My pleasure, Bullseye. Thank you for your insights.
I definitely can relate to why a high % of Jaguars fans would have preferred that the team would have traded down with the Jets or Bucs. My guess is Dave Caldwell elected to remain in the # 9 spot because of at least one of two reasons:
1. The way the Jaguars board was shaped. The drop-off at CB likely was more pronounced than at WR and Offensive Tackle. With the drop-off at DT being less than on most other NFL team draft boards.
2. The high priority of the CB position, both in terms of need and in the system that will be used.
According to both Matthew Stafford and Bob Quinn, Stafford is totally recovered from the back injury. Having said that, I completely agree with you regarding concerns with back injuries. Stafford dealt with a different back injury he played through in 2018. Being that he turned 32 in February, the concern becomes that much more greater.
I recall Michael Cheever. He certainly looked like a long term solution for the Jags. The loss of Cheever, along with the groin injury Fred Taylor suffered, were the two greatest injury setbacks I recall the Jags having in their early history.
Dave Widell's brother Doug played for the Lions a couple of seasons around the time Dave was with the Jags. Doug was a blue collar/ lunch bucket type of Guard.
The hybrid approach is the Defense Matt Patricia has been using. I'm expecting that to continue, even with a new Defensive Coordinator. Until proven otherwise, it's still Patricia's Defense.
Some of the reasons why I believe the Jaguars will closer to the middle ( or in the middle if most things break right ) of the NFL than the bottom, if the core roster remains intact are:
1. The potential and moxie Gardner Minshew displayed as a rookie. He seems to have the 'It Factor'.
2. A highly motivated Leonard Fournette, who can help keep the chains moving if the Jaguars O-Line is even decent run blocking. and hence slow down the opposition pass rush.
3. Better WR situation than given credit for. Especially, with the playmaking potential of Laviska Shenault.
4. A deep TE unit easily could surprise if the injury situation with these players is much better in 2020 than in 2019.
5. The Jags having 3 big time talented edge rushers on Defense. Even factoring in growing pains, including a system change, and a rookie as one of the 3 players.
6. The addition of ILB Joe Schobert should be favorable for Myles Jack, who was set back in multiple ways after the retirement of Poz.
7. A highly talented rookie CB. Growing pains are inevitable. Yet, big plays are likely.
8. DJ Hayden, at Nickel CB.
9. A good pair of Starting Safeties.
10. A top 10 Special Teams unit.
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JagFan81, I plan on providing my input to your questions late Saturday Night or early Sunday Morning.
