Pre Free Agency Jaguars Needs
by rhettchrystal on Feb 8, 2012 10:11 PM EST
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PrintI see many times, the Jacksonville Jaguars needs, but they are always different, this is my opinion on the team's needs, and if you think I missed one, let me know, because I very well may have.
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| Team Needs | |||
| Starter | Starter Competition | Depth | Projects |
| Current starter is FA next year and has no surefire understudy | Current starter is FA next year and has understudy or current starter is inexperienced | One or more backups are FAs next year | May need a new starter or backup after 2012 season |
| WR, DE, CB, K, P | OT, OG, FS, | WR, QB, DT, RB, LB, S | C, TE, RB, DE, LB, CB |
I copied and pasted the chart from http://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2011/12/24/2658615/2012-nfl-draft-scouting-for-future-chargers-bowl-games-part-3 then used HTML, to customize it, in order to add the Jaguars colors.
Quarterback: Blaine Gabbert will be the starter this upcoming season, but his backup, Luke McCown, will be a free agent. So we need somebody to sit behind him, hopefully a veteran that can come in and win us a few games, in case Gabbert goes down.
Running Back: Maurice Jones-Drew is the best back in the league, so we obviously don't need a starter. Rashad Jennings, the change of pace back, is coming off an injury, but was reportedly cleared to play a while ago, although he was on IR. The only additions to this spot, would be to the #3 back, as Deji regressed, and Dujuan Harris can't keep his footing,
Full Back: Greg Jones is one of the best in the business, and Brock Bolen and Montell Owens are serviceable special team aces.
Wide Receiver: This is the team's biggest need. If Gene wants to, he can cut every receiver on the Jaguars roster, and I wish he would, with the exception of Cecil Shorts III, who still can prove himself. Dillard was mediocre, Chastin West looked like he was still in college, Hill was cut, Robiskie went on IR after acquiring him. Kassim Osgood is a special team ace, but not a receiving threat, and Mike Thomas decided to slack after receiving a 3 year 18M contract. The team will have to sign atleast 1 receiver in free agency, hopefully two, and then draft a couple receivers.
Tight End: Marcedes Lewis will definitely be here next season, although he had a poor season, compared to his 700 yard 10 TD 2010 campaign. He's expected to bounce back. Zach Miller is backup, is an athletically gifted tight end, but is consistently hurt, and is a poor blocker. The third guy is Zach Potter, who is a good blocker, but doesn't offer much as receiving threat. This position can definitely another guy, but only guy who would fit, would have to be a solid hybrid guy, somebody who can block and catch.
Offensive Line: Left Tackle is good, as Eugene Monroe was very good this year, and Cameron Bradfield is a solid backup. Left guard was a liability, as Will Rackley is inexperienced, and showed he wasn't ready to start, he can be upgrade, but I believe the Jags will give him more time to develop before replacing him, though a temporary patch would be nice. Center is solid, as Brad Meester is still good, but he is aging, and will be in a contract year. His backup is supposedly the next center, as he has been being groomed for the last few years. Right guard is good with Uche Nwaneri playing solid football, and Kevin Haslam coming off injury. Right Tackle is a liability, as Eben Britton is consitently hurt, though in a recent Jaguars.com article says he feels better then he has in a long time. His backup is horrible as well, not even serviceable. Right Tackle can use an upgrade, and then switch Britton over to guard, and let Rackley groom more.
Defensive Line: Defensive Tackle is a set position, as Tyson Alualu is turning into a solid DT, and Knighton is becoming one of the best. Knighton will be in a contract year this year as well, but 2 of back ups, Douzable and Mosley and Collins are free agents, and Douzable may get some looks from teams looking for a 3/5 tech. If none are retained we will need atleast one or two guys to replace them, but I think they will resign. At defensive end, we are leading into a dark tunnel. Matt Roth and Jeremy Mincey, the starters, are both free agents, Aaron Kampman will likely be cut. So the Jags need to resign one of these guys, and draft a guy to start, or sign a defensive end in free agency, and draft a defensive end as well. Maybe Coples and Mario Williams? Depth is fine, as Austen Lane, John Chick, and Aaron Morgan are all coming off IR.
Linebackers:The starting linebacker unit for Jacksonville is one of the best in the league, but Posluszny is rehabbing from shoulder surgery. Session is coming off IR as well, but it was due to multiple concussions, and he should be fine. Daryl Smith as we all know is the most underrated player in the league. He'll be back as well. The depth is good as well, but the Jags should try resigning Russell Allen, he's a versatile backup, who can play inside or outside, and start if needed. May be smart to get a project player to develop.
Corner Backs: Rashean Mathis, Derek Cox, and William Middleton are all coming off IR. But Mathis and Middleton are both free agents. Middleton can easily be replaced in the middle rounds of the draft, as he was the #4 CB anyway. But Mathis was the best corner on this team, and if the Jags choose to not to resign him, they either have to take a CB early in the draft or sign somebody in free agency. If healthy and while in tact, this is a strong unit. Even if Mathis is resigned a project player should be sought out, as Mathis will need to be replaced within the next few years.
Safeties: Lowery and Landry are a very good starting unit. Landry will be here for quite a while, but Lowery is a free agent, I do believe Lowery will be resigned and is a top priority. The depth is solid, as we have Courtney Greene, who is a free agent, and Prosinski, and Rod Issac.
Kicker: Scobee is a free agent, and will be a top priority, he's one of the best in the league at his trade, and replacing him would be tough.
Punter: Nick Harris is a free agent, but the guy wasn't too good anyway. We need to find a solid punter, to be good in special teams again.
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As for signing for depth, I Wouldn't mind...
Chad Henne at QB
Tim Hightower at RB
Ernie Sims at LB
Resigning Courney Greene as S
and Tommie Harris at DT
What about kick returner?
Although the significance of the position is diminishing, I’ve gotten the vibe that the Jaguars are going to pursue an upgrade. Are there going to be any free agents who were returners last year? Even if there’s not, I wouldn’t be surprised if we take a Joe Adams or even a lower round player, and take a stab at the position like we did with Deji in 09.
Ted Ginn Jr
Free agent and should be cheap.. can return punts and kick offs…
Seems possible.
Looking at the statistics, he would be an upgrade at both positions from last year.
Land a #1 reciever and Ted Ginn Jr.
and draft a #2 and our offense has no excuses…
Oh, yes we do.
2nd year QB who is essentially a rookie because this was his first offseason. I can hear it now…
If he has the weapons and doesn’t throw for over 3000 yards and near 20 TD, time to move on.
We have treaded to long in misery
He will have to show massive progress
but he won’t have to put up the numbers you expect from a veteran. I don’t think he’ll be on the hot seat until 2013 season.
muddyballs
read what I wrote…i did not say anything about kicking him yet. Next year is his second year, it is typically the biggest year of improvement and hopefully Gabbert improves, since the talent around him won’t be the scapegoat.
If he has the weapons and doesn’t throw for over 3000 yards and near 20 TD, time to move on
Seemed to be implied in the tone.
every other good QB hits those numbers..
Why should ours be any different? 2nd year, 3000 yards is less then 200/game.
If he can’t do that with weapons around him, we will win about 5 games again
"So we need somebody to sit behind him, hopefully a veteran that can come in and win us a few games, in case Gabbert goes down."
Or in case Gabbert is not what the Jags believe he is. I am not trying to be Debbie Downer, but I am not ready for my team to put all their eggs in the Gabbert basket just yet!
The team...
put all their eggs in one basket with Gabbert when Gene traded up to get him, released Garrard and started Blaine after the Jets game. Like it or not, as Alfie said, barring injury, he’ll be starting every game next season.
I will have to disagree with you and Mr. Crow.....
Even though I agree with the statement you made about the teams decision, I also believe that if at some point it is confirmed that the man can not get the job done, the experiment will end. That is why I hope we have a quality back-up that at least gives us a chance. It very well may be a late round QB picked this year, or it could be Luke. I agree Gene may want to play the part of the captain and go down with a sinking Gabbert ship (if that happens), but I am not so sure that Mr. Kahn will agree. All this being said, I still believe that Blaine will come around this year and be the QB that the Jags believed he could be. I just want a back-up plan in place!
I'd be happy with this direction in the offseason
Free Agent targets: DE Mario Williams or DE Cliff Avril (local Jax guy), 2 of the following WRs Dwayne Bowe, Stevie Johnson, Marques Colston, or Vincent Jackson. Sign CB Brent Grimes CB Cortland Finnegan or CB Ladarius Webb, and G Ben Grubbs. Back-up QB Dennis Dixon or Jason Campbell (Campbell brings that veteran role, while Dixon doesn’t he has a lot fo upside) Then resign #3Mincey, #2Scobee, Roth, and especially #1Lowery. Then during the draft take best player available focusing on WR, OL, CB.
If we target Williams and Finnegan we weaken our division rivals.
You do realize there is a salary cap in the NFL right?
You just mentioned adding a pro bowl DE, two #1 receivers, a very good starting caliber CB, and a very good G. There is no way we could pay all of them. Ill take three of the five and those would be more reasonable expectations.
Wasn't Haslam playing LT when he was injured at the scrimmage?
I was surprised to see that you have Haslam as Uche’s back-up. I do recall something about his versatility, but it seems if he has the talent to play LT (I remember lots of praise from Lageman), than L/R Tackle would be a more valuable place for him. I think Bradfield and Haslam are very good candidates for a solid back-up LT and/or starting RT. I am thinking maybe we should focus on finding another Guard to compete instead of a Tackle, but I guess that mostly depends on where the staff feels Britton is going to fit best. If they have given up on Britton at RT, then we should seek another RT. If they still think of Britton as a RT, then we should seek another Guard. For sure, Guy Whimper should be gone unless he can be that Guard.
"The truth is incontrovertible, malice may attack it, ignorance may deride it, but in the end; there it is." Winston Churchill
Haslam can play inside or outside I guess.
Contributor at BCC.
"thanks for hating"
"Give it up now before its too late!…. CJ will be shut down? Nevermind, its already too late." AZ TiTan10
by rhettchrystal on Feb 9, 2012 3:14 PM EST up reply actions
+1
Hasn’t Whimper been in the league for 6 years? If so, he doesn’t play like it!
I like...
your scouting ability but I’m not a fan of your team building mentality. I’ll start with your perception of the receivers. Yes, the group underperformed last year but cutting them all is not the best way to go (and yes, I’m aware you said you’d keep Cecil around). What you do is, bring guys in via free agency and the draft and let training camp and preseason sort them out. You say we should draft a couble. But what’s a couple? We already have only so many picks and any guys drafted after the 3rd round will unlikely be better than what we already have. Also, I don’t see how you (or anyone for that matter) could accurately label any of last year receivers with the condition the passing offense was as a whole. Blaine and his pass protection had a lot to do with the perception of the receivers
Then the TE position. You say we need depth there but mention we already have two players behind the starter. From what you said about the two players behind Lewis, they are the depth you’re suggesting we need for double tight end sets and goal line situations. If Potter can block and Miller is a pass catching threat, then what more do we need from the depth? I know Miller has been injury prone but if depth is fine at DE because of players coming off of IR, then the same should reign true in this case.
All I’m going to say about the offensive line is touch base on what you said about Rackley. Upgrading him at this point would be counter productive at this point. He’s in the same boat as Gabbert. Since they’ve already started, finding someone to take their starting role would only set them back in their respective development. So attempting finding a temporary patch is not a good idea.
Linebackers. No the depth is not fine. After Russell Allen, who is a free agent as you mentioned, there’s nothing we can depend on. What you said about finding a player to develop ala Allen is a good idea.
Lastly, what you said about Middleton, by my account, is false. I highly doubt some middle round draft pick could easily replace him. You didn’t mention the fact that he was the #4 corner because by default, Coleman was the third because he’s the NB. Finding someone who could come in and play the way Middleton did from a rookie is unlikely unless it’s a early round selection, which would only increase the odds of that being a gurantee.
Lets see...
…
All the receivers sucked, yes the Gabbert struggled badly, but they didn’t help at all. Nobody stepped up, and most of them took steps back. They are all low-end #5s on most rosters, and Thomas is a slot. I say do a full rebuild, draft say…Joe Adams and Jarius Wright…too good receiver who are better then all of those receivers, besides Thomas.
Potter can block, but doesn’t offer much as a receiving threat, Miller goes down consistently, and having a guy who can catch and block would be better then having Potter.
You are right, it may mess up his development, and be counter productive, but if I’m the Jags. I want to win…Rackley causes this team to lose, with his poor blocking, a patch will solidify the line, and we will have no weaknesses. Why have Gabbert keep getting hit for 2 more years over and over again, when we can just solve the problem now.
Kyle Bosworth was pretty good when healthy. Bosworth and Allen can be backups as they are both versatile enough to play in or out, but like I said, another stud would be nice.
Let’s see…Josh Norman, Chase Minnifield, Stephon Gilmore, Jamell Fleming, Brandon Boykin, Casey Hayward, Alfonzo Dennard, Trumaine Johnson, Donnie Fletcher, and the list keeps going…
Honestly, I say lets try signing Bryant McFadden, he can replace Middleton(if Middleton doesn’t come back), and start if needed. He’s 30, but he’s still talented.
Contributor at BCC.
"thanks for hating"
"Give it up now before its too late!…. CJ will be shut down? Nevermind, its already too late." AZ TiTan10
by rhettchrystal on Feb 9, 2012 4:14 PM EST up reply actions
I was going to...
respond with this long response but it’s obvious that we’re not going to see eye to eye on these issues, so I’m just going to agree to disagree with you. None the less, congrats on getting this linked by Kuharsky.
thanks
Contributor at BCC.
"thanks for hating"
"Give it up now before its too late!…. CJ will be shut down? Nevermind, its already too late." AZ TiTan10
by rhettchrystal on Feb 10, 2012 6:22 PM EST up reply actions
I'm assuming that will happen.
Contributor at BCC.
"thanks for hating"
"Give it up now before its too late!…. CJ will be shut down? Nevermind, its already too late." AZ TiTan10
by rhettchrystal on Feb 9, 2012 3:14 PM EST up reply actions
:o
Kuharsky posted this on his reading the coverage, I feel so accomplished.
Contributor at BCC.
"thanks for hating"
"Give it up now before its too late!…. CJ will be shut down? Nevermind, its already too late." AZ TiTan10
You must be the youngest person
Ever to get linked by ESPN.
I probably am,
so happy. :)
Contributor at BCC.
"thanks for hating"
"Give it up now before its too late!…. CJ will be shut down? Nevermind, its already too late." AZ TiTan10
by rhettchrystal on Feb 9, 2012 5:39 PM EST up reply actions
Heads up
may not be doing my Matt Kalil scouting report, as today is my lil bro’s bday and I’m going out, and by the time I get back, I have to do some schoolwork… :/
Contributor at BCC.
"thanks for hating"
"Give it up now before its too late!…. CJ will be shut down? Nevermind, its already too late." AZ TiTan10
I have come to a conclusion
BigCatCountry.com is Exhibit A when Rhett makes his case to the Jaguars as to why he should be able to get a position in the organization.
"The dictionary is the only place that success comes before work. Hard work is the price we must pay for success. I think you can accomplish anything if you're willing to pay the price." -Vince Lombardi
Twitter: @JWGreenbaum
by Jagsrok9008 on Feb 9, 2012 5:43 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
haha
If I ever did make my my case to the Jags, I’d print out everything I did here, and make a portfolio. :)
Contributor at BCC.
"thanks for hating"
"Give it up now before its too late!…. CJ will be shut down? Nevermind, its already too late." AZ TiTan10
by rhettchrystal on Feb 9, 2012 5:52 PM EST up reply actions
you really should
"The dictionary is the only place that success comes before work. Hard work is the price we must pay for success. I think you can accomplish anything if you're willing to pay the price." -Vince Lombardi
Twitter: @JWGreenbaum
I live in NJ
and I’m 16, and don’t plan on going to college, so if they want to pay for me to move down to FL as soon as I turn 18, and work for the organization, I would…but they definitely wouldn’t offer somebody with no experience and no degree anything…
Contributor at BCC.
"thanks for hating"
"Give it up now before its too late!…. CJ will be shut down? Nevermind, its already too late." AZ TiTan10
by rhettchrystal on Feb 9, 2012 6:30 PM EST up reply actions
I am 21 and live in NY
and am currently in college. Not the ideal guy to ask to fund your move down to florida
"The dictionary is the only place that success comes before work. Hard work is the price we must pay for success. I think you can accomplish anything if you're willing to pay the price." -Vince Lombardi
Twitter: @JWGreenbaum
haha i said "if they"
not you.
Contributor at BCC.
"thanks for hating"
"Give it up now before its too late!…. CJ will be shut down? Nevermind, its already too late." AZ TiTan10
by rhettchrystal on Feb 9, 2012 9:25 PM EST up reply actions
my bad
i skimmed and thought you were asking me to pay for you to move
"The dictionary is the only place that success comes before work. Hard work is the price we must pay for success. I think you can accomplish anything if you're willing to pay the price." -Vince Lombardi
Twitter: @JWGreenbaum
All my family is from NJ
I hate how NYer’s call it the the “arm pit”of america
by Jags85 on Feb 10, 2012 9:49 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
I'll tell you what
If you ever get to a point to where your writing is as solid, flawless and coherent as it is googled, I will sign the petition you use as exhibit B.
by Mr.Awesome on Feb 9, 2012 7:14 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Please proofread
I’m glad you’re contributing content to the site, but please proofread your future efforts. It’s hard to read this when there’s literally grammatical errors in every other sentence.
I just proofread
and didn’t see to much, I did this in about 15 minutes, so cut me some slack, it happens, when you got to do homework then shower, and gotta get up at 6 the next morning.
Contributor at BCC.
"thanks for hating"
"Give it up now before its too late!…. CJ will be shut down? Nevermind, its already too late." AZ TiTan10
by rhettchrystal on Feb 9, 2012 9:23 PM EST up reply actions
too much* and also I got a D in English :\
Contributor at BCC.
"thanks for hating"
"Give it up now before its too late!…. CJ will be shut down? Nevermind, its already too late." AZ TiTan10
by rhettchrystal on Feb 9, 2012 9:28 PM EST up reply actions
Hehe
Just keep in mind teachers hound on grammar, spelling and punctuation for a reason. They want you to use those skills in everyday life. Using the language properly gives you more credibility, and would give an extra “oomph” to your article.
well...
…the reason I got a D, is because what the **** is transcendentalism.
Contributor at BCC.
"thanks for hating"
"Give it up now before its too late!…. CJ will be shut down? Nevermind, its already too late." AZ TiTan10
by rhettchrystal on Feb 10, 2012 6:23 PM EST up reply actions
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