goldson was easily one of the most productive Ss in the league. I was absolutely shocked when I saw this. I knew Goldson was good. I knew he has a bright future ahead of him. I knew for damn sure that he's better than Mark Roman. What I didn't know is that he's a tackling machine. Rather, I always figured his skills were in the "create turnovers" and "lay wood" mold of FSs, not the "I'm the last line of defense" mold.

I was excited about Goldson's potential after 2009 and figured he'd be one of the keys to the 49ers defense in 2010. However, if we look at just the numbers, the man called The Hawk was not quite the ball hawk in 2010 that most of us would have preferred. After a 2009 that included a 3 forced fumbles, 2 sacks, finishing second in tackles, and snagging a team-leading four interceptions, Goldson's 2010 saw only one interception and one sack, and a drop in tackles. Additionally a lot of folks were all over him for his play in general.

Matt Maiocco has been putting together some positional reviews and he had this to say about Goldson in his post on the entire secondary:

It was Goldson's first year calling the defensive signals, and it's difficult to say if that might have affected his comfort level. He was playing with several injuries, too. Goldson's output dropped ... in 2010 ... He was not involved in many key plays throughout the season. Yet, in speaking with the coaches, Goldson got high marks for fulfilling his defensive assignments and keeping the ball in front of him. Still, it was a disappointing season because he did not make the kind of impact one would've expected from him in his second season as a starter. He is unsigned for 2011, but -- depending on the new CBA -- might be a restricted free agent as a four-year veteran.

 

via http://www.ninersnation.com/2011/2/2/1969683/dashon-goldson-a-guy-many-49ers-fans-love-to-hate

Goldson would play very well here in Jacksonville, and give time for Prosinski to develop.  He struggled a bit last year, but many people believe that to be subject of the fact Goldson was calling defensive signals, well here he wouldn't have to, so he would be back at his comfort level, and he would drastically imorove our defense.  He is better against the run than the pass, but he's good at both.  He's a former first rounder too.

Dashon Goldson, FS, San Francisco 49ers 

Age: 26 

NFL seasons: four 

AP Photo/Ben MargotDashon Goldson had 80 tackles and one interception in 16 games for San Francisco last season.

 

Situation: Goldson's status for free agency hinges upon the next labor agreement or whatever system goes into effect in the absence of one. Before 2010, players needed only four seasons to become unrestricted free agents. Goldson could revert to restricted free agency if players need more than four seasons. In that case, the 49ers would probably be able to re-sign him on a relatively modest one-year deal. 

Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc.: Goldson is better against the run than against the pass. I don't know that he recognizes things exceptionally well from a deep center-field perspective. But with his size, you want him at free safety, not strong safety. He is not aMichael Lewis, not an Adrian Wilson. He is good at a few things, but not great at any and I am not really sure what his niche is. He is an upgrade over what they have had in the past. You can win with him. He is a good player, but I don't think he is a featured player. If you had one more top-20 corner to add to that secondary, all of a sudden he might look a little better. But if you are needing him to make up for deficits on the edges, no. There are a ton of safeties on the market who are better than him. Eric Weddle, Michael Huff, those guys. You might tell him, 'See what you can get, let us know,' and if he can get a big number he goes, but if he comes back, you get him back at your price and everyone is happy. 

My thoughts: The 49ers' pass defense was worse than anticipated in 2010. Goldson went into the season with a chance to prove himself worthy of a lucrative long-term deal. He was definitely ascending coming out of his first season as a full-time starter. Goldson failed to continue on that trajectory. It wasn't all his fault, but the season showed that Goldson, unlike elite safeties, was not going to transcend a bad situation. Williamson's point about Goldson needing help at cornerback is well taken. The 49ers addressed the position in the draft, but not early enough to signal they've solved the problem altogether. Keeping Goldson as a restricted free agent would be ideal for San Francisco. The team's new defensive staff could then evaluate him over a full season. Goldson would also have much to prove.

 

via http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcwest/post/_/id/39780/where-dashon-goldson-fits-with-49ers

Dashon Goldson and Ray McDonald Highlights (via Highendplayer)

Some of those are Goldson, if you a safety making a play its him.

Kirk Morrison:

via nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com

Kirk Morrison was a Jaguar last year, and I expect him to be re-signed.  He's solid against the rush, filling gaps, and a solid tackler, but is a bit of a liability against the pass.  I'd rather the Jaguars sign somebody else, but they can get Kirk cheap, and he knows the personnel and the defense already.  With a solid defense around him, he can be an overall solid player.

James Anderson: 

via www3.pictures.zimbio.com

Anderson has played very well this past season, he had 130 tackles at strongside linebacker.  And 3.5 sacks.  That is better stats then our very own Daryl Smith.  Daryl also had 3.5 sacks, but only had 97 tackles.  Durant is gone, and we need a new WLB,  plug this guy in, and our outside linebackers are monsters.  He was a third rounder, and has very solid size.  

The 27-year-old former Hokie really stepped out of the shadows in 2010 and made a mark on the Carolina defense with an astonishing 130 tackles, tacking on 3.5 sacks, a pair of forced fumbles and an interception for good measure. Anderson produced some rare numbers from the Sam linebacker position in the 4-3, traditionally not a position synonymous with his numbers.

His effort on the field was infectious, and he contributed a huge part to a defense that spent much more time on the field than the average NFL defense in 2010. Unfortunately, the Panthers are unlikely to make resigning him a priority. Anderson is due to become a free agent in 2011. The strong side linebacker position is not a premium one in the NFL.

If this is the end of the line for James Anderson in Charlotte, he will go down as one of the more underrated picks made by Marty Hurney.

 

 via http://bleacherreport.com/articles/663266-nfl-draft-the-best-picks-of-the-marty-hurney-regime-in-carolina/page/2

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/09000d5d81a74a47/James-Anderson-INT

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-fantasy/09000d5d81b05d61/Panthers-defense-sack-8-yd-loss

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-fantasy/09000d5d81cac06b/Panthers-defense-sack-7-yd-loss

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-fantasy/09000d5d81cabc15/Panthers-defense-sack-7-yd-loss

Nick Bellore:

 

Combine 40: 4.84 - Position Rank: 12 of 30  Positives: Incredible production in four years at Central Michigan (471 tackles, 5.5 sacks, five interceptions), never recorded less than 90 tackles in a single season... Has good bulk for the inside linebacker position... Has pretty good range for his limited speed... Is solid in short zone coverage, reads quarterbacks' eyes well and breaks to the ball fairly quickly... Durability is not a concern, started 52 games in college, including 51 straight starts... Is a good teammate and leader, was a team captain in 2010, no character concerns to speak of... Tough player who enjoys the game, plays with a consistent motor and a lot of passion... Blitzes pretty well for his size, has the ability to chip blockers and slide through gaps.  Negatives: Has slightly below-average height for an inside linebacker... Does not break down very well when tackling in open space... Is not a fast linebacker, did not run well at the combine, not a unique athlete... Will likely be limited by scheme at the next level, not an ideal cover two linebacker, height and below-average speed will be a disadvantage in this area... Looks a little stiff, fluidity and change-of-direction abilities are adequate at best.      DEFENSE SEASON TEAM   TOT SOL AST TFL SK FF INT BK TD   471 229 242 32½ 5½ 5 5 0 0 2007 Central Mich.   102 45 57 7 1 1 2 0 0 2008 Central Mich.   147 73 74 5½ ½ 2 0 0 0 2009 Central Mich.   132 71 61 13 3 2 2 0 0 2010 Central Mich.   90 40 50 7 1 0 1 0 0

 

via http://sidelinescouting.com/rankings/ilb/nick-bellore.shtml

Nick Bellore Draft Profile (via ProFootballWeekly)

Kristofer O'Dowd:

 

Kristofer O'Dowd Scouting Report

Kristofer O'Dowd - USC (HT: 6-4⅛ - WT: 304)  Combine 40: 5.16 - Position Rank: 5 of 20  Positives: Versatile, could get some looks at Guard... Heady, good instincts for the position... Explosive... Good pass blocker, quick first step... Quick pass set... Uses his hands well... Good footwork, good lateral movement and slide... Blocks with solid leverage in pass protection... Does a nice job redirecting... Gets in front of stunts and blitzes... Very solid run blocker... Adequate strength at POA, reasonably good anchor when he stays low... Can generate solid power... Plays with a solid base... Very good contact balance... Gets to the second level and seals linebackers okay... Brings his feet along with him... Solid flexibility and body control but not good... Carries his pads well... Plays with good technique... Good mental toughness... Aggressive, gives a good effort... Reminds me of San Francisco's Eric Heitmann.  Negatives: Plays a little high at times, rises up in pass protection, allows defender under his pads... High cut, long lower body makes it difficult to maintain pad level... Loses a lot of battles for leverage... Needs to get stronger and show a little more consistency at POA... Doesn't anchor well against bull rushers, can be moved off the point... Not a big time pile mover, doesn't get a lot of movement... Doesn't get much leverage drive blocking... Hands are quick but arms are shorter than ideal but lack much pop, little violence to his game... Doesn't look very fluid in space, will overextend, reach and lunge... Doesn't do an especially good job bringing his feet with him... Struggles to hit moving targets... Not a great finisher... His durability (inability to stay healthy) will hurt his draft stock.

 

http://sidelinescouting.com/rankings/c/kristofer-odowd.shtml

Draft Preview: Kristofer O'Dowd (via foxsports)