I agree ukjag. I think it's the left field nature of the pick that's surprised people. Nearly everyone had it down as Mack or Watkins. Bortles was the unanimous guy for all the coaching staff so it was a no brainer, especially with Browns, Vikings and Raiders all picking directly below us.
We don't have many expectations for this season so we can afford to bring him in when we feel he's ready and really develop him to as close to his ceiling as possible. I personally believe he's going to be fantastic. Give him as long as he needs to develop. Draft a couple WR's for him and hope Blackmon sorts his life out and comes back.
Defensively I think we're actually alright at the moment, did some great work in free agency. Offensively it's a real shame we didn't get Alex Mack but hopefully we can pick up a decent centre from somewhere.
I'm excited!
They had conviction that Bortles is the(ir) guy. It doesn't matter what my opinion of the player is, they had conviction and took him. I can't hate on this staff for that. Supposedly he was their legit, #1 player in the draft. Not at their spot...but the whole draft...that means they were convinced he is a franchise QB. Plus, it is of my belief you draft a QB until you get it right - barring you having a support system to support said rookie QB, which, we should, as long as the Jaguars address the OL very early on Day 2.
As a prospect, Bortles was the most projectable QB in this class. I don't see Matt Ryan or Ben Roethlisberger. I see a more athletic Carson Palmer, which is fine by me. That is a playoff quarterback in most years and it could be the stability the Jaguars need at the spot.
With that said...the Jaguars have NEVER drafted well at QB. Rob Johnson, Jonathan Quinn, Byron Leftwich, Blaine Gabbert, David Garrard...all varying degrees of bum...so lets hope Bortles defies a lot of odds.
This Jags regime puts a lot of emphasis on the personality, mentality, and competitive nature of players. Leadership skills, determination, and a lack of the big ego were all positives in Blake's favor. He's not a party boy, doesn't have an entourage and a staff of publicists, doesn't steal lobsters when he's hungry. He should be a good fit for Jacksonville. We've had a lot of high-character, no-nonsense QBs over the years, and no divas, criminal types, or party boys.
Quote:I Love Caldwell. And the more and more I think about it, we will be getting Blackmon back week 9.
I think Caldwell already knew Blackmon is coming back this season, that's why he passed on Watkins.
Quote:This Jags regime puts a lot of emphasis on the personality, mentality, and competitive nature of players. Leadership skills, determination, and a lack of the big ego were all positives in Blake's favor. He's not a party boy, doesn't have an entourage and a staff of publicists, doesn't steal lobsters when he's hungry. He should be a good fit for Jacksonville. We've had a lot of high-character, no-nonsense QBs over the years, and no divas, criminal types, or party boys.
Yeah, that formula has never bred success in the NFL. Gangstas like Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, and Drew Brees are considered the best at what they do because they're low character, crazy nonsensical, criminal type party boys.
Quote:I think Caldwell already knew Blackmon is coming back this season, that's why he passed on Watkins.
I don't think they're planning anything based on Blackmon's return. They may anticipate he'll be back by mid season, but I'm thinking their approach will be that his return would be short-lived based on past history. Hopefully he does come back, and when he does, he's clean and sober. Putting him on the field makes a huge difference for this offense. Unfortunately, we can't depend on that to happen.
I think they passed on Watkins because they saw more value in getting the guy throwing the ball than they did on who is on the other end.
You lost me there FBT. You saying you'd rather have Johnny Ego or Jameis Lobster?
Quote:In the last 20 years only like 3 teams has taken two QBs in the same draft
2012: Washington took RGIII (1st round) and Kirk Cousins (4th round), Indianapolis topped and tailed the draft with two QBs - Andrew Luck with the first pick and Chandler Harnish with the last.
2010: Carolina took Cam Newton (1st round) and Tony Pike (6th round).
2008: Green Bay took Brian Brohm (2nd round) and Matt Flynn (7th round).
2004: Denver took Matt Mauck and Bradlee Van Pelt with their last two picks in the 7th round.
2003: Houston took Dave Ragone (3rd round) and Drew Henson (6th round)
2000: San Francisco took Giovanni Carmazzi (3rd round) and Tim Rattay (7th round)
1999: Cincinnati took Akili Smith (1st round) and Scott Covington (7th round)
1995: Carolina took Kerry Collins (1st round) and Jerry Colquitt (6th round)
1994: Washington took Heath Shuler (1st round) and Gus Frerotte (7th round)
So, by 'like three' you mean it's happened ten times. Redskins (twice), Colts, Panthers (twice), Packers, Broncos, Texans, 49ers, Bengals. It's actually happened in 40% of drafts over the last twenty years. Not as uncommon as you might think.
Quote:You lost me there FBT. You saying you'd rather have Johnny Ego or Jameis Lobster?
Shocker. You're lost.
Quote:2012: Washington took RGIII (1st round) and Kirk Cousins (4th round), Indianapolis topped and tailed the draft with two QBs - Andrew Luck with the first pick and Chandler Harnish with the last.
2010: Carolina took Cam Newton (1st round) and Tony Pike (6th round).
2008: Green Bay took Brian Brohm (2nd round) and Matt Flynn (7th round).
2004: Denver took Matt Mauck and Bradlee Van Pelt with their last two picks in the 7th round.
2003: Houston took Dave Ragone (3rd round) and Drew Henson (6th round)
2000: San Francisco took Giovanni Carmazzi (3rd round) and Tim Rattay (7th round)
1999: Cincinnati took Akili Smith (1st round) and Scott Covington (7th round)
1995: Carolina took Kerry Collins (1st round) and Jerry Colquitt (6th round)
1994: Washington took Heath Shuler (1st round) and Gus Frerotte (7th round)
So, by 'like three' you mean it's happened ten times. Redskins (twice), Colts, Panthers (twice), Packers, Broncos, Texans, 49ers, Bengals. It's actually happened in 40% of drafts over the last twenty years. Not as uncommon as you might think.
Wow, that's a whole bunch of wasted picks.
Quote:2012: Washington took RGIII (1st round) and Kirk Cousins (4th round), Indianapolis topped and tailed the draft with two QBs - Andrew Luck with the first pick and Chandler Harnish with the last.
2010: Carolina took Cam Newton (1st round) and Tony Pike (6th round).
2008: Green Bay took Brian Brohm (2nd round) and Matt Flynn (7th round).
2004: Denver took Matt Mauck and Bradlee Van Pelt with their last two picks in the 7th round.
2003: Houston took Dave Ragone (3rd round) and Drew Henson (6th round)
2000: San Francisco took Giovanni Carmazzi (3rd round) and Tim Rattay (7th round)
1999: Cincinnati took Akili Smith (1st round) and Scott Covington (7th round)
1995: Carolina took Kerry Collins (1st round) and Jerry Colquitt (6th round)
1994: Washington took Heath Shuler (1st round) and Gus Frerotte (7th round)
So, by 'like three' you mean it's happened ten times. Redskins (twice), Colts, Panthers (twice), Packers, Broncos, Texans, 49ers, Bengals. It's actually happened in 40% of drafts over the last twenty years. Not as uncommon as you might think.
That is an ugly list
Quote:
Caldwell is a creature of habit. We all need to start paying more attention to what he's done or been a part of in his past in Atlanta to get an idea of what moves he's going to make.
Let's hope. As I recall, Atlanta hit rock bottom with the departure of Petrino and the Mike Vick arrest. If we can do what ATL did, I'd be more then happy.
Quote:2012: Washington took RGIII (1st round) and Kirk Cousins (4th round), Indianapolis topped and tailed the draft with two QBs - Andrew Luck with the first pick and Chandler Harnish with the last.
2010: Carolina took Cam Newton (1st round) and Tony Pike (6th round).
2008: Green Bay took Brian Brohm (2nd round) and Matt Flynn (7th round).
2004: Denver took Matt Mauck and Bradlee Van Pelt with their last two picks in the 7th round.
2003: Houston took Dave Ragone (3rd round) and Drew Henson (6th round)
2000: San Francisco took Giovanni Carmazzi (3rd round) and Tim Rattay (7th round)
1999: Cincinnati took Akili Smith (1st round) and Scott Covington (7th round)
1995: Carolina took Kerry Collins (1st round) and Jerry Colquitt (6th round)
1994: Washington took Heath Shuler (1st round) and Gus Frerotte (7th round)
So, by 'like three' you mean it's happened ten times. Redskins (twice), Colts, Panthers (twice), Packers, Broncos, Texans, 49ers, Bengals. It's actually happened in 40% of drafts over the last twenty years. Not as uncommon as you might think.
I love posts that are supported by doucmented facts.
WELL DONE !!
Quote:I don't know what to feel about this pick. I'm disappointed, but not angry.
I'll admit when it was made, I was stunned. I had the same sinking feeling in my stomach as when they traded up for Gabbert.
But, I am willing to give it a chance, because I don't think Bortles is anywhere near as bad as Gabbert. I just thought better talent, and even better talent at QB was still left on the board.
Or maybe I just don't know QB's. I really think Minnesota got a steal with Bridge at 32. But maybe I'm wrong.
The only saving grace is Houston didn't get both Clowney and Bridge.
Hmmm...no tantrum...nice measured response....I am pleased.
Quote:Hmmm...no tantrum...nice measured response....I am pleased.
Weird isn't it. He must be drunk :teehee:
Quote:Wow, that's a whole bunch of wasted picks.
The early pick fizzled in quite a lot of those cases - making the second pick was a sound investment for most of those teams, given that they were typically 6th/7th rounders.
Quote:The early pick fizzled in quite a lot of those cases - making the second pick was a sound investment for most of those teams, given that they were typically 6th/7th rounders.
Yep, that list wouldn't stop me from wanting the Jags to take a 2nd QB in this draft.
Quote:Yep, that list wouldn't stop me from wanting the Jags to take a 2nd QB in this draft.
Agreed, and I think that's probably their plan anyway.
Quote:I don't know what to feel about this pick. I'm disappointed, but not angry.
I'll admit when it was made, I was stunned. I had the same sinking feeling in my stomach as when they traded up for Gabbert.
But, I am willing to give it a chance, because I don't think Bortles is anywhere near as bad as Gabbert. I just thought better talent, and even better talent at QB was still left on the board.
Or maybe I just don't know QB's. I really think Minnesota got a steal with Bridge at 32. But maybe I'm wrong.
The only saving grace is Houston didn't get both Clowney and Bridge.
Dude, if you posted more like this more often, you would be one of the best contributors to this board.
Quote:Dude, if you posted more like this more often, you would be one of the best contributors to this board.
Since I was at the bar at the time of the draft, I didn't have a chance to post immediately, which I think helped me post a more measured response (than I might have) by the time I got home.
I usually just shoot from the hip and say the first thing that off the the of my head. Heart on my sleeve type of thing.