What's up guys. I just had an interesting idea, and since I'm at school doing nothing (with senioritis taking firm hold) I'll make a post about it here.
At the season ticket holders' meeting, Caldwell stated that, in addition to their being fairly high grades on their board, the defensive backfield was majorly renovated last year because they took more time to gel together. We saw that principle last season, with lackluster play at the start and pretty excellent performance at the end.
I find it particularly interesting that, even with high second and third round picks, the management wasn't afraid to make an investment on players who will reach their potential in the future (AKA when they gel together) as opposed to a position with immediate impact (Running back, for example).
So, fast foward to this year's draft. What does this strategy tell us, if anything? Of course, we're assuming that last year's draft is the start of a pattern (cause if it's not, all speculation is pointless). In my opinion, it tells us that the regime is not opposed to spending premium picks on positions that may take a little development, whether individually or as a group.
Now here's the kicker. What have Dave and Gus said all through the process about this class of quarterbacks? That they will most likely need some time on the bench. I believe that last year's draft strategy, in addition to this year's comments, could suggest a high likelihood of taking a quarterback early, with the intention of benching him while he learns, and then letting him loose when he's ready.
Let me note that I personally will be happy and excited with whomever we choose, except a tackle.
Also, of course, one could point out the fact that the three positions we're considering (QBs, WRs, and Pass Rushers) all take time to develop. Fair point. One could also quote the article that says Bradley wants an immediate impact player. Also true.
So, basically, what I'm saying is that I don't have a clue what they're gonna do, but it's an exciting draft, and a great time to be a Jaguar.
The one thing that I took from last year's draft class was that Dave likes his weapons. That may or may not prove out to be correct, but it's the impression that I got.
Yes, he took Joeckel at #2 and LT isn't really a sexy pick, but look at the rest of that draft. He took an uber-athletic in-the-box Safety in Cyprien, a long cover corner in Gratz, and then a dynamic slot WR in Sanders. Then he takes Robinson with his Fifth Rounder then goes to rebuild his Secondary with every pick after. He even bypassed a quality Guard in the Third just to get himself a DB that can affect the game.
He's stated that this is a deep draft for Offense, so that leads me to believe that he feels like there are weapons to be had in this draft. While I personally love the idea of Mack or Clowney playing LEO here for the forseeable future, I'd lay money that Watkins is the guy if he's there at Three.
I don't see this as a "get the big uglies" type of draft; I think it's a get all the weapons you can type.
Quote:The one thing that I took from last year's draft class was that Dave likes his weapons. That may or may not prove out to be correct, but it's the impression that I got.
Yes, he took Joeckel at #2 and LT isn't really a sexy pick, but look at the rest of that draft. He took an uber-athletic in-the-box Safety in Cyprien, a long cover corner in Gratz, and then a dynamic slot WR in Sanders. Then he takes Robinson with his Fifth Rounder then goes to rebuild his Secondary with every pick after. He even bypassed a quality Guard in the Third just to get himself a DB that can affect the game.
He's stated that this is a deep draft for Offense, so that leads me to believe that he feels like there are weapons to be had in this draft. While I personally love the idea of Mack or Clowney playing LEO here for the forseeable future, I'd lay money that Watkins is the guy if he's there at Three.
I don't see this as a "get the big uglies" type of draft; I think it's a get all the weapons you can type.
I agree and Gus has mentioned a few times that being a defensive coach gives him perspective on who/what is hard to defend. I think he puts a slight emphasis on players/positions he deems hard to defend and puts great trust and leeway in Fisch to implement those elements into the offense.
As far as the DBs last year, I think we saw a lot of them picked because that was the area that required the most change in body type among the defense.
Quote:The one thing that I took from last year's draft class was that Dave likes his weapons. That may or may not prove out to be correct, but it's the impression that I got.
Yes, he took Joeckel at #2 and LT isn't really a sexy pick, but look at the rest of that draft. He took an uber-athletic in-the-box Safety in Cyprien, a long cover corner in Gratz, and then a dynamic slot WR in Sanders. Then he takes Robinson with his Fifth Rounder then goes to rebuild his Secondary with every pick after. He even bypassed a quality Guard in the Third just to get himself a DB that can affect the game.
He's stated that this is a deep draft for Offense, so that leads me to believe that he feels like there are weapons to be had in this draft. While I personally love the idea of Mack or Clowney playing LEO here for the forseeable future, I'd lay money that Watkins is the guy if he's there at Three.
I don't see this as a "get the big uglies" type of draft; I think it's a get all the weapons you can type.
I think we/he may have thought we were slightly more set on the lines than we were. We had so many holes last year, I guess a lot of it was just going where the value was.
The OL had Monroe and Nwarnari who looked to be set, Rackley, Bradfield, Brewster and Paztor who all looked like they could take the next step and Meester who although old, was fine to hold the fort for a year.
The DL had Babin and Alualu, who although not world beaters were thought to be solid. Marks and Miller were both new FAs who there was some hope for and everyone hoped Branch and Davis could take the next step.
Possibly just a coincidence but 4 of their first 6 picks last year were guys that played either high school or college football in Florida.
Quote:
So, basically, what I'm saying is that I don't have a clue what they're gonna do, but it's an exciting draft, and a great time to be a Jaguar.
This is the correct answer.
Theres really no situation I would be upset with. Watkins/Mack/QB/tradeabck. All make sense. And the team will get something they have been missing for a long time in any scenario.
Quote:The one thing that I took from last year's draft class was that Dave likes his weapons. That may or may not prove out to be correct, but it's the impression that I got.
Yes, he took Joeckel at #2 and LT isn't really a sexy pick, but look at the rest of that draft. He took an uber-athletic in-the-box Safety in Cyprien, a long cover corner in Gratz, and then a dynamic slot WR in Sanders. Then he takes Robinson with his Fifth Rounder then goes to rebuild his Secondary with every pick after. He even bypassed a quality Guard in the Third just to get himself a DB that can affect the game.
He's stated that this is a deep draft for Offense, so that leads me to believe that he feels like there are weapons to be had in this draft. While I personally love the idea of Mack or Clowney playing LEO here for the forseeable future, I'd lay money that Watkins is the guy if he's there at Three.
I don't see this as a "get the big uglies" type of draft; I think it's a get all the weapons you can type.
Good post. I expect this as well with a couple lineman in the late rounds but the first 3 rounds will likely be a QB , DE and a offensive weapon at TE,RB or WR.
1st round WR - Watkins or 1st round DE - Clowney
2nd Round QB - Mettenberger/Carr/Mccarron
3rd Round TE or RB. Maybe WR if we dont get Watkins in the 1st .
Only way i can see a lineman going in one of these spots is if one of the 2nd round O-lineman at the Guard position is there for our 3rd round pick and even then he debunked that last year with Gratz.
Quote:Theres really no situation I would be upset with. Watkins/Mack/QB/tradeabck. All make sense. And the team will get something they have been missing for a long time in any scenario.
This is pretty much where I am, I can't think of a scenario I will be really upset at. I just trust this front office and staff to the point that I will accept their judgement.
To the OP's information on drafting for the future; this is one reason I think we will be drafting a QB in the 1st. I know there are QBs that can be taken in the later rounds, but to me, there is a clear distinction between the QBs that will go in the 1st and the one's available in the 2nd/3rd/4th rounds. I believe that since Bradley has already come out and said that Henne is their QB for the time being, taking a "risky" pick on a QB at #3 or later (trade-down) would suffice because they could sit and learn for a year or so. I think we all could see us taking Clowney, Mack, or Watkins at #3. But to me, these positions can be covered in later rounds. Even though the talent from these three are miles above some of the later possible picks, these positions are not the highest need (in my opinion). And as much as everyone is saying there are no Franchise QBs in this draft, I don't agree with them. I can see a few here and I believe our current system and situation would fit these QBs. Either way we go, whether it's QB (as I am presuming) or with Clowney, Mack, or Watkins, we are going in the right direction.
GO JAGS!!
Quote:Possibly just a coincidence but 4 of their first 6 picks last year were guys that played either high school or college football in Florida.
Speed kills.