Jaguars Will Draft Linemen in 2009

Here is a quote from Gene Smith:

"Winning starts up front," Smith said shortly after his promotion. "I don't think you can ever be strong enough in the offensive and defensive line. You have to have people up front on both sides of the ball that can play downhill, that can help you win football games."

How should we take this? We should take this to mean that our new GM will draft an area of need during the 2009 draft. An area of need that has been largely ignored for about 4 years. Gene wants to build up the trenches.

The linemen, on both sides of the ball, are the most important players in the game. Imagine Tom Brady getting rushed around and being sacked the entire Super Bowl. Even Brady wouldn't be able to win-Oh Wait, that happened!

Gene will draft the real "BIG Uglies" and we will win because of it. Look for a DB as well, either SS or CB. More likely Corner because Brian Williams can play SS for now.

This is all strategy, however, because Gene will stick to his board and whoever he feels to be the Best Available Player (BAP) will be drafted. This is just a possible clue as to what that board look like.

-Brandon Clark

Jaguars sign Torry Holt, Look to Add Another WR in the Draft

Torry Holt signed a a 3-year deal, according to Steve Wyche :
"The Jacksonville Jaguars made headway toward filling their void at wide receiver on Monday by signing veteran free-agent Torry Holt to a three-year deal that includes $4 million in guarantees and could be worth up to $20 million."

This move will finally give David Garrard a legitimate, proven WR. If Holt plays at an average of the last five years, he will get over 1,000 yards receiving. David Garrard now has a chance to prove that he is worth that big contract he received last season. I believe that he will, but time will tell.

Will the Jaguars target a WR in the draft? Of course they will! Jack Del Rio has said this off-season that he would like to add two WRs and two o-linemen. He has added one of each. Holt, and veteran OLT Tra Thomas, formerly of the Eagles.

I still see no possibility of the Jaguars drafting a WR in the top 10. Although, this draft will no doubt contain one WR and one o-lineman, barring any more Free Agent acquisitions.

-Brandon Clark

Will the Jaguars draft a fullback in 2009?

FB Montell Owens with the block! Right?

The Jaguars are a team that wants to pound the ball on offense, it is their identity. The whole team is built to run the ball and keep the score low, it's their style. Think of the Ravens-defense, the colts-passing offense. Think of the Jags and what do you imagine? You imagine Fred Taylor and Maurice Jone-Drew pushing the chains forward and running over opponents because they want it more. You imagine the clock running down on purpose. This is ball-control offense. This is good defense that doesn't have to play as much as other teams. This is strategy built through the draft. This will become more apparent in the next few years.

The other "big uglies"...

The Jaguars, this season, plan to utilize former Florida State HB and now pro-bowl caliber FB, #33, Greg Jones (pictured above) more in the running game. Jones is no push-over, as you can see. Jack Del Rio wants Jones to receive 5-10 touches a game. Jones is a 256 lb pounder. He will "Move those chains", but that's not what I want to talk about. With Greg Jones receiving more carries, who will play fullback?

The easy answer is special teams standout, #24, Montell Owens (also pictured above). Fresh off a new contract it's wise to assume the FO had a larger role in mind for Owens, as they did with Greg Jones when he got his new contract in 2008. We all should have realized that Greg Jones would become more prominent in the offense with the highest pay ever for a FB, especially with the HB experience. The question does remain, however, whether Owens can be "the" fullback. Owens, like Jones, played HB in college. Owens played in 38 games at tailback (HB) at Maine and was a 4 year letterman. He set a career high with 779 yards rushing his senior season. When he came to the Jags, he had to prove that he was worth a roster spot. He made a niche for himself as the backup FB and stellar special teams play, which primarily led to his new contract that pays him $535,000 this season after the $1 million signing bonus. You can better understand someone by how they spend their money. The Jags FO spent money on Montell, so I take this to meant that he will be the FB when Jones is running or when Jones is just tired-it happens. But, in the event that the Jags do decide to pull the trigger on a true Fullback, lets take a peek at some of the top names.



Quin Johnson, FB (former LB), LSU
6'1", 246 lb.'s, Projected Round-> 5-6


NFL.com Positives: Compact, thick build with good arm length. Lines up in the I-formation and as an H-back. Lowers his shoulder, delivers a good pop and brings his hips against linebackers in the hole. Can be a missile when decisive on who he will hit. Willing special teamer with good straight-line speed for his size.

Negatives: Only adequate height for the position. Lacks flexibility needed to adjust to linebackers and safeties at the second level. Likes to hit his target, but fails to use his hands to ride him out of the play or sustain the block. Hesitates to find a target at times when no one comes into his area. Very inconsistent hands out of the backfield; not a natural receiver. Lacks elusiveness in the open field, although his size makes him tough for defensive backs to bring down. Will hit, but usually not wrap, returners in the open field.

Compares To: LOUSAKA POLITE, Miami -- Like Polite, Johnson is a punishing inside lead blocker who loves to hit. He lacks any sort of running or receiving skills, which will limit how a team will use him, as most now regard the classic fullback as an endangered species. With his marginal speed and tight hips, he can't be used as an H-Back or in the slot with much success. However, if you need someone to consistently clear the rush lanes, he is the best doing that coming out of college.

Brannon Southerlan, FB Georgia
6' 242 lb.'s, Projected Round->5-6

NFL.com Positives: Solid build for the position. Experienced fullback with the athleticism to contribute as a blocker, runner and receiver. At his best blocking on the move. Locates his target and can break down in space to hit him squarely. Keeps his legs churning and maintains good contact with his target. Hits the hole quickly as a runner and has flashed the leg drive for short-yardage success. Earned the Leon Farmer Award for his dedication to the UGA strength and conditioning program and was named a team captain in 2008 despite only appearing in eight games.

Negatives: Flashed impressive leg drive and toughness as a runner early in his career, but has become less of a factor in the running game each of the past three seasons - dropping in touchdowns from eight (2006) to five (2007) to one (on only two total rushing attempts) in 2008. Only marginal hands out of the backfield. Not a natural receiver. Marginal initial pop as a lead blocker. Relies on agility and technique to clear lanes, rather than pure power or aggression. Didn't appear to be the same player this season after missing the first half of the year with a fractured foot. Surgically repaired navicular bone in his left foot will scare off some scouts after he missed the first four games of 2008.

Compares To: AHMARD HALL, Tennessee -- Both players are well-built athletes with a nice blend of speed, strength and natural hands. Southerland plays with a take no prisoners approach as a blocker, as he simply explodes out of his stance to get into the rush lanes as a lead blocker. He is a good route runner who is used mostly on controlled routes, but has the vision to locate the soft areas in the zone. He rarely gets an opportunity to carry the ball outside of short-yardage situations, but his outstanding success on goal-line attempts (scored 16 times on 26 plays) will see him earn a very nice living at the next level.

Injury Report

2008: Underwent left foot surgery after the 2008 Sugar Bowl to repair a stress fracture in his navicular bone, missing most of March spring drills...A summer CT scan revealed an additional fracture of the navicular bone, undergoing more surgery on June 6, performed by Dr. Joe Johnson at St. Mary's Hospital in Athens, Georgia. Doctors estimated his recovery process would take 16 weeks, keeping him out of August camp. He returned to action on special teams vs. Alabama (9/27) and played on offense during the next seven games of the season.

Tony Fiammetta, FB Syracuse
6', 245 lb.'s, projected rd-> 7-UDFA

NFL.com Positives: Very solid build in the upper and lower bodies with long arms. Lines up with his hand down on the line, as well as in motion and in the backfield. Quick to get to the edge when in motion. Takes outs the linebackers and safeties in the hole with a nice pop. Sustains his blocks through the whistle by locking on and moving his feet. Good hands, and can adjust to low throws or those behind him. Runs through cut blocks in the open field. Quick set in pass protection; able to handle oncoming blitzers. Sorts through trash to neutralize the middle linebacker, and has the strength to put him to the ground.

Negatives: Not the wide-chested thumper some teams prefer. A bit slow getting into his routes as a receiver. Gives good effort blocking on the line, but gets ripped off too often. Will be more effective in an H-back or true fullback position because of his lack of height. Whiffs too much as a cut blocker. Lacks flexibility and lateral quickness, which allows defenders to run around or get off his blocks in space.

Compares To: LAWRENCE VICKERS, Cleveland -- Fullback is becoming an endangered species in the NFL, and while some teams might look to convert Fiammetta to an H-Back, his route running just isn't up to snuff to handle those duties. He is better served on dump-offs as a receiver and has proven that he is incapable of carrying the ball. He is an efficient lead blocker thanks to quick feet and impressive strength, but must be conscious of playing at a low pad level to prevent defenders from neutralizing him and using him to clog the rush lane.

Injury Report

2003: Missed all but the season opener of his high school senior year due to a left leg fracture.

2007: Sat out the Buffalo game (10/20) due to a concussion.
2008: Did not play vs. South Florida (10/18) due to a left leg contusion.

All projected rounds come from Walter Football. I chose the top two FB's and Fiammetta was a guy that was brought up on Jagnation a few days ago. Just to be informed, these are some more guys to know. Let me know your thoughts.

-Brandon Clark

Jaguars-Redskins Trade? and Torry Holt to the Jags, Why?

We all have heard now that the Redskins have maintained a strong interest in Mark Sanchez long after the private workout. "They" say that Redskins owner Dan Snyder is absolutely smitten with Sanchez. When Snyder becomes smitten, large deals happen. Remember Albert Haynesworth's $100 million contract?

The Jaguars, as any half-way informed fan can tell you, are eager to trade down. For two reasons. 1) The Jaguars are a small-market team that does not want to pay the bills of a top 10 pick, especially with one of those currently on the roster and 2) They need picks in the draft, and bad. This roster has holes. There is no better way to say it. The way that you fix holes is to bring in better players. The way that you fix holes long-term is to bring in better, younger players. New GM Gene Smith has stated that he wants to build the team through the draft and not through Free Agency. I am pleased with this stance and I feel that we all should be. This is healthy. Now, working on a deal to bring in Torry Holt is a great move that doesn't compromise Smith's stance. "How? This is a Free Agent.", you may say. Well, Holt is getting old and is not the Greatest Show on Turf anymore, but have you seen the Jaguars WR core? No one on the Jags WR core has a proven track record of needing double coverage. No one on the Jags WR core will pull defenders out of the box to make room for MJD and Greg Jones to run. This is on the way to historically awful. That is why Holt needs to be brought in, this is not an everyday issue. This is not choosing to upgrade, this is "back-against-the-wall" forced situation. Gene would be the laughingstock of the NFL if he fielded no new WR's.
Back to the trade, I have a proposal for the teams. If Mark Sanchez is available and Dan Synder really is this emphatuated with the Southern-Cal, big name QB, then lets trade. Let's trade the Jaguars first and fourth to the Redksins for their first and Jason Campbell. You have not heard this anywhere. This is a new idea.
Jason Campbell runs a Jaguars offense efficiently. By that i mean, he is a younger 2007 version of David Garrard. He doesnt throw picks, he manages the game-well and he can keep a lead that the strong Defense allows for. The Jaguars defense is not the 2006 version, its not even the 2007 version. Its getting old, it has holes, but it also has an emerging David Garrard on the other side of the ball. Campbell would have this year to "chill". To take a breath of fresh air and then to lead the Jags in 2010. The Jags need youth, here it is. We want high-character guys-here he is. This would work for us. Campbell is already 27, so if they want, they could go ahead and trade Garrard for more picks. I, personally, still feel the supporting cast was what faulted Garrard last year. Either way, this could be good for the Jags, even if Campbell is a back-up for a year.

Here is Cleo Lemon's current contract according to Rotoworld:

Cleo Lemon Quarterback 2/29/2008: Signed a three-year, $8.1 million contract. The deal included an initial roster bonus of $3.2 million. Another $750,000 million is available through incentives. 2009: $1.695 million, 2010: $2.4 million, 2011: Free Agent

Here is Campbell's current contract according to Rotoworld:

Jason Campbell Quarterback 2009: $2.858 million, 2010: Free Agent

The only downside of this is that the Jags do lose a late pick, but many people said the Jags should target a QB late, so why not upgrade the backup QB with youth, ability and possible star potential for $1.163 million. If you love what you see, re-sign him for a bargain deal in the middle of the season.

Cut or trade Cleo. Someone will need him, how about the Lions, 49ers or even if the Redskins want assurance for this season.

Let me know your thoughts,
-Brandon Clark

Reflecting on Fred Taylor

Fred Taylor is no longer a Jaguar, but that doesn't mean that Fred Taylor no longer has an impression upon me. Fred Taylor represented football to me, everything good in football was Fred Taylor. I never met him, but he left a profound impact upon my life.

Fred, to me, was assurance. When Fred was on the field, I knew that down had a strong chance of being converted. Not a lot teams or their fans can say that. When Fred was on the field, all was right in the world, the worries of tomorrow were gone because I got to watch Fred play. When he missed the last few games of 2008 it was like they weren't as big of a deal. They were just football, but when Fred was on the field, it became football. A different game when that man was there, he dipped his shoulders and ran people over, moved his upper body to the left and his feet in every other direction only to run right. The defender never had a fair chance.

I remember in 2007 against the Bills, there was this one play that I will always remember. Fred broke a 50-yarder or so for a TD. I knew Fred was fast. I knew he was "Fast Freddy", but I didn't know he was lightning fast, faster than anyone else on the field. The announcers on ESPN and whatever broadcast I was watching had recently spoke of Fred slowing, of getting old and losing a step. Listen, everyone loses a step, but when you are three steps ahead of everyone, you don't get behind when you lose a step. You are still ahead. You are still Fred Taylor. When Fred broke that run against the Bills, my mouth dropped. MJD can run as fast as he wants, and he is a very fast man but he is not that fast. Don't get me wrong, I love Maurice. Great man, on and off the field, but he is not 28. 28 is special, 28 is "all day". 28 gives D-coordinators fits when they game plan. They know they have to crowd the box, they know that when he is on the field, he might score at any given moment. It's a terrible situation for them. That speed on that play came from a 32-year old body. It was flat-out amazing. It was greatness. It was my hero, my football icon-Fred Taylor.

Fred is a great, he can't be replaced, only remembered. When I watch an interview with him, I feel welcome to be there. I feel like I'm watching a true man and I learn. I learn how to deal with adversity, how to ignore pain and keep going. How to ignore hate and how to be humble. I believe MJD felt the same way. Fred made sure to love this town, to love the organization, the fans. Most of all, he taught that to Maurice, or atleast reminded him of it constantly. He also taught MJD that professional football is a business. Unfortunately, Fred was able to teach him this first hand as he was cut this spring.

As fans, we can't have what we want. We only get what someone else thinks we need. This may be the right move long-term, this may be the right move financially, but Fred is gone. There is no pretty way to say this. He is in New England now and I hope everyone treats him with the utmost respect. I hope he gets the notice he needs to get into the Hall of Fame. He deserves this and the NFL needs him. When players are caught doing wrong for various reasons nowadays, you want Fred Taylor representing your sport. You want the casual fan to say,"Oh, they're no Fred Taylor!". As opposed to,"Man! The NFL is a bunch of overpaid criminals!".

Fred was "the" player to me, you know the one you grew up watching when you knew you liked football but you didn't know how much. You didn't know how special football was for you until that one day that it clicked, when you said,"Man, how long is the off-season?". Fred was the constant for me. He traveled with me through the days when i liked football to the days when I loved football. Nowadays I feel like all I do is analyze football. It might be the only way I can stay close to the game I love. I hope i don't become a "numbers" guy. I hope I don't lose my love for the game only to pick it apart. I want to appreciate the game in the fullest way I can. I want to love the game the way Fred Taylor does. Without Fred, it will become difficult. He was my football figure. He showed me the game and taught me how to love it. Performance, Interviews, and "Ask Fred". All of this showed me what it was to be professional.

No one else will be Fred Taylor, my football hero is on another team-it still hasn't sunk. This saddens me to no end. So I will rebel and wear my #28 jersey. Next year it will be worn less and less the year after, but Fred will never be forgotten. My children, if am lucky enough to have any, will know Fred Taylor. They will learn what he taught me and they will pass this down to their children. Fred has forever imprinted my life and I appreciate what he has done for me. I hope this article shows that.

So,this season I will sit and watch #21 Fred Taylor, HB New England Patriots. I will hear the announcers surprise when he dips his shoulders and runs people over, when he moves his upper body to the left and his feet in every other direction only to run right and I will smile. I will smile because "Fast Freddy" is teaching some other 11 year old kid to love football the way he does, and to respect the game. I will also sit and watch for the Jaguar's identity to be made. It will not have Fred's imprint, but it will have something there. I want to see what is there. Will the man who fills the void fill it in a way that makes me want to tell my future children about him, about his story. Will he impact me the way that Fred did? I doubt it, because im not as impressionable as I once was. However, MJD is on the right road, and I think I am relaxed enough about his possibilities to sit and watch without worry, but, for me, there is only one childhood hero. There is only one Fred Taylor.

Thanks for the lessons and for the memories Fred.

Forever a Fred Taylor fan,

-Brandon Clark

NFL Mock Draft: April 16, 2009

1 Matthew Stafford
QB, Georgia
Detroit

The league has become a quarterback league even more now, let culpepper start and stafford learn. It will be good, hes got talent around him and after another draft, he will have talent and be ready to go.


2 Eugene Monroe
OT, Virginia
St. Louis

Someone has to replace Orlando Pace, fix it while you know you can. With no line, how do you expect to use Steven Jackson (one of todays best backs imo). Oh and Bulger would like to stand up for a few plays...


3 Michael Crabtree
WR, Texas Tech
Kansas City

Todd Haley plus Matt Cassel plus Dwayne Boye plus Crabtree= strong AFC west contenders. Heard it here first. Look for this team to trade down and grab more picks, possibly with Denver or even Seattle.


4 Aaron Curry
OLB, Wake Forest
Seattle

Lost Julian Peterson, replace him with a younger version. Get a tackle in round 2 like Jamon Meredith, and wr in later rounds, they can be found, ask Housh.


5 Brian Orakpo
DE, Texas
Cleveland

Rush the passer, they dont understand it, but it needs to be done. Alternative pick is B.J. Rajii to replace Shaun Rodgers if they do move him, but i cant make room for possible trades.

Mangenius spent 4 hours in a film room with Sanchez, is this for real?


6 Jason Smith
OT, Baylor
Cincinnati

Carson Palmer and his bloody pre-season face would love a pass protector. Great situation. They can get LeSean McCoy or Donald Brown early in second, then go find a wideout later that can learn. Maybe a few lineman here and there. Dhani will tackle the globe and the competition. Bengals defense was good last year, believe it or not.


7 Darrius Heyward-Bey
WR, MD
Oakland

Al Davis.


8 Andre Smith
OT, Alabama
Jacksonville

Why not? Tape says he is good, he is young and impressionable. Let Tra Thomas teach him to be a man off the field. Let him play, and play well. Possible Pro Bowler at RT.

No Sanchez because you do not invest top 10 money on the bench for a possible multiple years. Trade here is predicted because they know that smith or oher will be available later, trade far enough down and look at Peria Jerry.


9 B.J. Rajii
DT, Boston College
Green Bay

The NT that Green Bay needs to start up their brand new 34 base defense. No question they pick him if he's available.


10 Mark Sanchez
QB, USC
San Francisco

Do you really think Shaun Hill justifies passing here?


11 Robert Ayers
DE, Tennessee
Buffalo

They need defensive end help here. I believe Ayers justifiies it. Does Buffalo believe? I really dont know but this is my mock and they dont get a vote.


12 Tyson Jackson
DE, LSU
Denver

Best 34 end in the draft, build that D.


13 Michael Oher
OT, Mississippi
Washington

Their line is getting old.


14 Malcolm Jenkins
CB/S, Ohio State
New Orleans

It doesnt matter which position he plays because the Saints need both. Theyre pass defense was among the league's worst and Jenkins would certainly start day one.


15 Vontae Davis
CB, Illinois
Houston

Dunta Robinson may not be back in 2010 because the franchise said they wouldnt franchise him for 2009 and they did, also this secondary is not, well-elite. They have secondary issues.



16 Jeremy Maclin
WR, Missouri
San Diego

Chris Chambers is slowing. You don't waste a Philip Rivers.



17 Chris Wells
RB, Ohio State
NY Jets

Thomas Jones is getting old, blah blah blah. Hes still good, but you got washington as change of pace so you get a big guy to go with him for the future. Maybe im wrong, i dont pay that much attention to the jets.
Update: Thomas Jones is holding out for more money...


18 Rey Maualuga
ILB, USC
Denver

34 just got stouter with a hard hitting ILB.


19 Everette Brown
DE, FSU
Tampa Bay

Ooh, wouldnt this be fun to watch across from Gaines Adams?


20 James Laurinaitis
ILB, Ohio State
Detroit

This team is getting better, still no on the playoffs but they just got much better. This guy has been ripped apart by analysts and i wonder if scouts laugh at them.


21 Knowshon Moreno
RB, Georgia
Philadelphia

Brian Westbooks understudy. Who else has moves like this and runs between the tackles. Thats a Reggie Bush joke if you didnt get that.


22 Ebon Britton
LT, Arizona
Minnesota

Youth at the O-line. I hear from a few sites this is where they want to go. I previously had Percy Harvin.


23 Aaron Maybin
DE, Penn State
New England

Production equals a pick on this mock, not necessarily a consensus pick, but a pick none-the-less. Is he a one-year wonder, can he play with the extra 15 pounds? I cant say, can anyone?


24 Brandon Pettigrew
TE, OKST
Atlanta

Lethal for years, keep your qb safe, give him hands that can break away from coverage. This could be great, draft secondary in the next few rounds though because you lost two starters.


25 Brian Cushing
OLB, USC
Miami

More help on the other side of Joey Porter, another solid outside linebacker could confuse teams in blitz packages an make it more of a surprise when Porter enters the backfield, where he seemed to live last year.


26 Clay Matthews
OLB, USC
Baltimore

Bart Scott is gone, use Ray Lewis to train while you got him.


27 Peria Jerry
DT, Ole Miss
Indianapolis

The guy they want magically falls to them. DT has been a whole for many years. Fix it.


28 Louis Delmas
S, WMU
Philadelphia

You guys messed up big! Now you fix it.


29 Hakeem Nicks
WR, UNC
NY Giants

Braylon Edwards....that could change this pick, the browns might have it. Dont blow your shot at a wr, you have no big play guy and i feel thats all you need.


30 Alphonso Smith
CB, Wake Forest
Tennessee

Lost Chris Carr and youre getting old.


31 Larry English
DE, NIU
Arizona

Travis Laboy needs help rushing around the edge. Runningback is a popular pick here. Well, i suppose its a possibility, so is another round. Sack the QB.


32 Alex Mack
O-lineman, California
Pittsburgh

You know why this is the pick. I do not need to explain.



Comments welcome,
Brandon Clark

Jones-Drew's New Deal

MJD can now come home to mini-camp as the third highest paid runningback in the league.

Per NFL.com, "NFL.com's Steve Wyche reports that the contract extension is worth nearly $33 million. That makes Jones-Drew the third-highest-paid running back in the NFL, and the contract features the third-highest salary guarantees."

Some quotes from Jaguars.com Article on the deal:

“The Jaguars didn’t have to do this. They wanted to; they felt that way about me,” Jones-Drew said as he sat at a press conference, flanked by Smith and Del Rio.

“Some guys get paid and shut it down. That’s not the way I am,” Jones-Drew added.

“It’s an opportunity to reward one of our own. Maurice is someone I’d like to have as a son. The leadership qualities he has are well-respected by his teammates,” Smith said.

“I’m really happy to have this done. Gene and I want to collect guys like Maurice,” Del Rio said. “We feel it’s his time.”

“When you have a guy like Maurice being your feature back of the future, it’s a feeling of comfort. It’s a good year for running backs,” Smith said, referring to the draft, “and it’s still a position of interest if it can improve our roster.”