The Jacksonville Jaguars completed their offseason training activities yesterday with a final practice.  With this, the Jaguars now have 45 days until the opening of training camp on Saturday, July 26th.  Most players and coaches will take a vacation and spend time with their families as what promises to be a very long season.(February, perhaps!) It's time well deserved, as there's very little idle time between the end of the season and the start of draft season. 

Interestingly, I'm less morose about the beginning of the "dead zone" than usual.  I typically dread the end of OTA's and minicamp because it's the end of any real Jaguars news and other sports are either ending (basketball) or mind-numbing (baseball).  This time, I feel anxious about the start of training camp and the season, but there's something reassuring about all this time away from the team.

Maybe it's all the questions that I need to sort out.  Questions about the roster, questions about the playbook, questions about the state of the team.  The 2008 Jacksonville Jaguars are in so many ways a different team than we're used to.  While the Jaguars always suffered from roster shifts, free agency, etc, I can't recall a year of such a drastic remaking of the team, from the coaches to the players than this offseason.  I think that's why I'm ready for a few weeks to make sense of it all. 

During the next six weeks, Big Cat Country is going to take an exhaustive look at our roster, our coaches, and what we project to be the playbook.  They'll be an interview here and there, some special guests, and hopefully the best Jaguars coverage you can find.  We'll have some fun, of course, but we'll be keeping a close eye on the calendar.  July 26th, so close, yet so far away.

Let's take a quick look at what we know after OTA's and what is still uncertain:

We Know:

1. David Garrard is on his game.  Recent Jaguars history has shown us that our passing game is slow to develop.  Not this time, David's throwing freaking lasers, our receivers are catching passes, and things are on track.

2. Gregg Williams is experimenting with the attack.  The Jaguars "new" defense, so far, is blitz heavy.  It's unclear if this is a way for Gregg Williams to figure out what his players can do or if it's a sign of things to come.  It's obvious that the defense we fielded against the Patriots in the Playoffs is dead and gone.

3. Derrick Harvey and Quentin Groves are fast.  It's hard to measure their impact in their shorts and t-shirts, but speed is obvious.  In fact, the entire defense reeks of speed from top to bottom.  Can you find a faster defensive group than Harvey, Groves, Mathis, Durant, Peterson, and Nelson?

4. Richard Collier and Justin Durant are rapidly replacing Khalif Barnes and Clint Ingram at their respective starting positions.

We Don't Know:

1. Our wide receivers: I can tell you for sure that Porter, Williams, and Northcutt will be our X, Y, and Slot receivers accordingly.  I can tell you with a strong degree of probability that Troy Williamson and John Broussard will be one of the two remaing roster spots.  Matt Jones, Mike Walker, and the rest of the bunch are competing for one remaining spot, as carrying six receivers is foolish.

2. Can Troy Williamson keep on catching when the pads are on and it really matters.  Yes, Troy has excelled during practice, but he's looked pretty good in Vikings OTA's as well.  In fact, we've got questions about all the first round reconstruction projects.  Is Jimmy Kennedy going to turn it on at defensive tackle?  Will Matt Jones turn his career around and finally take the next step?

3. Will the Jaguars actually bring the heat?  Yes, our defense looks fast, but how will it translate in the pads on environment of camp and the preseason? 

4. Will the Jaguars make it to September without major injury?  No matter how important practice is to developing a playoff team, the most important thing is for the Jaguars to start the season fast and healthy.  The AFC South will be decided in the first four weeks of the season, starting slow and injured greatly effects our ability to win the division.

That's my quick take.  We've got weeks and weeks to flesh this out further, so be prepared for more analysis.

I'd like to know what you'd like to know about the Jaguars during the dead zone?  What would you like to discuss, debate, analyze, etc?  What questions do you have about the 2008 Jaguars?  I'm happy to explore any topic, so let me know what you're thinking!

-Chris

Quick Bytes: The daily digest of everything you need to know about the Jacksonville Jaguars (and other things).

:  ESPN's Pat Yasinskas spent some time in Jacksonville this weekend.  His first article examines the expectations surrounding Derrick Harvey and Quentin Groves:

If Groves and Harvey can share a few more encounters standing around fallen opposing quarterbacks, the Jaguars might be a lot better than OK.

:  Yasinskas also looks at Jaguars Quarterbacks Coach Mike Shula and his up-and-down experience as a coach:

Fans in Tampa Bay and Tuscaloosa might not want to hear it or believe it, but Shula is a very good coach and he's finally landed in a great situation. As Jacksonville's quarterbacks coach, Shula has been a driving force behind the emergence of David Garrard.

: Michael Wright of the Florida Times-Union writes about the uniqueness of the Jaguars minicamp :

The Jaguars' two-day minicamp began Friday, their latest start under coach Jack Del Rio. The team hopes that will result in fewer injuries (by giving players more time in offseason conditioning) and allow rookies to adjust to NFL life.

: Wright also looks at the struggles of Cleo Lemon, the ones that were painfully obvious this weekend.  Lemon shall be referred to from here on out as the "three million dollar man":

: Gene Frenette exposes some problems with Jaguars ticket sales in a well-timed piece that is sure to continue the national media's obsession with Jacksonville's ticket woes.  I implore everyone to help stop this by buying tickets:

No doubt it's a tough economy, and people must make difficult choices with their entertainment dollars. But with the NFL angling to put an existing team in Los Angeles in the next five years, the last thing Jacksonville wants is to give an impression that this market has trouble filling the low-priced seats (51,000) when the Jaguars' football arrow is pointing up.

: Alex Marvez of FoxSports.com takes a closer look at the quietest first round draft pick in recent history, the critcially important but media shy Derrick Harvey:

  VERSUS  

Introduction:

With minicamp this weekend, Collin and I thought it would be interesting to look at some of the direct competition to watch for as you observe the practices.  Our first matchup comes at the hyper-competitive Wide Receiver position, where two speedsters go head to head for the same roster spot.  When you look at position battles, it's not just a matter of numbers, but rather an examination of role.  Sometimes a battle develops due to the similar roles two players fill are very similar.  For example, Defensive Tackles Derek Landri and Theo Horrocks play the same position, but would not be considered battling over the same role because the former is a faster pass-rushing DT, where the other is a more traditional run-stuffer. 

In this case, the Jaguars have a pair of wide receivers both destined to fill the role of speedy deep threat that's designed to stretch defenses and draw coverage.  Their value is measured in both long passing receptions and also in plays where safeties and cornerbacks are drawn deep, opening up underneath routes and the running game.

Both also suffer major criticisms that hinder their competition for a roster spot.  Williamson was nothing more than an absolute flop in Minnesota, dropping many a sure thing touchdown pass. Broussard shows flashes of greatness, but his body size is dangerously thin for the NFL and he is hindered by nagging injuries.

Collin is defending Broussard, I'm taking Williamson.  It's up to you to decide!

Troy Williamson: Diamond in the Rough

One teams trash is another ones treasure, that's how the saying goes.  Troy Williamson had about as hard of a deal as you can get since he was drafted in 2005.  He's had a constant string of coaches, quarterbacks, offensive coordinators, and a fanbase that expected far too much from a first round pick in his first season.  He's increadbly fast, so much so that he loses focus on the ball in the air as he works on blowing past his coverage.

He comes to Jacksonville with the lowest of expectations.  A 6th round pick for the Jaguars might have been a wasted pick anyhow, and his contract is tiny compared to other first round receivers.  There is simply no risk for the Jaguars, other than upside.  Troy is now reunited with the coach who selected him in Mike Tice, he's got a stable situation at quarterback, and he's in an offense that won't be depending on him to produce right out of the gates.  He can ease into the offense and focus on concentration.

Remember this, you can't coach speed.  Williamson is also built a little more soundly than Broussard, and has more experience, albeit tainted with Vikings nonsense.  I completely disagree with my partner-in-crime in claiming that Broussard is tougher over the middle.  Sure he might lack any fear, but his body simply won't sustain an NFL season if used that way.  Troy's got 18 pounds (203) to John's 185, and that's a big difference considering how similar they are in game speed.

Don't get me wrong, I love what John Broussard can do, but he's not built (yet) to handle a full season.  Troy has all the un-coachables, and he's got the motivation to perform far beyond our expectations.  I predict that Troy makes the starting roster and John spends the year on the practice squad.

-Chris

John Broussard: Speed over Size:

Sorry Chris, but the speed-demon role in our WR corps is going to be Johnny "B-B-Big Play" Broussard, not Troy Williamson. John will be on the final roster when the season begins for a variety of reasons. First, Troy couldn't catch malaria on a month long safari as he's proven to be a perennial ball dropper. Make no mistake he was a bust in Minnesota and likely he'll be a bust here. For that reason alone he's got more to prove in camp than Broussard. Troy's got to show he can catch in the NFL while Broussard's only requirements are improving his route running and beating press coverage more.

John can catch; he took advantage of his few opportunities and came up big time last year. That's what it's all about, making the most of your chances on the field. He's undersized and was re-routed way too often last season, something he'll have to address in order to play often this year. His quickness is comparable to that of Williamson. They both possess real speed that translates well into the NFL, but Broussard has shown he'll catch it when he wins deep. He was a seventh round pick and is due far less money than Williamson, and although it can't be ignored I doubt that'll play into account because the Jags have plenty of cap-room.

Let me say that I hope Troy wins the camp-battle. He is a more versatile option and could go over the middle, unlike Broussard who would promptly be broken by an opposing LB after the catch. However, despite his one-dimensional approach in the pass game he has show to have helped indirectly in the run-game by forcing one more defender to stay out of the "box". This pseudo-versatility is what got him onto the field so often as it made up for his abhorrent blocking.

Size and speed are major pluses, but what is of the utmost importance is the ability to catch. It takes more that just speed, which Broussard has demonstrated to have while Troy hasn't proven to be anything more than one fast cat. The only reason Troy has gotten so many chances is the same reason Matt Jones has gotten so many chances. Their first-round pedigree saves their head from the chopping block year after year. Not this time... this is a battle between a sixth-round pick (via trade) in Troy and a seventh rounder in Johnny B. It's going to be brutal because they know they can't both make the squad. Let's not forget about Mike Walker, he's got Troy's body and John's hands which means he likely will make the team this season.

Johnny Big Play will never be a number one, but he has shown to have the talent to compete at this level. If he doesn't make it on the team it won't be due to his regression, it'll be due Troy's ascension. John will continue to play at the NFL level even if it's for another team. He needs to learn to compensate for his lack of size by perfecting his route running, a much easier task than learning to catch. Let's hope Broussard's ankle surgery from February doesn't linger and limit his speed in camp so the best man can truly win.

-Collin

Your Turn:

Who makes the roster?  You can take the easy route and vote in the poll.  Or be aggressive and comment!  If you think we're both wrong, tell us why.  If you think I'm a brilliant analyst and Collin is just silly, say that too, but defend it!  If you think Collin has it nailed and I'm so jaded from following our wide receivers that I'm blind, say that too!

In recent years the Jacksonville Jaguars have faced a "yeah, but" problem with their offense.  The solid running game, the productive line play, even with the quarterback problems, the sore thumb of the Jaguars offense is the Wide Receiving Corps.  Despite having two first round draft picks in Reggie Williams and Matt Jones, the Jaguars have not yet found the heir apparant to Jimmy Smith, and even throughout the outstanding 2007 season lacked the receiver that guaranteed a double team and that would strike fear into defensive game planning.

While the Jaguars went through an offensive explosion last season, there are still question marks surrounding the receivers.  Will Reggie Williams repeat his 10 touchdown and 600 yards or was those merely outliers?  Will Matt Jones wake up or stay in Jack Del Rio's doghouse?

The offseason only added to those questions as the Jaguars charted an aggressive course to surround quarterback David Garrard with as many weapons as possible.  Jerry Porter left the miserable and hopeless Oakland Raiders in a 30 million dollar free agent contract.  The Jaguars traded with the Minnesota Vikings to get Troy Williamson for a 6th round pick.

There is an impressive amount of draft picks in the receiving corps.  Three first round picks (Williams, Williamson, Jones), two second round picks (Porter, Northcutt), and a 7th round pick in John Broussard round out the group.  Toss in the four undrafted free agents and you've got a pretty intense competition for what can only be 5 or 6 roster spots, not including free agency.

It's already obvious that the Jaguars are going to use three roster spots for Quarterbacks.  The Jaguars usually have 24-25 players on their final offensive roster,  carrying 6 WR's will mean less offensive linemen or tight ends.  So while this exercise in roster prediction is based of carrying six, the Jaguars might find themselves in a need of depth elsewhere, leading to a more difficult picture.

The Safe:

Three Wide Receivers can rest easy going into the 2008 Season.  Either because of contract or because of performance, these three guys are a lock for a roster spot.

• Jerry Porter: No comment needed here, he's here to bring some spark to our offense and to give David Garrard a consistent target downfield.  There are 10 million reasons why he'll be our number one receiver on opening day.
• Reggie Williams: The much maligned and dance loving wide receiver burst onto the scene last season with 10 touchdowns and 629 yards, both career highs.  There are some who consider this an outlier, but it could be the awakening that the first round pick was waiting for.   This should be toward the end of Reggie's contract with the Jaguars, and another 8-10 touchdowns could ensure him a decent contract with somebody in the near future.
  
• Dennis Northcutt: The least safe of the safe three, if that makes sense.  Dennis brings something to the table that other receivers lack, and that's an ability to return punts.  That alone nearly assures him a roster spot.  With Porter and Williams on the outside, Northcutt should spend plenty of time working out of the slot, which is a natural spot for him.  He was expensive last year, and that fact alone gives him job security

The Muddled Middle:

Predicting the season for the next group of wide receivers is nearly impossible.  They're either inconsistent, unproven, or unreliable, but have a substantial investment of some sort that makes them likely to be on the final roster, but it's by no means a sure thing.

• Matt Jones: If the Jaguars elect to carry only five wide receivers, Matt Jones is gone.  There are just too many hard working players that actually seem to enjoy the game of Football to let Jones occupy a roster spot.  That said, he had a fairly respectable season last year when he was allowed to play, and somehow he catches the ball in clutch situations.  The constant fade routes drive fans crazy though.  Were Matt Jones to show up to OTA's and Training Camp in good shape and with the right attitude, he could almost be considered a lock.  Unfortunately, Matt Jones needs to decide if he wants to be a football player or if he wants to pack it in. 
• Mike Walker: If he's healthy, he's a lock.  If he's hurt, it's another year on the practice squad, at best.  Jacksonville used a third round pick in 2007 to take a chance on an impressive, albeit damaged, talent.  So far Mike is batting .500 on OTA participation, but if he can make it through the offseason without knee swelling or other problems, the Jaguars just solved their Wide Receiver problems for sure.  The better Mike Walker looks in practice, the less secure Matt Jones may be in his roster spot.
• Troy Williamson: This is a case of a player that has every chance to prove himself and take a roster spot.  Troy is the speedy deep threat that keeps the safeties deep and opens up a lot of options for the Jaguars offense.  He's also universally derided for his inability to catch the ball when wide open.  The Vikings thought they were robbing the Jaguars when they received a 6th round pick for the maligned wide receiver.  Now he's fighting for a spot on a team that's willing to give him a chance to prove the critics wrong.   Williamson and John Broussard are competing for the same roster spot, if Troy can show sure hands, he's got the job.

The Rest of the Story:

• John Broussard: On his first catch in an NFL regular season game, Broussard was on the receiving end of a 56 yard touchdown pass in what seemed to be a sign of good things yet to come.  Unfortunately, an ankle injury forced John onto the Injured Reserve and out of the picture.  His size and durability are an issue as 173 lbs is on the frail side for a receiver.  John must watch Troy Williamson very closely, as if Williamson falls short, Broussard can make the roster as the speedy deep threat, albeit less proven.  If Williamson works out, John can expect another year on the practice squad.
• Derrek Richards: The key to making an NFL Roster is to be as multi-functional as possible.  Richards, an undrafted free-agent from Utah, is just that, a 5' 11'', 182 lb receiver that ran a 4.39 40-yard dash and can return both kicks and punts.  With the Jaguars wanting to use Maurice Jones-Drew more on offense, there is an opening on the team as a kick returner.  Should Derrek show his speed, there's a spot for him as a special teams/return specialist.  If nothing else, Richards has practice squad written all over him.
• Jeron Harvey: This is a prototypical Jaguars receiver: 6' 5'', 215lbs, a little slow, a little sloppy in route running, but big enough to dominate for the ball.  If anything, Harvey needs to learn to play up to his size.  The Houston wide receiver is a long shot for the final roster, but if things play out right, should expect to be on the practice squad.  Of course, for things to play out right, he'd probably need to combine a strong performance with either Broussard or Richards making the final roster.  What hurts Jeron is his unproven record on special teams.  If he can find a second role, he'll improve his odds tremendously. 
  
• D'Juan Woods: Last year's undrafted free agent spent time bouncing from the roster to the practice squad.  He's clearly a player the Jaguars have an eye on as a developing prospect, but will probably be a victim of the numbers game.  It's unlikely that the Jaguars put more than two wide receivers on the practice squad, so only the most outstanding of performances puts him on the team in any fashion.
• Clyde Edwards: This UDFA from Grambling will be fighting for a spot on the practice squad.  He's not as strong as a return man as Richards, and has the longest of long shots to make the team.  He'll be performing in the preseason for the NFL Scouts, rather than the Jaguars coaching staff.

Roster Predictions:

6 Receivers, 2 practice squad

Jerry Porter, Reggie Williams, Dennis Northcutt, Mike Walker, Troy Williamson, Derek Richards (PS: John Broussard, Jeron Harvey)

5 Receivers, 2 Practice Squad

Jerry Porter, Reggie Williams, Dennis Northcutt, Mike Walker, Troy Williamson (PS: Derek Richards, John Broussard)

Your thoughts?

-Chris