Jacksonville Jaguars Fan Forums

Quote:Like you,  I'm a big fan of what Patrick Peterson brings to the table.   Peterson has had some great battles with Calvin Johnson,   with Peterson holding his own or more.   Peterson's receiving and special teams contributions are added value to the overall package he brings to the table.

 

 Darius Slay had a breakout season in 2014.   He struggled mightily for much of his rookie season.   In 2014,  his 2nd season,   Slay was rated as the 19th best CB by PFF.    Based on Slay's performance level this past season,   I think the 19th ranking is at the very least in the right ballpark.    Slay benefited greatly by working with Rod Woodson last off-season and the mentoring provided by for Jags CB Rashean Mathis  ( who was ranked 12th by PFF at CB ).    While Woodson is now the Raiders DB coach,  Slay is still working closely with Mathis.   In fact,  they are working out in this time frame in the Jacksonville area.

 

  The other things working in Slay's favor is his size,  speed,  and overall ability.   Not many CBs have Slay's size/ speed ratio.    Slay also has a great work ethic and is very confident.   Having Teryl Austin as his Defensive Coordinator also works in favor in Slay.    While I'm not going to express that Slay will be better than Patrick Peterson and/ or Joe Haden ( who Slay looks up to ),   I honestly believe he has what it takes to be a serious part of the CB discussion with them if a thread like this exists next season.

That's who I wanted the Jags to take; Slay then Warford. Instead, we have Cyprien and Gratz.

Quote:That's who I wanted the Jags to take; Slay then Warford. Instead, we have Cyprien and Gratz.

 

  Two thoughts come to mind at this time:

 

  1.   Darius Slay is exhibit A on why it's a mistake to come to conclusions that a player was a bad pick during his rookie season.   Because Slay was a former JUCO player who primarily played in a man to man system with Mississippi St.,  his transition to the NFL was more difficult than it is for most NFL prospects.  

 

 2.   The Lions probably had the team's best draft in 2013 than in any time in over 20 years.   On the other hand,  the 2014 Draft class needs to step up in a major way in 2015.    With the Jaguars,   the 2013 Draft class hasn't produced the results the organization and team's fan base was hoping for through 2 seasons.    There's still time for a number of Jaguars players from that draft class to have breakthrough seasons.    But the Jaguars 2014 draft class already looks very promising.    It has the potential to be one of the Jaguars best draft classes in franchise history.