Jacksonville Jaguars 2009 Draft Preview (Revised)

Sports Network | April 22, 2009

(Sports Network) - Though a number of mock drafts have the Jaguars selecting a quarterback at No. 8 in order to eventually replace the inconsistent David Garrard, taking Mark Sanchez (assuming Matthew Stafford will be gone) would not be the prudent move if the team thinks it can be a playoff team in 2009. Rather than starting a new era at QB, logic dictates that the Jags will make its early-round focus getting Garrard and Maurice-Jones Drew more bodies on what was an awful offensive line a year ago (the team already signed ex-Eagle Tra Thomas to play left tackle), as well as acquiring some more receiving help (in addition to the just-signed Torry Holt) for a team that recently parted ways with Matt Jones and Jerry Porter. Meanwhile, there are some questions that need to be answered on defense as well, though not all will be answered through the Draft. Jack Del Rio's squad didn't rush the passer well and lacked strong cornerback play, apart from Rashean Mathis, a year ago. Also, with Mike Peterson now a Falcon, Jacksonville clearly needs a new direction at middle linebacker.

2008 Record: 5-11

First Pick: No. 8

Number of Selections: 9 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 7, 7)

RECENT FIRST ROUND HISTORY: 2008 - Derrick Harvey (DE, Florida); 2007 - Reggie Nelson (S, Florida); 2006 - Marcedes Lewis (TE, UCLA); 2005 - Matt Jones (WR/TE, Arkansas); 2004 - Reggie Williams (WR, Washington); 2003 - Byron Leftwich (QB, Marshall); 2002 - John Henderson (DT, Tennessee); 2001 - Marcus Stroud (DT, Georgia); 2000 - R. Jay Soward (WR, USC); 1999 - Fernando Bryant (CB, Alabama); 1998 - Fred Taylor (RB, Florida), Donovin Darius (S, Syracuse); 1997 - Renaldo Wynn (DT, Notre Dame); 1996 - Kevin Hardy (LB, Illinois); 1995 - Tony Boselli (OT, USC), James Stewart (RB, Tennessee).