Big Cat Country Q&A: Would Isaiah Simmons be a smart pick at No. 9 overall?

We’re back, baby! After a brief hiatus from the world catching on fire, we’re back to answer your Jacksonville Jaguars questions — this week about backup running backs, Yannick Ngakoue, and if Isaiah Simmons is a smart draft pick at No. 9 overall.

Chance from Baton Rogue, LA

Q: Will the Jaguars sign a running back before the draft or draft one? Sign a Chris Thompson? Or who could we draft to be RB2 or RB3?

A: I think Ryquell Armstead showed enough to at least be an RB3 on this roster. I like Devine Ozigbo too and I don’t know why we didn’t use him more, but he’ll fill out the roster in that RB3/RB4 category. But you’re right, a true RB2 behind Leonard Fournette will be sorely needed. Why not package some picks and grab a guy like LSU running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire? Or J.K. Dobbins? I think both of those could be guys you put a couple of Day 3 picks together for to grab at the end of the third round.

Diz from Frisco, CA

Q: Are the Jaguars better now after free agency then they were right after the last game of the 2019 season?

A: Yes. They have a true middle linebacker who knows what he’s doing, depth along the defensive line, and an albatross gone at quarterback. They shored up the bottom half of their roster nicely, but I’d like to have seen them give the bag to Yannick Ngakoue. That would have made the sting of losing Calais Campbell a little more palatable. I think expecting them to take a big leap from last season’s 6-10 is a bad idea — this is an 8-8 roster at their absolute ceiling.

Daniel from London, UK

Q: We need a backup at quarterback now, does Blake Bortles seem like a good option?

A: Friend, he does not seem like a good option. He’s a very bad quarterback and I’d rather roll with a developmental guy — or Jameis Winston for that matter! — than put on a Blake Bortles re-run.

Phil from Woodmere, NY

Q: Who is better: Josh Allen or Yannick Ngakoue?

A: Yannick Ngakoue.

Tom from London, UK

Q: Given how we’ve behaved in free agency, do you think the Jaguars are aiming for the playoffs as Shad Khan previously stated or are we in full blown rebuild mode now?

A: We are in full blown rebuild mode, but it will be a bit easier to watch because Gardner Minshew isn’t a train wreck and he’ll be even better now that Nick Foles is gone and he doesn’t have to look over his shoulder. The whole “we’re aiming for the playoffs” line is an owner using coachspeak — and I believe both Doug Marrone and Dave Caldwell know their seat isn’t all that hot. They have more than this year to prove themselves and that’s fairly evident from their conservative approach to free agency and their stockpiling of draft picks.

Noah from St. Mary’s, GA

Q: Would a trade up for Isaiah Simmons be worth it? Or does he fall to us based on the needs of other franchises?

A: I love Isaiah Simmons, but where would he play? Why would you draft a guy in the top-10 who is going to compete with the nickel cornerback for snaps? The signing of Joe Schobert all but eliminated the Jaguars from contention in the Isaiah Simmons Sweepstakes.

James from Jacksonville, FL

Q: Best guess — when do you think Yannick Ngakoue will be traded and what will be the compensation?

A: He will be traded to the Philadelphia Eagles along with a third round draft pick for a first round draft pick.

Jason from Brooklyn, NY

Q: If somehow Jeffrey Okudah and Isaiah Simmons were available at No. 9 overall, is it obvious one of the two is the better pick?

A: Isaiah Simmons is the better player but Jeffrey Okudah is the better pick for Jacksonville.

Brad from Jacksonville, FL

Q: What is Gardner Minshew’s ceiling?

A: Drew Brees. But I think a more realistic comparison is him performing like a late-90’s Mark Brunell.

Ben from Des Moines, IA

Q: Why is Marquise Lee still on this team?

A: *shrugs*

Kasey from Arkansas City, KS

Q: Do you think the Jaguars shock everyone and go with CeeDee Lamb or Jerry Jeudy to help Gardner Minshew?

A: Yes, I do. The Jaguars have ammunition in this draft. I think one of them will still be there at No. 20 overall because most other teams won’t want to start the run on wide receivers. I think the Jaguars do that, or they package some picks and move up slightly from No. 20 overall and do it.