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Yesterday, we told you why former University of Florida defensive end Derrick Harvey was the worst draft pick in Jaguars history. It's hard to argue, although cases could be made for R. Jay Soward, Reggie Williams, and Blaine Gabbert.
But who was the best pick in Jacksonville's 19-year history? Their first -- Tony Boselli.
In my opinion, Boselli is the only Jaguars draft pick who could be a consideration for the NFL Hall of Fame. Dominant doesn't quite do him justice. He made the Pro Bowl in five of his first six seasons. He was an All-Pro from 1997 through 1999. He's on the NFL All-Decade team for the 1990's.
In a time where there were some very good offensive tackles, such as Jonathan Ogden and Bruce Armstrong, Boselli made a big name for himself in the smallest market in the league. But what separates Boselli from the other great offensive tackles of his day was his athleticism. He was game-listed as 6'7" and around 320 pounds, but the guy sure didn't play like it.
I remember in November of 1998, when the Jaguars hosted the Cincinnati Bengals, and my dad took me to see the game for my birthday. Brunell was either intercepted or a receiver fumbled near the line of scrimmage. A Bengals linebacker scooped up the ball and was running down the sideline. In all his athletic glory, Boselli sprinted to catch up to him, saving the touchdown.
I didn't even remember if we won, but I remember that play. As a big kid growing up, I didn't dream of being a running back or a wide receiver or even a quarterback. I couldn't, really. But I could dream of being able to push people around and elicit cheers from the crowd when I surprised everyone with speed and athleticism.
Aside from that, he was a force to be reckoned with on the field. In his seven-year, 91-game career, Boselli gave up just 15.5 sacks -- roughly two sacks per season. Two sacks per season.
Boselli was the first inductee into the Pride of the Jaguars, but it's a shame he hasn't made it past the preliminary stages of the NFL Hall of Fame voting.
