First off, a huge thank you to everyone who participated this draft weekend. Without a doubt Big Cat Country set a two day record for activity this weekend. From the first thread up Saturday until now, there have been 27 threads or stories up on the front page. However, the real eye popping number is the nearly 3000 comments left by readers. Once again, thank you for making Big Cat Country the best Jaguars site on the net.
Second, it's my one year anniversary of registering at BCC. I discovered this site during the last off-season and remember going "What, somebody actually bothered to have a site devoted to the Jaguars" and "Who is this guy and why does he keep saying we're going to get Philip Merling."
This was Gene Smith's first draft as General Manager and it'll be remembered for more than that. Did Gene stick strictly to BAP? Doubt it. However, compared to last year's de facto two player class, I'm thrilled with the results. I won't give a "Grade" as that is pointless at this point. That doesn't mean I don't have my own thoughts.
1. Eugene Monroe, LT, Virgina: Read my thoughts here
2. Eben Britton, RT, Arizona: Honestly, I felt Everette Brown should have been the pick here. However, you can never have too many good tackles on the roster. It seems that Pashos and Britton will be battling it out for the Right Tackle spot in training camp, with the loser becoming the right guard.
3. Terrance Knighton, DT, Temple: The third round is where things seemingly started going down hill. Knighton was a reach here in the third round; however, he certainly has potential and provides another body to clog up the middle. Assuming Derek Landri can "Come off the shelf" the Jaguars have their new jar on the shelf DT.
4. Derek Cox, CB, William and Mary: Mr.Cox, let me be the first to formally welcome you to the Jaguar's family. In addition, congratulations, you'll likely be the most scrutinized draft pick since Byron Leftwich.
Why do you trade a second round pick to select a guy in the third round who most draftniks had at best as a "Late round/UDFA gem"? Honestly, I don't know. Cox has impressive size and off the charts measurables. However, then why was he playing at William and Mary and not Southern Cal?
5. Mike Thomas, WR, Arizona: The Jaguars go back to the desert to get a quality WR and returner. Thomas is a poor man's Percy Harvin. He is also the anti-Shack Harris wide receiver. Instead of a basketball player, Thomas is 5'7 and a blazer. Great pick with excellent value.
6. Jarrett Dillard, WR, Rice: Dillard put up bigger numbers than Michael Crabtree and will give 110%. A safe pick who can help out on special teams until he adds some bulk.
7. Zach Miller, TE/QB, Nebraska-Omaha: The self described "poor man's Tim Tebow" will apparently be Mike Tice's pet project. He can become a quality receiving TE who offers plenty of after the catch potential. In addition, maybe the Jaguars have their "Wild Cat" quarterback.
8. Rashad Jennings, RB, Liberty: A terrific value pick and another body in the running back stable.
9. Tiquan Underwood, WR, Rutgers: I'll be honest, I don't know anything on the guy.
On non-jaguar related draft news
1. Biggest Boom or Bust pick: Percy Harvin, WR, Minnesota Vikings. Harvin can be the rookie of the year or he could be serving a four game suspension before he even plays a down.
2. Facepalm of the draft: Darrius Heyward-Bey going to the Raiders followed by my initial reaction of learning Gene traded a 2nd rounder to draft Cox.
3. After Stafford, the rest of the Lions' draft left me unimpressed. Especially puzzling was selecting Brandon Pettigrew over Michael Oher and Alex Mack. If history has taught us nothing else, make sure your franchise QB can stay upright before worrying about getting him weapons. My gut reaction is they'll be the same ole Lions.
4. Steal of the draft: James Laurinaitis, LB, St.Louis Rams. I honestly think the Road Warrior is going to be ten year fixture for them.
5. I love Pat White. However, there is no way he is worth a 2nd round pick. He's a Wildcat QB, lovely; the Phins already had Ronnie Brown.