Anybody check out this draft site: drafttek.com
They have a 4 round mock draft that I find interesting.
You have got to check out who they have the Jags taking.
Interesting. Do you think Gurley drops that far?
In round four I would have taken Eskridge who was drafted a couple players later.
I would love that draft but I I'm not sure Collins makes it to the second.
Quote:1. Buccs - Marcus Mariota QB
2. Titans - Leonard Williams DT
3. *Trade* Jets - Jameis Winston QB
4. Raiders - Amari Cooper WR
5. Redskins - Brandon Scheriff OT
6. Jaguars - Shane Ray LEO
*Jag receive 3rd and 4th Round Selection
Jaguars Draft:
Round 1: Shane Ray LEO
Round 2: Hauoli Kikaha OLB
Round 3: Jake Fisher OT
Round 3: Christian Covington DT
Not sure why the Jets trade up with US. If anyone its the raiders. Neither us nor the raiders are going to take a QB, so teams are going to talk with the raiders to jump in front of washington. Hell, I think the Jets can draft jameis with the 6 pick if tenessee passes.
Quote:Anybody check out this draft site: drafttek.com
They have a 4 round mock draft that I find interesting.
You have got to check out who they have the Jags taking.
why don't you just tell us who ?
Free agency
Resign
Jordan Todman
Austin Pasztor
Ryan Davis
Will Ta'ufo'ou
Alan Ball
Geno Hayes
Jt Thomas
Todman has shown flashes of elusiveness and looks like a solid 3rd down back. Pasztor is a solid option to compete for right tackle. Ryan Davis is a fantastic situational pass rusher. Tau has been solid at fb and deserves a chance to compete. Colvin, Mccray Gratz Ball gives us a very good rotation of corner whilst geno hayes has been solid not spectacular at will and sam linebacker. All of them deserve a chance to compete in camp
FA's-
I see lots of randell cobbs brian bulagas and devin mccourtys on this list. The packers have alot of cap space and could restructure peppers to get even more space is they need to. I think cobb is a vital part of the green bay offense and will get paid. Bulaga has struggled until this season so the packers can probably get him cheap enough to resign. Don't see either of them going anywhere.
Mccourty has been top this year and the packers will restructure revis to resign him. He isn't going anywhere either. I'm trying to keep the below as realistic as possible.
offense
I would sign Doug free on a front loaded four year deal. He has a team option but with jerry talking about suh to cornerstone his defense not to mention demarco murray, rolando mclain and dez bryant they need cap space. Parnell has played well with free injured and is also an fa and has youth on his side. Both know the zbs so i would sign either but think free is more likely. Pasztor becomes his back up with joeckel getting another year to live up to his draft stock.
i would also sign Rodney Hudson from kc at centre. Kc is low on cap and needs to resign Houston. He is young mobile and would be an instant upgrade. Linder and beadles at guard with bowanko becoming the swing guard and hopefully developing to beat out beadles as our pulling guard which i think plays to his strengths
I think we also take a tight end after another weak draft class but i don't know which. Its a deep group and i would be happy with Thomas gresham Cameron or clay. I think Charles clay is the best option. He is a good run blocker which is important to us and a solid pass catcher and would give bortles a good all round option
Lastly i want to sign a vet wideout but i think its a difficult balance. We have 3 good rookies and if we signed a Eddie royal or Jeremy maclin it would cost big money and a rookie would end up out in the cold. I think we are best letting shorts test fa and seeing how the market falls. It would not surprise me if shorts tested the market, didn't get much and choose to come back to the jags on a one or two year prove it deal.
FA's- defense
I think we draft defense this year. I don't like rahim moore either, don't think he is quick enough to be our earl thomas. As such I'm not addressing free safety here. That leaves edge rusher, linebacker in my mental list of needs
Rolando McClain- I'm pillaging dallas again because something has got to give. If the cowboys cut free and carr that leaves them with 16 mil in cap space assuming a cap of 50 million. If you assume dez bryant is going to want at least 8 mil in his first year and demarco murray around 5 that leaves you with 3 million not to mention dallas are interested in suh who is going to want huge money. Not to mention they have sean lee on a coming of an acl injury. I think they take mcclain as a rental and let him go and the jags should pick him up. He is a top linebacker in the nfl and a great all rounder. Pay the guy what he wants. At 25 he could lock down the mike for the next 5- 10 years.
Draft
1st Round Randy Gregory (de)
2nd Round Gerod Holliman (fs) trade may be needed but the guy is messy and there are much better prospects so i think he will slip to around pick 21 in the first perhaps lower depending on his 40) Assuming 21 it would probably cost our third rounder to get him
4th Round- Eric Striker olb
5th round Clive Walford (te)
6th Round Ladarius Gunter (cb)
7th Round David Cobb (rb)
In the never ending process of attempting to divine the Jags perfect mock off-season player acquisition program, my work continues.
In this latest edition, I offer my thoughts on my selections.
Free Agency:
Sure there are a number of players that the Jags should retain on their roster but these are players from other rosters, of which I refer.
1. Jason Pierre Paul - DE - Giants
It may take 12 Mil per year to get him to come to J-Ville, but I think Gus' system is the most suited to his talents and with talent to spell him, JPP should reach the heights he envisions for himself with this new contract. BTW, he played at South Florida in college, so a return to the Sunshine State should be welcome that and no state Income Tax.
2. Randal Cobb - WR - Packers
The Packers have not stepped up to the plate and paid the man and based upon his accomplishments he deserves to be paid. Cobb is what we hoped Shorts would be, since both have similar skillsets, but simply put, Cobb knows how to get open and he also catches the ball when it hits his hands. It may take 9 Mil per season to get him signed, but he will be worth it as Bortles go-to WR.
3. Jordan Cameron - TE - Browns
The Browns may Tag Cameron, but if they do not then I think he offers a good alternative to Julius Thomas of the Broncos. Cameron had a down year in 2014, and concussions are an issue with this player, but if he can come close to duplicating his 2013 performance of 80 receptions for a TE, then he would have a major impact on the Jags offense in 2015. It may take a minimum of 8 Mil per season to sign him.
$ for these 3 FAs = 29 Mil per season leaving more than 31 Mil for others.
College Draft
In putting together a Championship roster the most important ingredient is the players taken in the Draft. Growing your own is always the most prudent approach to roster development.
(BTW - draft position takes into account projected compensatory picks)
Rd 1(3): Leonard Williams - DT - USC
Sure there is this innate FEAR that the Titans will step in and take Williams before we have an opportunity to draft him, but that is just crazy talk. Either the Titans will draft their Franchise QB or will get the Jets or Browns to pony up draft picks to move up and take the No. 2 QB. I think Tampa takes Winston because he is the most NFL ready and there is something about his performance on the field that makes the players around him think that they are going to win the game because he will pull it out with his play. Mariota will be taken 2nd and the Titans will take him because the Owner will force their hands. Leonard "BIG CAT" Williams will fall in the Jags lap and become the next dominant Defensive Player in the NFL and thus highlight Gus and the Jags.
Rd 2 (36): Telvin Coleman - RB - Indiana
I have been all over the board with this pick, but should Coleman fall to the Jags at this pick, then it only makes sense to draft that Franchise RB like Mojo or Fred and that player is Telvin Coleman. He is described as a DeMarco Murray clone and if he can get Demarco Murray production out of him, then the Jags offense can become as potent as we all hope it will be one day. The Jags got their Franchise QB, and their Franchise OLT, now they need their Franchise RB.
Rd 3 (77): Cody Prewitt - FS - Mississippi
Cody Prewitt's stock has fallen somewhat this season. He is viewed more of a LB-S combo and so it makes sense that he should man the deep secondary for a defense designed by Gus Bradley that is uniquely suited to Prewitt's skillset. Prewitt will fall to the top of Rd 3 because he will not run as fast as some of the other Safeties at the Combine, but that will not be as important to Gus, because the Jags need him to play centerfield and that means use his mind to make the proper decisions.
Rd 4 (104): Donovan Smith - ORT - Penn State
Donovan Smith surprised everyone when he recently declared for the NFL draft. He manned the OLT for the Penn State and his protection was not always the best that it could be. Part of that has to do with his QB and partly because Donovan Smith is probably better suited to play ORT. His ceiling is late Rd 3 but because this is a deep OT class, I think he falls to the top of Rd 4. He will compete for the ORT spot from day one.
Rd 5 (145): Tyler Kroft - TE - Rutgers
Kroft had a big 2013 season but regressed some in 2014 partly because he was not targeted as much and because Rutgers emphasized the ground game more in 2014. This actually did Kroft a favor, because he became a better inline blocker. He still needs two offseasons to increase his strength and weight, but what Kroft offers is a long striding TE who can attack the creases in the middle of the secondary. So he is a bit of a project, but he has the skillset to be an effective pass catcher and back up Cameron as the 3rd TE on the Jags roster.
Rd 6 (184): A.J. Johnson - ILB - Tennessee
A.J. Johnson has Rd 2 to 3 talent, but his off the field troubles will cause him to fall in the draft and potentially be taken off many draft boards. Still, this talent is undeniable and if he can interview well at the Combine, then I can see a team like the Jags using a Rd 6 pick to give him a chance to redeem himself. There is not denying the Jags need some LB help and so they take a chance on a talented but somewhat troubled player to man the ILB position behind Poz and JT Thomas.
Rd 7 (221): Jordan Taylor - WR - Rice
Tall fast WR who has set all kinds of records at Rice. I envision him as a poor mans Riley Cooper.
Until next time...
Quote:In the never ending process of attempting to divine the Jags perfect mock off-season player acquisition program, my work continues.
In this latest edition, I offer my thoughts on my selections.
Free Agency:
Sure there are a number of players that the Jags should retain on their roster but these are players from other rosters, of which I refer.
1. Jason Pierre Paul - DE - Giants
It may take 12 Mil per year to get him to come to J-Ville, but I think Gus' system is the most suited to his talents and with talent to spell him, JPP should reach the heights he envisions for himself with this new contract. BTW, he played at South Florida in college, so a return to the Sunshine State should be welcome that and no state Income Tax.
2. Randal Cobb - WR - Packers
The Packers have not stepped up to the plate and paid the man and based upon his accomplishments he deserves to be paid. Cobb is what we hoped Shorts would be, since both have similar skillsets, but simply put, Cobb knows how to get open and he also catches the ball when it hits his hands. It may take 9 Mil per season to get him signed, but he will be worth it as Bortles go-to WR.
3. Jordan Cameron - TE - Browns
The Browns may Tag Cameron, but if they do not then I think he offers a good alternative to Julius Thomas of the Broncos. Cameron had a down year in 2014, and concussions are an issue with this player, but if he can come close to duplicating his 2013 performance of 80 receptions for a TE, then he would have a major impact on the Jags offense in 2015. It may take a minimum of 8 Mil per season to sign him.
$ for these 3 FAs = 29 Mil per season leaving more than 31 Mil for others.
College Draft
In putting together a Championship roster the most important ingredient is the players taken in the Draft. Growing your own is always the most prudent approach to roster development.
(BTW - draft position takes into account projected compensatory picks)
Rd 1(3): Leonard Williams - DT - USC
Sure there is this innate FEAR that the Titans will step in and take Williams before we have an opportunity to draft him, but that is just crazy talk. Either the Titans will draft their Franchise QB or will get the Jets or Browns to pony up draft picks to move up and take the No. 2 QB. I think Tampa takes Winston because he is the most NFL ready and there is something about his performance on the field that makes the players around him think that they are going to win the game because he will pull it out with his play. Mariota will be taken 2nd and the Titans will take him because the Owner will force their hands. Leonard "BIG CAT" Williams will fall in the Jags lap and become the next dominant Defensive Player in the NFL and thus highlight Gus and the Jags.
Rd 2 (36): Telvin Coleman - RB - Indiana
I have been all over the board with this pick, but should Coleman fall to the Jags at this pick, then it only makes sense to draft that Franchise RB like Mojo or Fred and that player is Telvin Coleman. He is described as a DeMarco Murray clone and if he can get Demarco Murray production out of him, then the Jags offense can become as potent as we all hope it will be one day. The Jags got their Franchise QB, and their Franchise OLT, now they need their Franchise RB.
Rd 3 (77): Cody Prewitt - FS - Mississippi
Cody Prewitt's stock has fallen somewhat this season. He is viewed more of a LB-S combo and so it makes sense that he should man the deep secondary for a defense designed by Gus Bradley that is uniquely suited to Prewitt's skillset. Prewitt will fall to the top of Rd 3 because he will not run as fast as some of the other Safeties at the Combine, but that will not be as important to Gus, because the Jags need him to play centerfield and that means use his mind to make the proper decisions.
Rd 4 (104): Donovan Smith - ORT - Penn State
Donovan Smith surprised everyone when he recently declared for the NFL draft. He manned the OLT for the Penn State and his protection was not always the best that it could be. Part of that has to do with his QB and partly because Donovan Smith is probably better suited to play ORT. His ceiling is late Rd 3 but because this is a deep OT class, I think he falls to the top of Rd 4. He will compete for the ORT spot from day one.
Rd 5 (145): Tyler Kroft - TE - Rutgers
Kroft had a big 2013 season but regressed some in 2014 partly because he was not targeted as much and because Rutgers emphasized the ground game more in 2014. This actually did Kroft a favor, because he became a better inline blocker. He still needs two offseasons to increase his strength and weight, but what Kroft offers is a long striding TE who can attack the creases in the middle of the secondary. So he is a bit of a project, but he has the skillset to be an effective pass catcher and back up Cameron as the 3rd TE on the Jags roster.
Rd 6 (184): A.J. Johnson - ILB - Tennessee
A.J. Johnson has Rd 2 to 3 talent, but his off the field troubles will cause him to fall in the draft and potentially be taken off many draft boards. Still, this talent is undeniable and if he can interview well at the Combine, then I can see a team like the Jags using a Rd 6 pick to give him a chance to redeem himself. There is not denying the Jags need some LB help and so they take a chance on a talented but somewhat troubled player to man the ILB position behind Poz and JT Thomas.
Rd 7 (221): Jordan Taylor - WR - Rice
Tall fast WR who has set all kinds of records at Rice. I envision him as a poor mans Riley Cooper.
Until next time...
Thanks for this most recent scenerio, Stigma. I always enjoy reading these and gain insight from your descriptions of potential targets for the Jaguars. The best part of this scenerio would be adding Pierre-Paul and Williams to an already solid defensive line. If this happenned, I believe the Jags would potentially have the best D-Line in the NFL if Marks can return close to 100%. Luck would dread facing them twice every year (slight exaggeration). Adding 3 difference-makers on the offensive (Cobb, Cameron and Coleman would help Bortles immeasureably). The only thing missing from this is an experienced right tackle. I expect the offensive line to improve with experience, but believe a veteran should be acquired to plug into the right tackle spot. Bulaga and Free appear to be the best candidates and would be worth whatever Caldwell/Khan are willing to pay. If neither becomes available, I'd definitely draft one in the 2nd round instead of Coleman. Flowers from Miami or Clemmings from Pitt would be immediate upgrades over Pasztor. Since the running back class is so deep, they could grab one later in the draft to compete with Robinson, Gerhart and Todman. With an improved O.Line, I would expect this unit to be adequate. I have hopes that Robinson will continue to improve and a healthy Gerhart provides a nice 1-2 punch.
The offensive line does not have to have experienced personnel, although that does not hurt. What is need is for the five men to work together as a unit under duress. I think that this Donovan Smith could be a very effective ORT because he has a bit of a mean streak. Get the five guys together and keep them together and they will build the cohesion needed to act as a single unit.
BTW, both Flowers and Clemmings are mid Rd 1 talent that will not fall to the 2nd Rd.
In fact, I am now thinking that Denzel Perryman may not even make it to Rd 2, hence the move to Coleman.
My alternate to Coleman surprisingly is Cameron Erving - C/OT - FSU.
Free Agents:
TE - Jermaine Gresham
RT - Joe Barksdale
SOLB - Akeem Ayers
FS - Devin McCourty
DE - Jason Pierre Paul
Jermaine Gresham: TE who can block and be a playmaker in the passing game. He doesn't have an injury history, but he does have some what of a fumble issue. What I have read is he fumbles when fighting for the extra yardage.
Joe Barksdale: This is up in the air for someone to target. We could very easily just try going through the draft, but we may want someone with a bit of experience.
Akeem Ayers: The reason to target him is this is a weaker draft in terms of finding a strong side outside linebacker. Ayers can fill this role pretty well.
Devin McCourty: Every team that needs a FS will be trying to target him. We will need to pay the price for him, and have Gus use some of his powers to persuade McCourty. New England probably won't want to pay for what he will end up getting, and the franchise tag will still be too much. However, Brady's new deal freed up quite a bit of cap, so they may try to keep McCourty.
Jason Pierre Paul: This would be more of a luxury option if he is allowed to test the free agency waters. The giants might try to use a transition tag here rather than franchise, so they can try to lock up one of their star players. If they don't want to match, then they have the draft which happens to be fairly loaded for DE's. However, he is young and can have Clemons rotate with him.
Draft:
Round 1 - Leonard Williams DT/DE USC
Round 2 - Eric Kendricks ILB/OLB UCLA
Round 3 - Todd Gurley RB Georgia
Round 4 - Daryl Williams OT Oklahoma
Round 5 - Josh Shaw CB/FS USC
Round 6 - Kaelin Clay PR/WR Utah
Round 7 - Michael Orakpo OLB Texas State
For those who don't know who Kaelin Clay is, the only thing you might remember was he was the player who dropped the ball against Oregon in the end zone to have it returned earlier this year. However, he is the top punt returner in college football that is eligible for the draft. He was only beat out by 1 person who was a freshman when I looked at the stats.
Eric Kendricks and Todd Gurley could have their rounds switched. Round 3 looks like they should select Best RB or OT available. If we don't get Barksdale, then perhaps Best OT in the 3rd.
If we don't get a FS via Free Agency, I would like to see Kurtis Drummond as a Jaguar. However, we could try to trade with the Browns if they wish to move up. Perhaps they would like Cooper and we could swap draft picks and possibly get Tashaun Gipson.
My current mock offseason for the Jags as of New Years' Eve.
Free Agency: I think we make a major splash this year.
Let Cecil and Marcedes go. Extend Poz like he wants, re-sign Ball, Tyson, and Geno.
LEO Jason Pierre-Paul - Originally I was against the idea of this guy but I think we should make a serious play for him if available. He fits the LEO to a T, and Clemons, Branch, Davis, and JPP make for a fearsome rotation. If we get him it would be great in terms of freeing up our draft.
WR Randall Cobb - A more consistent version of Cecil Shorts who will provide veteran leadership for a young offense and a reliable target for Mr. Blake. NOTE If Blackmon comes back I think this will instead be a FS, probably Moore
TE Julius Thomas - Denver can't keep everyone around, folks. I think they'll have to choose between Thomas and Moore this offseason and they'll keep Moore believing (rightly so) that Peyton can make do with anyone at TE. That will be fine for us, as Thomas outclasses Marcedes in every single category.
OT Bryan Bulaga - I think this one is the most dicey out of all these signings but also probably the most important. We need a veteran with talent to anchor opposite Luke, and this guy is young and ascending.
Draft: A focus on getting younger on defense.
Round 1 - Leonard Williams, DL, USC - I haven't scouted him yet ( draftbreakdown needs to hurry up) but from everything that's out there this guy looks to be on the same level as a McCoy or a Richardson. We could play him at Miller's, Marks', or Red's spot and let him wreak havoc. Think of a pass-rushing front for third downs that features JPP, Marks, Williams, and Clemons. That's top five in the league. I think this guy has a chance to be special.
Round 2 - Denzel Perryman, LB, Miami - One of my personal favorites. My second highest rated player thus far (keep in mind I've only really done less than ten guys), I think he will drop due to size concerns and positional devaluation. Make no mistake, though, when he's on the field he's dominant. He's got low 4.5 speed, acceleration, and hits like a train. His kind of explosiveness can't be kept to the bench for long. I think we could start him at OTTO from day one due to his full package of coverage, pass-rush, and run stuffing ability. He could stay there long-term or switch to middle if Poz becomes unavailable. If he and Telvin are on the field at the same time, we immediately have one of the most athletic LB corps in the NFL.
Round 3 - Kurtis Drummond, FS, Michigan State - This might seem a little high for this guy now, but I think he'll have a productive offseason as teams marvel at his speed and size at the combine, while he also will participate (possibly for us?) at the Senior Bowl. He's had a down year due to a lack of talent around him, but I think with the right scheme and situation he could return to his ballhawking form of a year ago.
I'm not gonna pretend I know how the latter-round picks will go, but I could forsee our 2015 playoff-bound lineup looking something like this:
QB: Bortles
RB: Toby (came on strong at the end this year) and Denard splitting carries, followed by Todman with Storm on the PS
FB: Big Will
TE: Julius Thomas, Clay Harbor
WR: Cobb, AR15, Lee, Hurns (In no particular order), with Sanders spelling them. If Blackmon comes back Sanders gets the boot and this unit is top 5 in the league.
LT:Joeckel
LG: Beadles
C: Bowanko
RG: Linder
RT: Bulaga
(Keep in mind for the defensive line we would be rotation-heavy)
LEO: JPP, Clemons, Branch, Davis
3T: Marks, Williams, Davis
Nose: Miller, Williams, Red
5T: Williams, Red, Tyson
OTTO: Perryman, Hayes
MLB: Poz, Perryman
Will: Telvin, Hayes
CB: D-Mac and Colvin on the outside with Gratz in the slot
SS: Cyp
FS: Drummond (or Moore if Blackmon comes back)
Cable and Kodiak, I like the thought process.
Cable, I seriously have given thought to selecting Gurley in Rd 2, but I am just not certain he is going to fall even with an injured knee.
I also have concerns that Denzel Perryman may not fall out of Rd 1. The fall back plan is Erik Kendricks, but even he might not make it to Pick 36 in Rd 2.
I love the Drummond pick for FS. Other options are Anthony Harris of Virginia and I remain intrigued with Cody Prewitt who apparently has fallen on many teams boards, because of an underwhelming 2014 on-the-field performance for Miss. Still, I think he too offers value in Rd 3, with the 67 pick. Prewitt is big at 6'2" 217, so he could be viewed as a S-LB hybrid. Yet he operates best as a centerfielder rather than an in-the-box SS.
I am really looking forward to watching the Senior Bowl coverage to see how these players elevate their game.
It has been recently reported by a Tennessee Titan Beat Writer that the Titans like Mettenberger as their QB of the future. So the thinking is the Titans will take Leonard Williams with Pick 2.
So say that happens, it is highly likely that both the Jets and the Browns make an offer to move up and draft the 2nd QB.
In this hypothetical scenario, the Jets offer their 1st and 2nd Rd picks (6 and 37) for Pick 3.
So the Jags end up with
Rd 1(6) Randy Gregory - DE - Nebraska
Rd 2(36): Telvin Coleman - RB - Indiana
RD 2(37): Denzel Perryman - ILB - Miami
This would be a dream come true scenario for the Jags, but why wouldn't the Titans take the same deal if the Jets offered it to them?
I am thinking they would, because nabbing Randy Gregory plus another Top Rd 2 would really jump start their rebuilding effort.
This leads me to believe that if the Titans don't take the No. 2 QB in the draft, they will trade the pick and Leonard Williams falls to the Jags at Pick 3.
Don't get me wrong, I would love to make that trade with the Jets, because getting the Franchise RB, plus a starting ILB plus the Leo DE, would be a nice consolation prize to missing out on Leonard Williams.
What do you think?
Not so sure about Drummond. I had high hopes for him entering the season, but he really fell off the map. He was consistently burned in coverage and has a tendency to gamble more often than not. I'd much prefer a veteran (star or not) to at least keep the FS seat warm until we get a long-term guy.
Actually, I think Drummond calmed down quite a bit in 2014 versus his gambling ways of 2013. Still, I have seen his stock fall from a high Rd 3 pick to a low Rd 3 pick. We will see how he functions in the Senior Bowl.
I agree that the most important thing for the offensive line is to get experience working together as a unit, but I still believe the team's number one priority will be to strengthen the right tackle position with an experienced vet. As a Penn State alumnus, I am always happy to see the the Jaguars draft Nittany Lions, but it may be expecting too much of Donovan Smith to immediately upgrade the offensive line. I would like to see them draft him to provide more depth and competition, but still pick up an experienced vet like Bulaga or Free. If those 2 guys aren't available, I wouldn't be averse to signing a guard like Iupatti to improve the overall line. I know they overpaid Beadles, but if Iupatti beats him out, so be it.
I also like Erving since he is so versatile. He could play any position including center and who knows if Bowanko is really the future at center. As far as who to take in round 2, the BAP always works for me. Someone always drops who provides great value. I do believe that could be either Perryman, Flowers or Clemmings as none of those are considered "slam dunk" first rounders. I'd be thrilled with any of those, as well as Erving depending on how each performs at the combine. My guess is that the Jaguars staff will get to know many of these guys at the Senior Bowl and make the right choice based on this.
If the Jags are going to throw insane money at any ORT then it ought to be Bulaga. Bulaga may be the Packers No.1 priority in Free Agency and it all depends upon whether Bulaga accepts 5 to 6 mil from the Packers or 7 to 8 from the Jags.
If Bulaga tests the market then he needs to be the No. 1 Free Agent target for the Jags.
I also agree that Donovan Smith would be a nice backup Tackle at the top of Rd 4.
I sense that the Packers are going to have to make a choice between Bulaga or Cobb because in all likelihood they are going to lose one or the other and the Jags should jump at the chance of signing the one that hits the market.
I suspect the Jags will have to overpay, but probably is OK.
In this mock offseason - starting with Free Agency, I am examining players that I believe can start for the Jags or provide substantial playing time in a rotation.
1. Derrick Morgan - Leo DE - Titans - 6'3" 261 lbs - 26 years old in 2015
He was drafted in Rd 1 out of Ga. Tech and after a rough start has consistently provided 60+ tackles plus 6+ sacks per year. He is not a high glamour DE, so I think he can be signed for a reasonable contract.
Contract: 3 Years - 10 Mil; 3 Mil Guaranteed
2. Akeem Ayers - Otto LB - Patriots - 6'3" 255 lbs - 26 years old in 2015
The Patriots traded with the Titans to pick this player up for their pass rush sub-package and in 7 games he produced 4 sacks. I think he is closer to what Gus views as an Otto LB much like Bruce Irwin of Seattle - In 2012, his 2nd year in the NFL, he had 6 sacks for the Titans as an OLB. Another reasonable contract.
Contract: 3 Years - 8 Mil: 2.5 Mil Guaranteed
3. Charles Clay - TE - Dolphins - 6'3" 255 - 26 years old in 2015
Clay is a dependable outlet receiver who should become one of Blake Bortles go to guys. He is at the top of the 2nd tier TEs so his contract should not be outrageous, but it will be for starter money perhaps as high as 5 to 6 Mil per season. I think he is good for 60+ catches per season, so he should earn his contract.
Contract: 4 Years - 20 Mil; 8 Mil Guaranteed
4. Kendrick Lewis - FS - Texans - 6'0" 198 lbs - 27 years old in 2015
Lewis was signed to a one year contract by the Texans from the Chiefs. He performed reasonably well for the Texans. He should come in a fight for the starting FS job. He should not be paid starter money, rather just enough to sign him.
Contract: 2 Years - 5 Mil - 1 Mil Guaranteed
5. Eddie Royal - WR - Chargers - 5'10" 185 lbs - 29 years old in 2015
Slot WR that has the speed and experience to add a veteran presence to the WR Corps as well as return punts. Mid-tier Free Agent that will help Bortles in his development.
Contract: 3 Years - 10 Mil - 3 Mil Guaranteed
6. Perrish Cox - CB - 49ers - 6'0" 190 lbs - 28 years old
Sleeper type CB prospect with 5 Ints last year. He finally has put his game together and represents an upgrade to Gratz, so he should be paid starter money to sign.
Contract: 3 Years - 8 Mil - 2 Mil Guaranteed
Total Free Agent Cost: 61 Mil - Average Cost on 2015 Salary Cap: 19.5 Mil (out of 61 Mil available)
College Draft - in this mock, I will explore several trade down scenarios in Rd 2 and Rd 3. It should be noted that the draft positions include projections for compensational draft pick placements. (not that the Jags will get any comp picks)
Rd 1(3) Leonard Williams - DE - USC
I find it very difficult to imagine how the two QBs will not be taken 1 and 2 in this draft class, leaving the No. 1 player in this draft class to fall into the Jags laps. I see Leonard "Big Cat" Williams playing the 5Tech DE and dominating ORTs in this league with his quickness and strength.
Rd 2 - TRADE - Jags trade Pick 36 to Dolphins for Picks 47 (Rd 2) and 115 (Rd 4). Dolphins want one of the premium RBs that fall to the top of Rd 2.
Rd 2(47): Paul Dawson - ILB - TCU
Dawson demonstrated in the bowl game against Mississippi as well as all year long that he is a big time player. He will man the ILB position on 3rd downs initially and then in 2016 will become the long time starter for the Jags.
Rd 3 - TRADE - Jags trade Pick 47 to Browns for Picks 77 (Rd 3) and 153 (Rd 5).
Rd 3(77): Clive Walford - TE - Miami
Jags draft a future replacement for Marcedes Lewis. Walford will be the 3rd TE for the Jags in 2015.
Rd 4(104): Donovan Smith - ORT - Penn State
Donovan Smith will come in and compete for the starting ORT position with Pasztor.
Rd 4(115): Jarvis Harrison - OG - Texas A&M
A very athletic OG who will be the primary backup at ORG and OLG.
Rd 5(145): B.J. Finney - C - Kansas State
The Jags draft their 3rd Olineman in a row to provide depth and stability along the Oline.
Rd 5(153): Tony Washington - Otto LB - Oregon
In the game against FSU, Washington showed that he has the talent to play the Otto position.
Rd 6(184): Isaiah Johnson - SS - Ga Tech
Almost like a small LB - will be used in coverage defense.
Rd 7(221): Jordan Taylor - WR - Rice
Big tall WR that set school records for receptions.
Quote:Interesting. Do you think Gurley drops that far?
In round four I would have taken Eskridge who was drafted a couple players later.
ive seen a number of mocks having him drop to our 3rd round pick. I just dont see that happening. But if it did, that'd be a no brainer for us.
Leonard Williams seems to be the go to favorite for mock drafts. Im just now getting up to speed with the 2015 draft prospects but what are we looking at here in Williams? Is he as thought of as N. Suh was when he came out?