Before the 2015 College Draft there is Free Agency and the Jags are projected to have more than 40 Million in cap space. The Jags Owner, Shad Khan has already stated that the Jags plan to be big players in the 2015 Free Agent Market.
Here are the players I think will be available and how much the Jags may have to pay for their contracts
1. Jason Pierre Paul - DE - Giants - 8 Mil for 4 Seasons = 32 Mil Contract
Paul has not had a double digit sack season in several years now. Part of that may be that the Giants defense does not give him enough help in rushing the passer. When placed in the Jags rotation and with the proper personnel there is every reason to believe that JPP can once again be a double digit sack DE.
2. Brian Orakpo - Otto - Redskins - 10 Mi for 4 Seasons = 40 Mil Contract
Orakpo is coming off a torn pectoral muscle in his chest. This is his third such injury with the other two on the right sides, with the latest in the left side. It is this concern over injury that will make him available. When healthy Orakpo is a double digit sack man from the OLB position which in the Jags scheme would be the Otto Lb.
3. Rahim Moore - FS - Broncos - 6 Mil for 4 Seasons = 24 Mil Contract
Moore is just coming into his own and will only be 25 years old next season. He fills a very important need in the Jags deep secondary.
4. DeMarco Murray - RB - Cowboys - 4 Mil for 3 Seasons = 12 Mil Contract
The Cowboys look to be moving on without Murray. I believe Murrary still has plenty of tread on his tires and as a runner he is the best RB on the market. Further his receiving skills will help Bortles in the passing game. With Shoelace to spell Murray, the Jags should have a very potent ground game.
College Draft:
If the Jags do not win another game then I project the Jags will select 2nd in Rd 1 and 1st in Rd 2.
Here are my selections:
Rd 1(2): Leonard Williams - DT/DE - USC
I would place Williams where Red Bryant is playing on passing downs and next to Marks on regular downs. The combination of Marks and Willams will be very disruptive and generate the best conditions for sacking the QB. Imagine JPP, Orakpo, Williams and Marks as the primary pass rushers.
Rd 2(33): T.J. Clemmings - ORT - Pittsburgh
This draft is deep with OTs but most of them will be taken in the first two rounds. Clemmings is a road grader who has the talent to be an excellent pass blocker. Now the Jags have their bookend OTs and the ground game featuring DeMarco Murray can really come into fruition.
Rd 3(67): Cody Prewitt - FS - MIssissippi
The Jags often use three Safeties in their pass defense package, so Prewitt would be that 3rd Safety.
Rd 4(98): Tyler Kroft - TE - Rutgers
Assuming the Jags keep Marcedes Lewis, Kroft would be that WR/TE combination that will give Bortles yet another target on 3rd downs.
Rd 5(129): Jeremy Langford - RB - Michigan State
Langford offers depth at the RB position and can handle kickoff duties for the Jags
Rd 6(163): Tony Washington - Otto - Oregon
Washington would be a backup Otto for Orakpo and spell him when needed.
Rd 7(194): Isaiah Johnson - SS - Ga. Tech
More depth at the Safety position.
Glad to have you back Sigma.
Love the draft, like Williams/ Prewitt.
Your free agent pickups look optimistic to say the least. Two of those four and a few smaller adds would be considered a big year. Dream big I guess.
1. Tampa Bay Buccs (2-14)- Marcus Mariota QB
2. Tennessee Titans (2-14) - Leonard Williams DT
3. Oakland Raiders (2-14) - Amari Cooper WR
4. New York Jets (3-13) - Jameis Winston QB
5. Washington Redskins (3-13) - Brandon Scheriff OT
6. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-12) - Randy Gregory OLB
7. New Orleans Saints (5-11) - Shane Ray OLB
8. New York Giants (5-11) - Vic Beasley OLB
9. Chicago Bears (6-10) - Landon Collins S
10. Carolina Panthers (6-10) - Andrus Peat OT
With the Draft order still in limbo, I'll just assume that JAX has the third selection in each round. Ignoring the Supplemental Draft selections being added for sake of conversation, their selection numbers then would be 3, 35, 67, 99, 131, 163, and 195. I'll base my picks off of
CBSSports.com Prospect Rankings with a little leeway thrown in as I see fit.
First (3) Leonard Williams, DT/DE, USC - Big time player with big time production. He might even be as good as Watt with his athleticism and energy. Brings youth to what I think is the oldest part of the team, the Defensive Line. He's six and a half, 300 lbs. He's perfect to move all over the line and make the Offense play "where's Waldo" on every down.
Second (35) Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia - In my hunble opinion, he's a steal here. He's fast and I really believe that he's quicker than folks think. Might not have Marshawn Lynch like power, but he has enough. With him and Shoelace, the Backfield is set for a few seasons.
Third (67) Eric Stryker, LB, Oklahoma - Playmaking LB that adds depth and talent to the LB group. Needs to bulk up some, so his rookie season may be a wash but the talent and athleticism is there. Really like this guy.
Fourth (99) Kurtis Drummond, FS, Michigan State - He comes from a quality defensive program at MSU and he's well respected around the building. He's not an In-The-Box Safety and he won't be as good as Earl Thomas but that's okay. He can fill the role of FS until someone better comes along. He's 6' 1, 200 and had back to back four interception seasons in 2013 and '14.
I'll be back in a bit to finish out my draft.
Most analysts already seem to be in agreement on which players (at least position) the Jaguars will select in rounds 1 and 2. That means availability for that 3rd round selection for the Jaguars is key to the rest of the draft. There should be a good FS there, but not sure it will be Prewitt. OLB and TE as well as C and OG should also be in play.
Remember last year the team downplayed the selection of QB. This year they are downplaying the selection of OL. Makes me wonder.
Quote:Second (35) Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia - In my hunble opinion, he's a steal here. He's fast and I really believe that he's quicker than folks think. Might not have Marshawn Lynch like power, but he has enough. With him and Shoelace, the Backfield is set for a few seasons.
The only thing that concerns me is his injury history, seemed to be banged up quite a bit at Georgia. Other than that, would love the pick, gonna be a very good player if he stays healthy.
Quote:Remember last year the team downplayed the selection of QB. This year they are downplaying the selection of OL. Makes me wonder.
Gus has talked positively about the OL recently, but I wouldn't call that downplaying taking one, at least not yet. Draft season really hasn't even started yet for them.
Quote:With the Draft order still in limbo, I'll just assume that JAX has the third selection in each round. Ignoring the Supplemental Draft selections being added for sake of conversation, their selection numbers then would be 3, 35, 67, 99, 131, 163, and 195. I'll base my picks off of CBSSports.com Prospect Rankings with a little leeway thrown in as I see fit.
First (3) Leonard Williams, DT/DE, USC - Big time player with big time production. He might even be as good as Watt with his athleticism and energy. Brings youth to what I think is the oldest part of the team, the Defensive Line. He's six and a half, 300 lbs. He's perfect to move all over the line and make the Offense play "where's Waldo" on every down.
Second (35) Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia - In my hunble opinion, he's a steal here. He's fast and I really believe that he's quicker than folks think. Might not have Marshawn Lynch like power, but he has enough. With him and Shoelace, the Backfield is set for a few seasons.
Third (67) Eric Stryker, LB, Oklahoma - Playmaking LB that adds depth and talent to the LB group. Needs to bulk up some, so his rookie season may be a wash but the talent and athleticism is there. Really like this guy.
Fourth (99) Kurtis Drummond, FS, Michigan State - He comes from a quality defensive program at MSU and he's well respected around the building. He's not an In-The-Box Safety and he won't be as good as Earl Thomas but that's okay. He can fill the role of FS until someone better comes along. He's 6' 1, 200 and had back to back four interception seasons in 2013 and '14.
I'll be back in a bit to finish out my draft.
Fifth (Old No. 7) Jack Daniels, Whiskey, Tennessee - Just seeing if you're paying attention.
Fifth (131) Robert Myers, OT, Tennessee State - Big Offensive Lineman from a small school. Got himself a Senior Bowl invite so we can get a better look at him here in a few weeks. I've been hearing a bit of buzz about him but I don't know a whole lot just yet. Fills a need for Tackle depth. x
Sixth (193) Derrick Malone, OLB, Oregon - Four time letterman for the Ducks. Brings a little character to the team.
Seventh (225) Blake Bell, TE, Oklahoma - Could he be what Zack Miller was promised?
Free Agency
Devin McCourty, FS
Jamari Lattimore, MLB
Jordan Cameron, TE
Round 1 - Leonard Williams - DE/DT - A true plug-n-play guy. Line him up wherever and let him make plays.
Round 2 - Ty Sambrailo - OT/OG - He's got a nasty streak, is athletic and has and good feet. I think he's being underrated. A versatile player who could be the answer at RT or LG. I would lean more towards RT though.
Round 3 - Jay Ajayi - RB - I don't even like picking RB's this early, but I like this guy a lot. Good feet, hits the hole fast and decisively, and has the ability to cut back and make athletic moves in the open field. He also bring a lot to the table as a pass catcher.
Round 4 - Tyler Kroft - TE - Only a TE on paper, but he's still pretty physical in beating jams and run blocking down the field.
*** Rounds 5-7 - I'm still looking at later round prospects. Could use help at LB obviously, and also some added depth in the secondary.
Free Agency
<p style="color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Devin McCourty, FS
<p style="color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Mike Iupati, LG
<p style="color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">
<p style="color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">'15 NFL Draft
<p style="color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Round 1 -Randy Gregory, DE/LEO
<p style="color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Round 2 -La'el Colllins. RT
<p style="color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Round 3 -Nick O'Leary
<p style="color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Round 4 -Ramik Wilson/Jake Ryan
<p style="color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">
<p style="color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">But trading down would be optimal
1. Tampa Bay Buccs - Marcus Mariota QB
2. Tennessee Tacks - Jameis Winston QB Conflicted, they might think Winston is too out there, they have Mettenberger in the wings.
3. Oakland Raiders - Leonard Williams DT
4. New York Jets - Brandon Scheriff OT
5. Washington Red - Landon Collins S
6. Jacksonville Jaguars - Randy Gregory / Shane Ray
1st Round Randy Gregory / Shane Ray DE
2nd Round Todd Gurley / Telvin Coleman HB
Jags Address - OT , FS, and TE in FA
I really have a hard time seeing Landon Collins being a top 5 pick.
I also think unless Tennessee cleans house and fires their GM Webster that they will not take a QB.
Quote:I really have a hard time seeing Landon Collins being a top 5 pick.
I also think unless Tennessee cleans house and fires their GM Webster that they will not take a QB.
Agreed on both.
Tennessee could really use a top defender here as their defense isn't good at all. Williams seems like a pretty good fit for them.
Shane Ray is the guy I want, he can flat out rush the passer and he has the numbers to prove it and a perfect LEO
Given the changing landscape of the NFL, I can see how it might be possible for the Jags to win its finals two games against divisional opponents. Given the current state of the Titans and the Texans, the Jags could come away with victories in both games which would ultimately cause the Jags to draft 6th in each and every round of the 2015 College Draft. I have changed my Free Agent and Mock Draft to accommodate this change in draft position.
Free Agency: With close to 40 million under the cap (including the recent Miller re-signing) the Jags have money to spend, so lets spend some.
1. Jason Pierre Paul - (Leo) DE - Giants - Recently JPP has been on a sack tear - potentially justifying a big payday in Free Agency.
2. Jason Worilds - Otto LB - Stedelers - Worilds can rush the passer but also drop and coverage and thus is truly a 3 down player.
3. Rahim Moore - FS - Broncos - The Jags will most likely have to overpay him, but I think in the long run, since he is only 25, he will be worth the investment
4. DeMarco Murray - RB - Cowboys - Why not sign the best RB in the league to play for America's NEW TEAM, the Jags.
Draft Class:
Rd 1: Shane Ray - DE - Missouri - Ray still has some growing to do, so most likely, Ray will need to only be used on passing downs. Still can you imagine Ray on one end and JPP on the other?
Rd 2: Spencer Drango - ORT - Baylor - I am projecting a run on OTs in this draft. Drango is well suited for a quick passing game and a pounding ground game.
Rd 3: Anthony Harris - FS - Virginia - The Jags need to start developing depth in the secondary, because every season is a long season.
Rd 4: Tyler Kroft - TE - Rutgers - The passing game TE that can split the seams and be a vertical deep threat in the middle of the field.
Rd 5: Jeremy Langford - RB - Michigan State - more depth at the RB position.
Rd 6: Tony Washington - Otto LB - Oregon - more depth at the Otto LB spot
Rd 7: Isaiah Johnson - SS - Ga. Tech - more depth at SS
Free Agency: Upgrade Offense with More Weapons and a Pass Rush LBer
1. Julius Thomas - TE - Denver - Broncos don't have the money to sign him, Jags do.,
2. Joe Barksdale - ORT - St. Louis - If he hits the market, the Jags will sign him on the 1st day
3. Jason Worilds - Otto LB - Pittsburgh - Otto is just another 3-4 LBer in Gus' Defensive Scheme
4. Randal Cobb - WR - Green Bay - Replaces Shorts - and helps in the Return Game
5. DeMarco Murray - RB - Dallas - Jags sign the best RB in Free Agency
Draft: Mostly Defense in Top 3 rounds, then more Offensive weapons
1. Rd 1(4): Shane Ray - DE - Missouri - The next Dwight Freeney
2. Rd 2(37): Denzel Perryman - MLB - Miami - Jags version of Bobby Wagner
3. Rd 3(68): Anthony Harris - FS - Virginia - Jags find a Centerfielder
4. Rd 4(101) T.J. Yeldon - RB - Alabama - Falls in a deep draft for RBs
5. Rd 5(134) B.J. Finney - C - Kansas State - Zone Blocking Scheme Center
6. Rd 6(165): Rob Haverstein - ORT - Wisconsin - Backup OT
7. Rd 7(198) Rory Anderson - TE - South Carolina - Another Receiving TE who is a willing Blocker
With the 3rd selection Leonard Williams comes back into play, which would be my pick instead of Shane Ray.
So make that switch at the top of the draft and add JPP to the Free Agent list.
BTW, Jason Worilds of the Steelers currently has 8.5 sacks while JPP of the Giants has 10.5 sacks.
An intense pass rush rotation is the key to beating the Colts and winning this division.
Quote:Before the 2015 College Draft there is Free Agency and the Jags are projected to have more than 40 Million in cap space. The Jags Owner, Shad Khan has already stated that the Jags plan to be big players in the 2015 Free Agent Market.
Here are the players I think will be available and how much the Jags may have to pay for their contracts
1. Jason Pierre Paul - DE - Giants - 8 Mil for 4 Seasons = 32 Mil Contract
Paul has not had a double digit sack season in several years now. Part of that may be that the Giants defense does not give him enough help in rushing the passer. When placed in the Jags rotation and with the proper personnel there is every reason to believe that JPP can once again be a double digit sack DE.
2. Brian Orakpo - Otto - Redskins - 10 Mi for 4 Seasons = 40 Mil Contract
Orakpo is coming off a torn pectoral muscle in his chest. This is his third such injury with the other two on the right sides, with the latest in the left side. It is this concern over injury that will make him available. When healthy Orakpo is a double digit sack man from the OLB position which in the Jags scheme would be the Otto Lb.
3. Rahim Moore - FS - Broncos - 6 Mil for 4 Seasons = 24 Mil Contract
Moore is just coming into his own and will only be 25 years old next season. He fills a very important need in the Jags deep secondary.
4. DeMarco Murray - RB - Cowboys - 4 Mil for 3 Seasons = 12 Mil Contract
The Cowboys look to be moving on without Murray. I believe Murrary still has plenty of tread on his tires and as a runner he is the best RB on the market. Further his receiving skills will help Bortles in the passing game. With Shoelace to spell Murray, the Jags should have a very potent ground game.
College Draft:
If the Jags do not win another game then I project the Jags will select 2nd in Rd 1 and 1st in Rd 2.
Here are my selections:
Rd 1(2): Leonard Williams - DT/DE - USC
I would place Williams where Red Bryant is playing on passing downs and next to Marks on regular downs. The combination of Marks and Willams will be very disruptive and generate the best conditions for sacking the QB. Imagine JPP, Orakpo, Williams and Marks as the primary pass rushers.
Rd 2(33): T.J. Clemmings - ORT - Pittsburgh
This draft is deep with OTs but most of them will be taken in the first two rounds. Clemmings is a road grader who has the talent to be an excellent pass blocker. Now the Jags have their bookend OTs and the ground game featuring DeMarco Murray can really come into fruition.
Rd 3(67): Cody Prewitt - FS - MIssissippi
The Jags often use three Safeties in their pass defense package, so Prewitt would be that 3rd Safety.
Rd 4(98): Tyler Kroft - TE - Rutgers
Assuming the Jags keep Marcedes Lewis, Kroft would be that WR/TE combination that will give Bortles yet another target on 3rd downs.
Rd 5(129): Jeremy Langford - RB - Michigan State
Langford offers depth at the RB position and can handle kickoff duties for the Jags
Rd 6(163): Tony Washington - Otto - Oregon
Washington would be a backup Otto for Orakpo and spell him when needed.
Rd 7(194): Isaiah Johnson - SS - Ga. Tech
More depth at the Safety position.
id be thrilled with just orakpo or JPP and moore
Were making a big splash in free agency 100%. This could be the last shot of the GUS/DAVE ERA. They will hit the panic button and spend what they can. As for third overall, at this point I only like Gregory or Williams. Or Trade down.
I'll throw in a few names into the hat for free agency.
Stefen Wisniewski and Rodney Hudson.
My ideal draft:
1st round-
Brandon Scherff (OT/G) Iowa
2nd round- <b>La'el Collins (OT/G) LSU</b>
<b>3rd round- Jay Ajayi (RB) Boise State Also wouldn't mind Duke Johnson (RB) Miami</b>
<b>4th round- Breshad Perriman (WR) UCF </b>
<b>5th round- Josh Shaw (CB) USC</b>
<b>6th round- Trey DePriest (LB) Alabama</b>
<b>7th round- Clayton Geathers (SS) UCF</b>