After all, didn't Donald Brown leave us feeling like all hope was lost in 2010.....

There are many players in this draft that I'd like to see on the Jags but for this discussion, let's throw Christian Ponder, Leonard Hankerson and everyone else that plays offense out. Lets just talk about what we have available on the defensive side of the ball to choose from, but when you really think about it, all we're doing is being prepared for possible new players on the Jaguars. So, lets educate ourselves.

Alfie recently posted an article about Chris White, LB, Mississippi State. I disagreed with about everything Alfie said. That doesn't mean either one of us is right, but it did serve the purpose to get me thinking about White and other defensive players. So, I'll give you White first, and then we'll move back to more well-known individuals.

White, from what i remember, played junior college ball somewhere in the state of MS. He came in to Miss State a long shot to start. ( I used to attend the university and this was going on while i was there). White indeed did become a starter, but at outside linebacker, after starting in the middle in JuCo. While it was a change for him, he provided some good plays alongside an above average unit that also had returning junior KJ Wright, who is now draft eligible, and starting MLB Jamaar Chaney, now of the Eagles.

In 2010, White made the transition to MLB and I'll admit, I was leary. White made a fabulous transition, but it wasn't really a transition, it was his natural fit. White's made for the 43 MLB, or so it seems to me. I have heard other propositions, but it's not worth delving into schemes. This is just about whether or not "the player" is good and whether or not you want him on the team (not that any of us decide). So, please, take a look at this highlight video from the away game at Florida in 2010 and tell me what you think. Alfie was correct in pointing out that he is better against the run than the pass.

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    *Pictured Right: Jaguars 318 lb. G Uche Nwaneri

My buddy Blake is an avid football watcher. Until the last two weeks, he's never really had a team to call his own. He follows styles of play. He loves to run the ball and stop the run, so, naturally, he hates the Colts due to their failure to do either one (except on rare occasions). He likes the Jaguars style of play but called me because he doesn't understand them.

You see, he had slowly been becoming a Titans fan. They run the ball well, obviously, and they normally stop the run well. They harass the quarterback and their defense makes turnovers. They also don't run the 3-4. They're perfect for him. Sadly for Jaguars fans, they're a mature version of the Jaguars.

So when he called me today, after giving me a few days to get cooled down from the loss, he asked me what was the deal with the Jaguars offensive line. He stated how much bigger they were than the Titans D-line. They were, I noted. He goes on to say that the Cowboys O-line was even bigger than the Jags and the Raiders are the biggest there is. With all these big linemen pushing TN around over the weeks, MJD should've had a field day because he was obviously the most talented of the backs TN would have faced this season. I decided to do some research. RB's rushing and receiving stats along with their offensive line's size. I have no idea how this will fare, so enjoy. I think.

Now, obviously, D-linemen are moved around and do rotate, so I have included the reserves however little they play.

All information is from NFL.com

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via cache.boston.com

Alfie, my comment got long again....

I was reading the comments in this article and i commented........

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In the movie "Gladiator" Russel Crowe plays a character that is fictional, yet an embodiment of Roman characteristics. I'm writing of a character that is embodying the internet Jaguars fan (on average) and what he teaches and/or learns at a "Football Fan Anonymous" meeting. Enjoy!

"Hi I'm Surteal and...."

"Hi, Surteal", the crowd echoes non-chalantly.

"And I'm here today because my team hasn't been playing well".

"Whose your team?" the man to my right asks with a knowing stare. I could tell this was a setup and began to wonder if I should even be here.

"The Jaguars" I replied. At this point I was waiting on the guy to unbutton his pretentiously tucked in Tommy Hilfiger button up and reveal a white on blue #18 jersey and ask me to explain who Courtney Greene is. I was ready to defend Greene by stating that our General Manager Gene Smith got him, so he must be good, right?

Just as my mind had crossed the border between reality and apprehensive fantasy, the man asked me which Jaguars.

It started slow. I could feel it in my heart, figuratively and literally. My blood was boiling and my temples began to stick out on my head the way my 7th grade basketball coaches did. We all made fun of him for it and I couldn't imagine the sight I was, but my team was being insulted.

"Remember, be calm" I told myself.

Summoning every bit of stoic-ness I could, I replied, "The Jacksonville Jaguars".

"Aint they got that short guy?" a man in the back asks.

"Yeah, Maurice Jones-Drew"

"Yeah, that boy can block!"

"He sure can!" I replied with the slightest bit of excitement while replaying the 'Merriman hit' in my mind. At least now I have a somewhat-ally against this Colts fan. I just know he's a colts fan.

It was quiet for about 10 seconds so I felt obligated to continue to talk.

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Alfie,

My apologies for stealing your topic. My comment just got too long. 

Now to the topic, I love that you brought it up. Jones may be my favorite player on the Jaguars roster. Ryan Robinson and I talked on twitter before the draft. I presented him this scenario: You are trapped in a dark alley. You fear for your life. What Jaguars football player (pre-draft 2010) would you want there to make you feel safe? His response, of course, was Greg Jones and I laughed because its exactly who I thought of.

Jones is devastating as a lead blocker. Your I-formation argument says it all. The passing attack is what has weakened us in the red-zone, and while we can run what I now dub a "Matt-Leinart-Offense" (dink and dunk and dont mess up, while not trying to make a play happen) to have many plays and run the clock down. It will not have the same affect (a or e?) on the opposing defense. The run game wears them out. Greg Jones makes them sub out for a breather.

Greg Jones is one of the reasons that the Jaguars are physically feared. It would be a mistake for the play of the 2009 season to not have Greg Jones on the roster. It would be a mistake for the Jaguars Defense to have to play against Greg Jones.

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My friend and I recorded these stats off of ProFootballFocus pre-draft 2010. I don't know if the stats have changed since then but i was explaining to this particular Colt-friend of mine that Garrard wasn't that bad and he was slightly impressed afterwards. This takes Manning, Brady, Brees, Garrard and Roethlisberger to the stat sheet. I'm not on my computer so i don't know how to make it a spread sheet. Regardless, the stats should spur an interesting discussion.

I can't get the columns to turn out well, sorry.

                                   P. Manning        Brady        Brees        Garrard        Roethlisberger

Hit as thrown               03                     09               07               18                     12   

Batted Passes            09                     05               13               12                    12

Throw Aways              07                     05               05               20                     07

Yards                          4,518              4,398           4,391          3,597               4,328    

Yards per Att.              7.9                     7.8               8.5                7.0                  8.6

TD                                 33                      28                34               18                    26    

INT                              16                       13                11               10                    11

Sacks                         10                      16                20               42                   50

Dropped Passes         24                     34                 20               17                    30

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these are two pictures that really happened and i thought it would be funny to share. I had the Jags and needed a backup QB so i got one with a strong arm. I never noticed the name, until i signed him. HAHA

Like most of my fanposts, this was originally a comment.

I was originally thinking "Madden11, have they fixed it" not "oh goody, more roster updates".

i play on an xbox and i think jon and his ps3 gang will still agree. its not a console debate. just the game

im fed up with madden
i've bought it consecutively for as long as i remember (minus the 2k years)

Since there has been madden talk on this site, ive been doing some reading on gomadden and ign, even a little EA sports.

But its gotten tiring. they don't really update the game. there is no physics engine. NFL 2k5 or whatever year had T.O. on the cover is still a better game. A game that also only cost around 20 or 25 dollars new.

Is anyone else fed up with maddden?

 For all the great sales and the new-and-improved graphics. Superstar--sucks. Online--overshadowed by other EA titles. Cut Scenes-most annoying ever. Did you know that in madden10 you can leap over a fallen defender at or around the first down, clear the line and call no huddle only to have to watch refs decide what happened. If you pay attention to what side of the screen its coming from, you know the answer before they waste time.
There are much more gameply issues that would take too long to really discuss but I'll drop a few--its dead zone anyway

. i.e. if you have a lead in the open field and you're being chased. They don't catch you. You slow down. Or if you run the ball, you found quicksand. Yesterday i was playing and handed the ball off. I-formation on 3rd and 1. My RB gets the ball and just slows down (im holding sprint). Three blocks on the interior o-line are broken all at seperate times before i got halfway to the line. Talent was not an issue in this situation.
Another GP issue--D-line. Yesterday i hit x to leap toward Tom Brady and it was just like real life. He was protected by the laws-that-be. When running full speed a leap normally carries 5 yards at the least on madden10. This particular time, my guy went immediately down. Not forward and down, just down the way he would if a black hole opened up. These problems are not new or rare. They overprice the game and don't fix it.

Now, the real issue. We all on here debate draft and prospects and roster evals along with free agency to such a degree that i would be surprised if none of you played "franchise mode". If you haven't, the mode allows you to play an odd combination of GM/Head Coach/Owner. The only staff you hire is a HC, DC, OC, STC and you middle with free agency, scouting, the draft, and eventually--the season. Pre-season has no effect on anything (see Detriot 2008). Sadly, there is no real player development. You are not allowed to test prospects and when actually drafting, you really can't know what you are getting. If you scout a player, it can be accurate but its more of an educated guess. You choose scouting agents by experience. The more experience, the less reports you get. You can generally start all new reports around the trade deadline (week 6) unless they randomly decide to waste your time. For instance, if you scout a corner, there is no man or zone rating, only awareness and speed and other athletic bits. So, when pressed for the ability to scout more players, one should only look at the necessities and guess off the 40 times. For corner-get awareness. The problem is that awareness may pop up after one week or it may wait ten weeks. There is no standard way of knowing.

Once you find yourself in the draft, more problems ensue. You weren't able to truly scout enough players, so you have to guess. Just hope this doesn't happen: I was playing with the Bucs and Josh Freeman never got good so i decided i would draft my own guy. I waited two or three drafts before the stars aligned and i was able to trade up (top 5 from early 20. this cost me some precious picks) and get the next great thing at QB. His ratings based off the scouting report were similar to this: 95 throw power, 80 awareness and 82 accuracy with 60 speed or so. Thats a damn good rookie! I had a left tackle and a run game. I was so excited. I get him signed to an atrocious (even for real life) deal and off we go. I get to the depth chart and see something like this: Potential--C (oh we will come back to that), throw power--95 (just like it should be), awareness--71 (WTF!!) and my favorite....the accuracy. In madden10, the Quarterback has three levels of judging accuracy: short, medium, and deep. The combined average is their total accuracy. When drafting a scouted QB, all should be included, but they are not, this is the only time that the average is used and its not used well. The new guys average was something like this: Short: 76, Med: 78, Deep: 64. This is not even a second round pick to me anymore. But its fine because i played with him. I can make them better, this isn't rare its just a fact. Through two seasons he was awful. The potential C limited him from ever getting better. He was nearly maxed out!! So I got someone along the likes of Kellen Clemens and played at a pro bowl level consistently. Another problem is if you are able to play great with this terrible QB, his stats still won't improve. I've seen firsthand and heard of this situation: "I got a bad QB but made the pro bowl a few times and set some passing records but he's still not an 80 overall yet, why is that?".

-yeah, Madden. Why is that? Why is the NFL performance-based and Madden not? Its like living in Mel Kipers dream world

Now back to potential. I draft a DT in the top-10 and he has potential B. He starts for 5 years and makes 2 or 3 pro bowls next to albert haynesworth (i was on skins) and never goes over about 84 or 85. Why can't he get better?

I'm scatterbrained, work with me.

Back on the draft, there are two ways to judge the stat you are about to draft. Its not really a person, just a stat. You have not personally played with them and have nothing more than charts and your scouting report. If its not miracuously one the few players you were able to scout, then you have to guess. This can be easy if you find yourself in the 6th or 7th round and decide to draft the TE that runs a 4.35. Thats outstanding!!! If nothing else, he should make the pro bowl on spec teams for tackles or possible returning. This is basically Vernon Davis. Pretty cool for the 6th round, right?

No, this player will have approximately 86 speed. Thats great for a TE but since when did anyone that ran a sub 4.4 have 86 speed?

But back to the drafting: You can gauge how they will be off an unexplained chart. For a QB, it would have THP (throw power), THA (throw accuracy), SPD (speed), and awareness (i forgot the abbreviation). There may even be one more rating in there, but the kicker is that you have to figure all the abbreviations out and there is more info on these players when scouting than when drafting. Anyway, the graphs lie. You really can't trust them. I've been burned so many times by drafting off the unexplained graphs that come from no where. If my QB THP is off the chart (literally) it should not be that it means all-time-high for the player. It should go for all players and where it ranks there. For instance: jay cutlers would be almost maxed out and chad penningtons would be just over half.

The sad thing is that its all worthless if the awareness is low. Don't draft a lineman with a first round grade just because he is good. His awareness may turn out to be a 47 and he will never been good and you will know that immediately.

There should also be positional coaches. I feel the need to add the coaching attributes to certain groups but there isn't enough to even share. This is another oddity of franchise mode: random coaches have attributes while others do not. If they dont have a special attribute, then you have no idea who you are hiring, unless you know they are "good in real life". Well, that doesnt really matter. How good are they on madden? What group do they help the most?

anway, im done. ya'll have at it

I apologize for the length...i was bored.

I was commenting on your last article and it got too big... 

read this with an insightful and eager to converse tone: we tend to have good conversations so here goes this one i dont blindly follow any man (or woman) because people fail at life i do, however, agree with all but two Gene Smith personnel decisions 1)not trying to sign Bernard Pollard--i really liked him before we heard of the guy making tackles for the Texans and I still don't understand him not being a Chief, maybe i don't know the whole story.

2)not trying to reduce Big Hens salary You know what these two problems have in common. They cannot be proven. next topic: I know people don't like alualu and DA smith until someone else does but once i looked into alualu, i really like him. His hands are what got me. Fix the rush with an inside guy--thats a great idea. i didnt like Morgan and was hesitant on graham but favored graham over morgan. My BAP at that time was Brian Price, DT, UCLA or Clausen. Clausen, being a QB, might have to be taken off the board. it depends on the franchises plans. QB operates on its own level outside of a simple BAP board. Its a big financial and time commitment and I don't know the franchises plan. that's why i listed Price first. I loved his play and i don't know how he went in the second. maybe im alone here. Alualua seems to be a more violent version of Price and thats another reason i loved the pick once i did my research. DA smith i loved before the draft. I wrote an article about DraftTek's most recent mock draft for the Jaguars. I believe we got him in the 4th or 5th and i loved him by watching him. Big men that can explode out of their stance and penetrate the interior line are so hard to find. That made both of these guys valuable. I loved both the picks.

EDIT:

I just found my old DraftTek article:

http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/2/10/1304942/2010-draftteks-mock-draft-jaguars

Here's my quote on DA Smith from Feb. 10-->

My Take: First of all, WOW that there is video!  Smith seems strong and purposeful in his movements. In the video, you can see him play DE and DT, and as we all know, versatility adds value. Value is what teams are after. I wonder if he will really drop this far. After watching the film, his discipline in containing his gaps is obvious. I want this player, he could be this years Terrance Knighton. He will be on Gene's radar and we may need to take him in round 4 or 5. I would take him over Snead, for what it's worth.

Let me interprate: Snead was drafted by us in the 4th round, which i was not in favor of. My comparison to Knighton was not in style of play, it was merely a no-namer showing up and playing well.

Austen Lane was this years Jarret Dillard/Austin Collie. One of the guys that posts a lot fell in love with a player that at the right round could really help this team and Zoltan got his guy. I was happy with it. I still don't know Lane. I believe you liked Karim. I don't have a problem with it. I like McGee because i don't want thomas doin punts. No extra risk for our most explosive wr. I'm leavin somebody out but its ok. I'll use the "i trust what Gene is doing" line for Lane and McGee (if McGee is what Gene says, then my previous comment applies).

Now, back to your conversation.

Henderson trade value

--It's kind of a maybe. If you run a 3-4 then you may like him as an end, if you runa 4-3 then you will like him to plug the hole (kind of a 3-4 discipline). This type of value and his age add to a back up player/fringe starter. It's just the truth in my eyes. I love the guy but it really is a young mans game (sorry for the cliche phrasing). He and his agent will use his Pro Bowl resume to argue for a high price tag and therein lies the problem. I hope the best for him, but the money at that age will be extremely hard to find. I'd love to see him in Oakland, they seem to have wised up and he could truly help.

Ingram trade value

--has there really been any for two years? Depth would be nice, but the LB position seems addressed. Bosworth and Keiahu (if thats correct) will do good along with Russel Allen, if we even keep that many. I can't honestly say I believe that Ingram would've made the team and that means he would struggle to make other teams as more than a special teams guy.

One more thing, that UDFA someone wrote about recently with a unique name might start with an O or a K seems to be quick and a plugger. so there is the knighton back-up. Why not just sub knighton out on passing downs and keep him fresh, anyway?

Anyway, take care man. I'm not arguing, just talking football and I look forward to your comment. Anyway else can put me in my place as well, if they so desire.

signed,

a guy that is about to catch up on Lost

I'll put who I think they will pick as the selection, followed by who I would pick. I'm not predicting trades. This is an "as is" Mock Draft. I did my best to choose who I think the team will select and tried to stay with talent over positional value and I found that to be more entertaining :)

1) St. Louis Rams-

Sam Bradford

QB, Oklahoma

When drafting first overall, it is more pertinent than ever to choose the Best Player Available. The problem is that the league has become such a QB-driven environment that positional value trumps talent in this particular instance. Suh will drop and the defensive-minded coach will fix that side on his own and let the offense benefit from talent. 

My Take: Unfortunately, I can't logically disagree.

2) Detroit Lions-

Ndamukong Suh

DT, Nebraska

LT to protect the QB or a DT to cause problems for the other team and keep the score low? What would you do? What will they do? I think they do BPA and choose Suh.

My Take: Suh is a rare specimen. He is nearly beyond comprehension. I can't ignore the talent over the positional value and I would choose this same pick.

3) Tampa Bay Buccaneers-

Gerald McCoy

DT, Oklahoma

At this point, you sign with OK out of high school because you know they're doing something right over there. I think the Buc's take McCoy mainly because they've nearly come out and said it. The NFL's most allowing run defense (158.2, nearly a perfect QB rating worth of yards) needs some help stopping the run and McCoy is a great DT. He breaks double teams, pushes guys backwards, and holds his ground. He is fierce. The problem is that he is no Suh, and that is the only problem. 

My Take: The Buc's get a great, nasty defender here and who doesn't want that? I put a premium on lineman, so Eric Berry falls again.

4) Washington Redskins-

Trent Williams

OT, Oklahoma

Remember that Dan Snyder is not drafting this year. It's his best draft decision during his tenure. I think the Redskins try to soak all they can out of this draft slot and take Williams, who has more potential than any other OT in this draft. He just needs some coaching on mental awareness and footwork. 

My Take: I'm caught between Okung (the safe pick) and Williams (the more talented but less aware pick). I like Williams and I think his nastiness and determination will get him this selection. Washington will probably coach him up to be better than Okung.

5)Kansas City Chiefs-

Rolando McClain

ILB, Alabama

Scott Pioli, once again, attempts to recreate New England. He drafts his version of Tedy Bruschi and everyone wonders how the Chiefs board works....again. He really doesn't worry overdrafting. They might draft down to get him, but who really wants to trade into the top-5? You lose so much money and not to mention the draft picks. 

My Take: I do really believe this will happen and I feel it adds a force to the defense and a great leader and a slow player that will get beat in coverage, a lot.

6)Seattle Seahawks-

Russel Okung

LT, Oklahoma State

This is a fairly easy selection, unless they love Bulaga (Iowa LT). Okung is a clean, easy, and safe selection. Carrol doesn't want a shaky start, I mean a shakier start. I predict the safe bet selection and a way to help Hasselbeck last.

My Take: A great pick. Lineman are a premium and Seattle had a great one for a long time. A new time has come and a big hole is left. Okung is a big man and while he is not Walter Jones, his presence will be heavily appreciated in Seattle.

7)Cleveland Browns-

Eric Berry

S, Tennessee 

A top-3 talent gets selected at 7. Berry will change their defense. The Browns finished ranked 29th against the pass and 28th against the rush in the NFL. This pick can help both categories.

My Take: They don't need a LT. They need a S, but they also need a QB. Is this some of the best smoke screening ever? Do they really like Clausen (Notre Dame QB). New head man in charge, Mike Holmgreen said that he wished he liked Clausen more. He signed Jake Delhomme out of Free Agency. He traded for a backup QB that knows his system (Syneca Wallace from the Seahawks). This is either blunt and obvious or an impressive setup to fool us. Berry is more talented than Clausen but QB can impact a game more than S and the drop-off from Clausen to other passers ability to immediately impact the game is higher than Berry to the other safeties. Berry is far above but Clausen is a polished clean prospect . Berry is a good fit, regardless.

8)Oakland Raiders-

Jason Pierre-Paul

DE, USF

Oakland drafts more athletes. They really didn't get the most fitting name in the Oakland area. Owner Al Davis is infatuated with athletic specimens. Ex: QB Jamarcus Russell can throw the ball a "country mile", but can't run an offense.DRAFTED!! WR Darrius Heyward-Bey can run under a 4.3 second 40-yard dash. DRAFTED!! Jason Pierre-Paul is 6'5" and 270 pounds. He played two years of junior college and only one year of Div. I, but....he can do 23 backflips. DRAFTED!!

My Take: Unproven talent. Athletically amazing. I understand the pick.

9) Buffalo Bills-

Bryan Bulaga

LT, Iowa

A great LT for a team that is meeting both a need at the position and value at the draft slot. Bulaga could start for years and protect the blind side for whomever wins the QB job.

My Take: A great pick. Quarterback is a need and Clausen is available. I hope they don't regret passing on Clausen, but he would get the David Carr/Joey Harrington syndrome in Buffalo right now. Clausen is a serious consideration here. New regimes like to have "their guy" at QB and Clausen would be new coach Chan Gailey's "guy", but Bulaga is a smart choice for a franchise that has some building to do. NT Dan Williams would be a good pick as well. LT is just in such bad shape and Bulaga is so good. The pick almost makes too much sense. 

10) Jacksonville Jaguars-

Brian Price

DT, UCLA 

Price brings youth to the Jags at DT, who brought in rookie DT Terrance Knighton last season. Knighton would go on to start the entire season next to Big John Henderson. Price is a penetrating DT that should scare a lot of OG's at the next level. Price would be perfect next to the run stuffing Knighton. Price might even provide an exit for Henderson. There was some disruption last year with Henderson's work exit. It's claimed to have been fixed...

My Take: I think it's a great pick. As I've said before, I put a premium on linemen. It's hard to find good, big guys and you take them when you can. Joe Haden is another possible selection as is Jimmy Clausen. I think the Jaguars are monetarily commited to David Garrard and plan to draft a QB at anywhere besides here. Haden would be less effective because the D-line is not yet fixed. Once you fix your lines, then you move on to other positions. Now, the real debate. Should this have been Dan Williams? No, the Jags need pass rushers and run stoppers. Price is a much better pass rusher. He's a big nasty who wraps up his tackles. The Jaguars need to see that in person.

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I apologize for my lack of off-season contribution compared to last year, but I just stumbled over something new to me and it should make for an interesting discussion.

Let me begin by saying that I like Clausen. I think he can succeed.

Many teams have their boards virtually set in stone and have their opinions backed with pages and pages of info. Since we don't have most of the info they have, we do the spot-check (at least I do). I watch a college football game and say "Hey he looks good" or "OOOVerAAAted". 

With Clausen, he was hyped from high school. To me, he was the freshman that looked awful and slowly got better. In 2009, he really caught my eye. The stats are nice. The "not spread" offense (my terminology is projecting out) is nice and the fact that he was a team captain is nice.

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1) pass rush.
they had 14 sacks in 16 games, last I read. That's embarrassing for a team that has a defensive head coach. DE's Derrick Harvey (8th pick in 2008) and Quentin Groves didn't make much of a difference. Harvey still has potential but might need someone else to take the double teams. Groves (2nd rounder in 2008) was 3rd string at one point. I'm no expert, but wow! They say it takes until the third season for development, so we'll see. Regardless, help is needed. DT John Henderson is a run-stuffer, not a pass rusher and he is getting old. I have to wonder if he and his salary are on the team in 2010. Detroit has our old VP of personnel or whatever title he held (Shack Harris). Detroit needs DT's, right?

2) S
The main safeties at the end of the season were FS-Reggie Nelson, FS converted to SS-Gerald Alexander, who was going to get cut from the Lions, and S-Anthony Smith. I believe Smith was a FS before he came to the Jags. None of them were great. Nelson was embarrassing at times, despite being one of the best athletes on the field. Jags G Uche Nwnaneri has recently stated on the Jaguars.com message boards that Reggie Nelson has been in a suit and tie studying game film with the coaches since two weeks after the season ended. I was impressed, but his play was awful. I really hope it gets better. Gerald Alexander made some plays here and there and Anthony Smith had a few. It's sad that waiver players are the most impressive. With Matt Schaub and Peyton Manning in your division, you need star safeties.

3) G/C
I don't know which one. G Uche Nwaneri also stated that the Jags were moving him to LG (from RG). Then I read that he might go to C. I think it depends on what the Jags draft. LG Vince Manuwai started in 2009, one year after recovering from ACL surgery (i think, maybe MCL). Manuwai will be 30 when the season starts. Brad Meester, long-time C, will be 33. Nwaneri will be 26, so he's still young. I realize that offensive lineman can last longer than most players, but I also notice the need for some freshness to the middle of the line. Freshness that can allow such an amazing talent as RB Maurice Jones-Drew to not get hit in the backfield constantly.

4) More Youth at DT
Terrance "Pot Roast" Knighton was a great find in the 3rd round from Temple, but we need more. When you dominate the lines, you got a chance.

5) QB
It really is this low on the list. If MJD can run, and David Garrard can have his 3 seconds, then the team can succeed. The wrench in the plan is that when you know that a rare find at QB is on the board, you have to take him. Especially when Garrard will start the season at 32 years of age. I used to say he was the youngest 30-year old QB, but after landing atop the QB rankings for most hit the last two years. I think he's about to balance out. The smart call would be to draft more lineman this year and then look for a QB next season. GM Gene Smith is very adament about Best Available Player. He stated that WR Tiquan Underwood, 7th rounder from Rutgers, was the only player that wasn't atop their board when they drafted that they drafted. They drafted him because of his speed and their doubt that he would sign with them in UDFA.

6) LB Depth
Possibly a starting OLB as Clint Ingram didn't do that well. UDFA Russel Allen from San Deigo state looks to have earned a starting spot on the outside. Darrly Smith was mentioned by head coach Jack Del Rio as being the only LB to be assured a starting spot. I thought Justin Durant played with smarts and speed. I really liked him, but I'm not as good watching the defense on a broadcast.

7) WR
Torry Holt has been released. I like Torry and I think he can still produce. He magically disappears in coverage and then re-appears wide open. He makes strange catches. It blows my mind. I like Garrard but I do not believe that Garrard got the most out of him. 2nd year WR's Mike Thomas and Jarrett Dillard proved great depth while WR Troy Williamson should return (contracts up, he's an RFA) to start opposite break-out player Mike Sims-Walker. They could use more, but it's not a necessity for a running team. With the way the NFL is going, they might not be a running team for long. MJD could be the next Brian Westbrook.

8) Tim Tebow
As I stated earlier, GM Gene Smith is BAP. I don't see the Jags drafted a player for the hype to help sell tickets. I also don't see the Jags drafting a player with horrible mechanics. They've been there and done that. Besides, Tebow wouldn't start. How long would that fandemonium really last? Winning sells tickets. Good draft classes produce winning teams.

They will get the value pick or trade back.

If the NFL has taught us anything in 2009, it's: "you have to pass, to win". We can't do that.

DraftTek.com is a really cool draft site if you have never been there. They allow you to make your own mocks based off team needs and their computer fills all team slots for you based off of their Big Board. They recently did a 2010 Consensus Mock Draft. I have included the Jaguars selections, those selections value as of their Big Board and also some video I found of the players. I would be "pleased as punch"-as my kinfolk say-if the Jaguars came away with this draft.

I hope you enjoy Mocks as much as I do, but I do have to admit that pre-combine mocks can be a waste of time. Regardless, we have an itch, so lets scratch it.

Round 1

11) Dez Bryant, WRF (Featured WR), OK State

+2, Value Selection

DraftTek Reasoning:  Tim Tebow kissed his 1st round prospects goodbye at the Senior Bowl, so hello Garrard and here's your bonus: the best WR in the draft. Maurice can be Jones-Drew or Drew-Jones, as this should help remove the 8th defender out of the box. - Long Ball, DOF

My Take: Bryant is incredible. He has been out a year, research it if you want. He's trained with Deon Sanders. He runs aggresively. He goes up for the ball in a way similar to Larry Fitzgerald. I've never been a WR-in-the-first-round type guy, but if I was ever going to be, it would be for Dez Bryant. Today's game is changing.

Round 2-->traded to New England for Derek Cox in 2009

Round 3

75) Reshad Jones, SS, Georgia

-3, Reach Selection

My Take: I like this guy a lot. He brings hit power and he's fast. We need intensity, he can help. Although, the combine will probably move his value upwards.

Round 4

106) Jevon Snead, QB, Mississippi (Ole Miss)

-15, Reach Selection

My Take and Video Excuse: It's not as easy to find Snead highlights. Spring of 2009 saw Snead in discussion for a top-15 selection in 2010 if he chose to come out. He finished his bowl game as the starter but was benched in the game. In my opinion, Snead has footwork and decision-making issues, but it comes with a nice arm. 

Round 5

137) Dekoda Watson, OLB (4-3), Florida State.... Jersey Number 36 in the Highlights

+26, Value Selection

My Take: I'm ignorant, but I like LBers that tackle.

Round 6

171) D'Anthony Smith, DT (4-3), Louisiana Tech

+38, Value

Check 1:41, and Smith is #5

My Take: First of all, WOW that there is video!  Smith seems strong and purposeful in his movements. In the video, you can see him play DE and DT, and as we all know, versatility adds value. Value is what teams are after. I wonder if he will really drop this far. After watching the film, his discipline in containing his gaps is obvious. I want this player, he could be this years Terrance Knighton. He will be on Gene's radar and we may need to take him in round 4 or 5. I would take him over Snead, for what it's worth.

Round 7-->traded to Tampa Bay for QB Josh McCown in 2009

Mock drafts are how I familiarize myself with players. I see them and then research them. If anyone has any extra info on these guys (like Jonathan no doubt will for the FSU linebacker), please add. I want to learn and you probably do too.

-Brandon Clark

Socrates in a state of Reflection

To truly begin a new year, one must take a small look back. I googled quotes about reflections and the one your about to read, I feel, fits the state of the Jaguars franchise. Look for others if you want, it could lead to an interesting discussion.

"Follow effective action with quiet reflection. From the quiet reflection will come even more effective action."- Peter F. Drucker (American Educator/Writer).

I have never heard of Mr. Drucker but this quote is perfect. I know of no one that could look at GM Gene Smith's 2009 Draft Class and not call it effective. Most Jaguars fans would probably lobby for it to be considered best in the league. It doesn't take too much reflection to determine that this franchise is once again headed toward a series of serious playoff runs, possibly ending in the ultimate football glory, the Super Bowl.

To the staff here:

I haven't been reading everything on here lately, but I do try to get on every day. So to catch up with everyone: Jon-congrats on the promotion, Adam--congrats on being a writer, Terry-sad to see you go, expect many e-mails during the off-season, Colin-hope you're enjoying yourself on whichever island you decided to show how to party, Zoltan (you're staff)-good job holding down the fort over in Hungary and BWFull- we've never exchanged ideas, but I like you're quick-cut writing style. Its informative and makes me feel like I accomplished a lot of reading. In fact, I'm about to borrow that style.

Here's some thoughts (please play along):

I'm impressed with...

Gene Smith and the draft class (easy but it couldn't go unmentioned)

Pro Bowl voters for noticing Maurice Jones-Drew and getting Montell Owens the first-alternate on Sp Teams

Jones-Drew for giving Jaguars fans a true picture of the term "workhorse". (312 carries with a 4.5 avg is flat-out amazing. 15 rush td's is flat-out amazing and an added 53 catches with 1 td is, you guessed it, flat-out amazing)

The coaching staff for "moving on" at safety

Tyron Brackenridge

Russel Allen-Clint Ingram can leave thanks to this UDFA

Zach Miller's two TD's against the Browns

Mike Sims-Walker's season.

Troy Williamson's pre-season. I really believe in him as a football player.

Brock Bolen- Unfortunately, he seemed good enough to use as the primary FB. Greg Jones might now be trade bait.

Mel Tucker for having the D ready enough to stop Peyton week 1

Justin Durant and Darryl Smith for their consistent play all year- it was refreshing to see

Eugene Monroe shutting down Dwight Freeney-I mean "WOW!"

Uche Nwaneri being good enough (arguably) to cut Mo Williams

Mike Thomas for being so versatile

Marcedes Lewis' development. Did he drop anything at all? He also led the league in YPC for TE's

Derek Cox for leading the team in takeaways (99% sure thats right)

The last play of the season-Garrard to Zach Miller(time) for a TD. What a way to go out (when you know you'll lose). I saw a genuine smile on Garrards face as he walked off. They knew it was over and scored anyway. That says a lot.

and David Garrard for being so tough. We can argue about play all we want but the toughness is top of the league. CBS put up a stat-Garrard was hit 118 times this year. That stat was put up after he was hit at the beginning of the game... two years running for him and he didn't miss a game-truly a "Gridiron Warrior"

I'm hopeful for....

Another great draft class. GM Gene mentioned that he would find a way to get our second round pick back. Well, we have the 10th overall pick and a trade down is always an option. We have some trade bait-Big John. We have some dead weight-Reggie Nelson. So, this should be a fun off-season with plenty of excitement over the draft.

Consistency to be shown. With line development on both sides of the ball, this is bound to happen.

The first win abroad by the franchise (unless i missed something huge). We get a home game against the Redskins in London. I realize that this is to lighten the home ticket load, but WOW! What an opportunity! We will get more fans, regardless. And we get to play a terrible team...well, thats just great. I hope they let Campbell go, so it will be easier.

A safety. 

The firing of....Ted Monachino. (Thanks to Colin for teaching me about that failed hiring)

Competitive football in December, 2010. It happened this year of all years, so why not next year.

More effective action. After this small (quiet) reflection and the bit that GM Gene will surely have, I expect more effective action from the team. Gene will surely be prepared and am excitedly waiting on it to happen.

Sorry if it was long, but when I get talking football, I talk too long.

Enjoy the off-season, BCC!

-Brandon Clark

RB Anthony Dixon pictured @ cdn1.sbnation.com

After three big losses in a row that were mostly (if not only) due to turnovers, State was able to right the wrong against a far inferior team. So do you get excited? That's entirely for you to determine, but Florida sure looked vulnerable this weekend against Arkansas. They won with a last second field goal and they're coming to our house next weekend. This team will get tested. But back to this week.

ATTENDANCE: 23,882.

The game was at Middle Tennessee State and our Bulldogs came away with a win, 27-6.

Story from the stats

Turnovers:

The Bulldogs

0 interceptions on 20 pass attempts from QB Tyson Lee. (only person to attempt a pass for the dawgs)

no fumbles on 50 team carries.

The Blue Raiders

4 interceptions on 29 team pass attempts

0 fumbles on 25 team carries

Rushing:

The Bulldogs

50 team carries for 178 yards and 3.6 avg. 3 TD's and a long run of 57 yards.

leading rusher: RB Anthony Dixon had 27 carries for 135 yards and a long of 57 with 2 TD's. 5.0 yards per carry.

The Blue Raiders

25 team carries for 42 yards with a long of 12 yards.  1.7 yards per carry on 0 TD's scored.

Passing: 

The Bulldogs

Tyson Lee completed 14/20 for 155 yards.7.8 yards per pass and 0 TD's along with 0 INT's. 

The Blue Raiders

19/39 team completions for 206 yards, averaging 5.3 per pass with 0 TD's and 4 INT's.

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