Gene Frenette: Justin Blackmon true hero to little girl | jacksonville.com
The Jaguars have earned a lot of positive reviews for trading up to draft Justin Blackmon, but all the high marks Jennifer Hamilton gives the Oklahoma State receiver have nothing to do with his football skills. Hamilton wasn't sold on Blackmon from watching television or going to Cowboys games. No, the Jaguars' first-round pick won Hamilton's heart by having a genuine affinity for children. Blackmon developed such a close friendship with her 10-year-old daughter, Olivia, that it helped ease her only child's burden while going through 108 treatments the past two years for leukemia.
Jaguars owner Shad Khan opens his wallet for roster and stadium upgrades | jacksonville.com
Shad Khan bought the Jaguars just five months ago, but he’s already made one thing clear about his ownership style. He’s willing to spend over the salary cap — and to make improvements at EverBank Field that don’t count against the cap — to turn the Jaguars into a winner. Khan predicted at the Super Bowl that the team would spend $130 million this year on player salaries and said last Friday during the draft that the team has already exceeded that figure.
Bethune-Cookman linebacker among Jaguars' undrafted signings | jacksonville.com
The Jaguars signed nine undrafted rookies to contracts, according to NFL.com. The team signed Bethune-Cookman linebacker Ryan Davis and Florida A&M wide receiver Kevin Elliott. Ohio State center Michael Brewster, Texas Tech guard D.J. Hall and North Dakota State TE Matt Veldman also signed deals.
The Jaguars’ 2012 NFL draft is done, and it will be praised, criticized and all things in between. Quick-trigger analysis of a draft class doesn’t much concern Jaguars General Manager Gene Smith, and that’s true whether the analysis brings praise or harsh words. What concerns Smith is this: Is the roster stronger than it was three days ago? Is it in ascension? Does the team have a chance to contend?