Introduction

When you are in the stadium watching the games, you get a sense of how David Garrard plays. You begin to see that he has favorite targets and has to form chemistry with the receiver. Ernest Wilford was someone David trusted, so was Dennis Northcutt. Reggie Williams began to develop that chemistry and David looked for him when he could. In 2008, our QB was left stranded without his familiar group. Wilford was gone, Northcutt was in the doghouse for some reason, Reggie couldn't get separation probably due to his knee and David had no one to go to. He began locking on Matt Jones and Matt responded. Jerry Porter did have a legitimate complaint when he said David never looked his way. I saw him open a number of times and David never even considered him as an option. Then again, I saw Jerry drop passes when David did key on him, so maybe it was justified.

So I didn't get the coaching philosophy around the wide receivers in 2008. Why sit Dennis down after signing him in free agency? If David is running for his life, where is his tight end? Why have David and Marcedes never really connected? Why was the receiving lineup always changing? I do think David and Mike Walker were getting it together when Mike went down again. David trusted Mike and would throw to him. Simply put, David Garrard never got comfortable with his receivers in 2008. Some of that injury, some of it coaching.

While investigating possible second round draft choices, I ran across Hakeem Nicks. I watched the video over and over and I couldn't help but think, this would be someone David would love to have on the team. This guy loves traffic, this guy loves getting physical and making the play. This guy has hands as big as Shaq's show size. I watched the greatest catch of 2008 over and over and realized you can trust Hakeem Nicks to catch the ball. It just struck me that David would lock in on him every play.

The data on Hakeem

Hakeem Nicks is no speed burner and that is the reason he may be available in round two. Projected to have 4.57 speed, he is hoping to be more of a Jerry Rice or Chad Johnson than a Larry Fitzgerald.

Hakeem is coming out early. His junior year, he caught 68 passes for 1,220 yards, 12 touchdowns. Against West Virginia in the all important Meineke Car Care Bowl, he caught 8 passes for 217 yards and three touchdowns. Boston College had a great defense, yet UNC put up 45 points with Hakeem Nicks catching 8 passes for 139 yards and scoring four times( three by air, one running). At 6'1" and 215 lbs, he can get up for the ball and take a hit. His hand size allows him to carry the ball easily, which does lead to bad carrying habits.

Hakeem Nicks BC vs NC Football Highlights 2008 (via vindawgvideo)

Now if you really want to see how good this guy can catch the ball, watch this video

Hakeem Nicks Greatest Catch of the Year? (via ajcgn6)

I could list what the draft scouts say about him, but if you watched the video, you saw everything.  The biggest issue with Hakeem is he doesn't possess the breakaway straight ahead speed.  So he has to apologize for Antoine Bolden or Jerry Rice speed?  I don't think so.

Why do I think Hakeem Nicks should be a Jaguar?

When I watch the tape I see someone David Garrard would be very comfortable with as a receiver.  Hakeem does not need a perfect ball thrown his way to make the catch.  He looks like a legitimate red zone threat.  If David keyed in on him, that only opens the field for Dennis or Matt or Mike, and then think of MJD coming out of the backfield. 

Assuming the O-Line has some stability and David has time to throw, and David has familiar targets, I see Hakeem Nicks getting Rookie of the Year consideration with the Jacksonville Jaguars.  It just feels like a good fit to me. The truth is, he is a first round prospect, but if he is available in the second, don't be surprised if Gene sees what you just watched. Based on what I am seeing, we could use three second round draft choices. 

Now I can already see the comments, he is just a possession receiver, we need a breakaway threat.  In truth, David is not a deep downfield arm. Besides, that is what Troy Williamson is. What we really can use is a guy who catches the ball and makes things happen. So watch the video and let me know what you think. 

Once again we are looking at the offensive line, a common theme this year. While the Left Tackle position is getting the most attention, injuries decimated the inside of the line more than the outside. Brad Meester, Vince Manuwai, Chris Naeole all went down with injuries. There are some intriguing prospects at the Guard, including Duke Robinson of Oklahoma, Andy Levitre of Oregon State, and the subject of this report, Herman Johnson.

Gene Smith says he wants to build from the Inside out? Well how about a guy who was the largest baby born in Louisiana.  Herman Johnson is an All-SEC offensive linemen with great power and is a true road grader for a Guard. Even in this day and age where lineman are supposed to be monsterous, Johnson truly is a "Mountain of a man" at 6'7" 355 lbs.

Johnson is a good candidate for a 3rd round draft choice. He can play either guard position, as well as Right Tackle if pressed.

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Greetings!

So, I know we're all anxiously awaiting the weekend where we can watch strapping young men run around in shorts and t-shirts.  There's simply nothing more exciting than watching future NFL players see how fast they can run or how high they can jump while Deion Sanders and Jon Gruden analyze every single moment.

Now, despite my somewhat mocking take on the combine, it does help us start to shake out the draft order and narrow the focus on players that the Jaguars should keep an eye on.  With that said, I'd like to continue opening up a conversation about who you'd like us to scout here at BCC and what players should be on our radar.

This is my list of players that we've either scouted or plan on scouting.

Who should be on our list that's missing?  Who has no place on this list?  I demand feedback!

-Chris

Brought on in part by Tkopa's previous article, we are looking today at the near consensus #2 QB prospect in the draft, Mark Sanchez. For those not in the know and having abit of a head scratcher, I'm not saying we'll be drafting Sanchez to replace Garrard in April. Sanchez is more of a means to an end, and that end is trading out of the #8 spot if we don't feel there is a player worth the boatloads of cash that goes with picking at that spot. 

Sanchez was only a one year starter for the Trojans, but that year was an impressive one. Sanchez tossed 34 touchdowns to only 10 interceptions, and lead the Trojans to another blowout Rose Bowl win. Sanchez started slow, culminating in USC's infamous loss to Oregon St. However, after that Sanchez hit his stride.

Mark was a surprise entrant into the draft, with even USC head coach Pete Carroll questioning his decision to leave. His decision to leave along with Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford's equally shocking decision to not leave has made Sanchez the #2 QB in the draft.

So then, how does he fit into the Jaguars plans?

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The Jaguars pass defense last year was well, not so good. The Jaguars ranked 24th in the NFL giving up 224 yard per game. Even more concerning, the Jaguars ranked 30th in yards per completion, giving up 8.1 yards per completion. The only other two teams to give up 8+ YPC in 2008? The Rams and the Lions. The Jaguars gave up 55 pass plays of 20 + yards and 17 plays of 40 plus yards, ranking 31st and 32nd in those respective categories. Translation: The Jaguars gave up alot of big plays through the air. Not the news you want to hear in a conference defined by big game quarterbacks.

The Jaguars situation at corner is well, tenuous. Since Rashean Mathis' 2006 season, he has been very on again off again. Dreyton Florence, well I need a rum and coke before I finish that thought. Brian Williams seems better suited at safety, etc.

Enter Alphonso Smith. Smith is part of that 2nd group of corners that fall just short of being grouped with Malcolm Jenkins and Vontae Davis. An on again off again starter at Wake Forest his first two years, Smith came into his own during his Junior and Senior campaigns. Smith managed 15 interceptions and started every game his final two years as a Demon Deacon.

Smith is small, at only 5'9, but he may possess the best nose for the ball and pure coverage skills in the draft.

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For our second look at the offensive side of the ball, we have the Missouri Tigers' Mr.Everything, Jeremy Maclin. Maclin is an explosive punt returner and wide receiver who helped lead Missouri to the 2007 and 2008 Big XII North championships, and helped vault them to being the #1 team in the country at one point during the 2007 season. Maclin was one of the most electrifying players in all of college football the last two years, and could certainly help the Jaguars.

Now before you go, "Oh no John, you've been the one riding the Left Tackle bandwagon, don't you try to say all of the sudden we should take a WR," I think Maclin would be our first rounder in a different circumstance. I think Maclin becomes a primary target is the Jaguars trade out of the #8 spot and collect picks.

It's no secret the Jaguars have been burned by first round wide outs. R. Jay Soward is saved by Ryan Leaf and Jacksonville's market size from being remembered as the biggest bust in recent memory, Reggie Williams failed to live up to top 10 billing, and Matt Jones has been, well Matt Jones.

Since Jimmy Smith retired, the Jaguars have been lacking in a guy who makes sure a safety thinks twice about heading into the box and not helping the corner out. Jeremy Maclin could very well be that player.

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Better Know a Draft Prospect: Mississippi Defensive Tackle Peria Jerry

Introduction:

No, it's not a typo, his name is Peria Jerry, not Jerry Peria as he's been called during the draft season.  His first name is pronounced "pa-Ray", and he played defensive tackle for Ole Miss.  He is also the polar opposite defensive tackle to previously previewed B.J. Raji in that he is a pass rushing with deep penetration who's skill set is that of a backfield disruptor.  For the Jaguars, he's a different sort of compliment to John Henderson in that he'd be the benefactor to John's double-team and could offer pressure up the middle to force a pocket passer off his spot. 

The absence of pressure up the middle by the Jaguars defensive line is an issue that must be resolved in 2009, both Raji and Jerry offer solutions to that problem, though at some cost.  Jerry is best projected as a mid first round pick.  Unless there is a very impressive performance at the Scouting Combine/ Ole Miss Pro-Day, he'll be too much of a reach for the Jaguars at 8th overall.  But that does not mean he's not worth looking at.  The Jaguars, fingers crossed, will be able to trade backwards with someone, hopefully between 12-17, the latter of which is a very comfortable area for a player like Jerry. 

Of course, the debate will rage as to whether selecting anything other than offensive tackle in the first round is a good move for the Jaguars.  I hate to get away from best available player, but every time I salivate over a first round defensive prospect, I think about David Garrard being the most hit quarterback in 2008 and start to doubt the idea.

Video Killed the Scouting Report:

Peria Jerry: By the Numbers

25: Peria will turn 25 on our around the 3rd preseason game of the 2009 season.  That brings a level of emotional maturity to the table, though it means that he's going to peak much sooner than you'd like out of a DT.  But age is just a number, he's got low miles.

Two of his cousins, Eddie Strong and Dwayne Rudd both played in the NFL, so he's got the bloodlines to make it at the professional level.

Notable Quotables:

"LISTEN TO YOUR (EXPLETIVE) COACHES!" Peria Jerry screamed at his teammates.

Expert Opinion:

Positives:

Mocking the Draft: Jerry is a defensive tackle who plays a lot like an end. He has a great burst off the line, reminiscent to Sedrick Ellis of the New Orleans Saints. Uses his quickness to get inside guards to beat blocks and get into the backfield. Adequate lower body strength to take up double teams. A hard worker who will play down the field until the whistle. Has quick hands to work off double teams.  [see more...]

NFL Draft Scout: Quick, active three-technique tackle. ... Good height and adequate girth inside. ... Very quick off the snap, able to beat the down block by tackles or penetrate to force the quarterback to rush his decision. ... Gets his hands inside guards' jerseys to push the pocket. ... Chases downfield on plays away from him, and works hard to make a tackle when the ball is in his area. ... Uses his hands well to defeat cut blocks inside. ... Handles double-teams pretty well when playing the nose considering his height, and is able to get off the double to get to the ball. ... Emerged as the unquestioned leader of the Ole Miss defensive line.  [see more...]

Scott Wright's NFL Countdown: Very athletic...Terrific speed...Quick and explosive...Really fires off the ball...Active and has a fantastic motor...Does a nice job in pursuit and has a burst to close...Can penetrate and wreak havoc in the backfield...Uses his hands well...Shows the ability to shed blocks...Is comfortable in space...Pretty tough...Hard worker and leader...   [see more...]

Negitives:

Mocking the Draft:  Needs to get stronger to hold up better against the run. Gets too tall in his stance at times, allowing linemen to cut under and him control him. Injury concerns are concerning. Had arthroscopic knee surgery prior to the 2008 season. [see more...]

NFL Draft Scout: Takes a lot of plays when slanting toward the action. ... Needs to play stronger at the point against the run. ... Can play a bit high in rushing situations, causing him to lose the leverage battle. ... Lacks great awareness, as he does not keep his eyes in the backfield. ... Takes himself out of plays too often.  [see more...]

Scott Wright's NFL Countdown: Does not have great size or bulk...Frame is awfully close to being maxed out...Not very strong or powerful...Isn't real stout at the point of attack...Has to be more consistent with his leverage...Can get pushed around in the run game...Struggled in the classroom and intelligence may be an issue...Older than the average prospect... [see more...]

Why Should Peria Jerry join the Jacksonville Jaguars:

Much like B.J. Raji, Jerry solves a problem for the Jaguars that hurt them in 2008.  The Jaguars get a developing big guy in the middle of the defense to build the line around and open up chances for Harvey, Groves, Hayward, and Henderson to make plays.  If you increase the pressure on the quarterback, you decrease the pressure on the defensive backs to make plays and raise the level of performance for the entire defense. 

That said, I don't think Peria is there for the Jaguars without a significant move backwards. 

Your thoughts?

Better Know a Draft Prospect: Arizona S Nate Ness

Nate Ness is a FS out of Arizona who started both his Junior and Senior seasons after transferring to the University from Junior College. He played with current NFL DB Antoine Cason and notched 5 interceptions his Junior year. There was some hope that Nate might catapult himself into being a first-day selection with a similar senior season, but he wasn't able to reproduce his fantastic interception total from 2007. As a result, Nate is now a projected 6th-7th round selection who could even slip into UDFA. He has only two years of Division I experience, so he still has much to learn about the some of the nuances of the game. However, he has the potential to be a late round steal after a few years of development. In Junior College he notched 19 interceptions, 10 of which he returned for touchdowns during his 2 year stint.

Nate has vastly improved both his overall strength and his tackling form and ability through his tenure at Arizona. His focus on that aspect of his game has paid dividends in that, although he only made 2 picks his senior season, he more than doubled his number of tackles, going from 32 as a Jr to 75 as a Sr. He is more of a sure tackler than your typical Free Safety (cough, cough Reggie Nelson, cough), and could make the switch to SS easier than most. This versatility could add serious value to Nate's draft stock. 

He is known for his instinctive coverage skills in the secondary, but he has some fundamental flaws in his game that must be addressed. He plays too upright and has some trouble with moving his hips fluidly, but that can be addressed.

Nate is the sole defensive captain of the Arizona Wildcats, despite the team having 3 offensive captains. He is known as a vocal and motivated force in the locker-room who has earned the respect of his team-mates. He's also known as a jokester who can always lighten the mood. He often pulls pranks but according to his team-mate Eben Britton, he doesn't cross the line.

Offensive tackle Eben Britton, another co-captain, called Ness "a vocal leader that really gets guys going."

Ness can be funny, Britton said, but he’s never mean. "Not in an obnoxious, annoying way," Britton said. "He can probably get away with a little more than most guys."

Nate backs up his on-the-field leadership up by volunteering in the community. 

The football players, Nate Ness, Kris Heavner, Donald Horton and A.J. Simmons, are spending this Saturday afternoon bowling and sharing pizza with 34 students from Mission View and Pueblo Gardens elementary schools, both of which serve low-income students.

Video Killed the Scouting Report:  Look for Nate's Endzone INT early in the Vid and his one handed pick late in the Vid... what a catch!

Click Here for the Videos (Sorry about the Auto=Play)

The Expert's Opinions - Not much is out on Nate Ness yet, but here's what I've found:

Positives:

Consensus Draft Services - Has the strength to play up in the box and is a sure tackler. Good ball skills with 7 INT in 2 years starting.

Footballs Future: Nate Ness is quick (4.50 - 40). Nate Ness has good size (at 6-1). Nate Ness loves making plays on the deep ball. Nate Ness is the most physical FS in the '09 Draft. You heard it here first.

Negatives:

Consensus Draft Services: Stiff in coverage and is not smooth in his change of direction. Late coming over the top at times. 

Footballs Future: The only downside: Nate Ness sometimes would rather let his WR catch the ball so he can hit him (legally) than play the ball. All Nate Ness needs is some good coaching because Nate Ness has all the natural tangibles of being a great shutdown NFL FS.

NATE NESS: By The Numbers -

Nate is 6'1" 190 lbs and is a devastating hitter for a FS. He is a self-professed "ball-hawk" who has solid hands. His numbers though his collegiate career showcase his ability to make the INT when given the opportunity. His ferocious tackling has enabled the defense to use him closer to the line of scrimmage to aid in run defense and blitzing.

19 Interceptions in JUCO, 10 returned for TDs

44 Solo Tackles his Sr season

31 Assisted Tackles his Sr season

5 Interceptions his Jr season

2 Interceptions his Sr season

8 QB hurries his Sr season

Why should he be on the Jacksonville Jaguars?

Nate is an ideal late round selection. He's got the versatility to play more than one position, SS or FS, and he's got the character and leadership ability the Jaguar's are targeting in their players. He fits an area of desperate need with the pending departure of Gerald Sensabaugh, and his flaws are all technical in nature and can be resolved with coaching. He's got the speed (4.5 40 yard) to play safety, and his size and tackling ability leave nothing to be desired. He is the prototypical "Jar on the Shelf" and could be a starter with a few years of solid teaching.

NATE NESS Interview with Big Cat Country coming Next Week!!!