(02-08-2022, 02:15 PM)TheO-LineMatters Wrote: (02-08-2022, 01:05 PM)jaglou53 Wrote: We will have a much better idea of the Jaguars draft strategy following the Super Bowl when teams can begin re-signing or tagging their own free agents. Once free agency officially begins on March 16, we will learn whether the Jaguars are able to sign a high-priced/top 10 player- something which did not happen last year. If they are able to sign a top receiver in free agency and possibly sign Chark to a 1 year "prove-it" deal, wide receiver would no longer become a top priority come draft time. They could still add to this group as early as round 3, however, with someone like Jalen Tolbert or in round 4 with Khalil Shakhir. The same goes for the offensive tackle position where a decision must be made on Cam Robinson. Peterson's decision on Robinson will be determined by how much confidence he has in Walker Little. Little looked good in his brief stint starting at left tackle, but is Peterson willing to gamble on Little's vast potential with such a small sample size? If he lets Robinson walk, the chances of drafting Evan Neal increase greatly.
My curent preference is to part ways with Cam Robinson. He only gave up 1 sack last season, however his overall PFF ranking is average, at best. I'd rather use the $17-$20 million it would cost to tag him to go after another free agent(s) who could be counted on at a position of need. Chris Godwin will likely return to Tampa, but he'd be my first target since I can't see Armstead coming here to replace Robinson. If Godwin stays in Tampa, Mike Williams would be a solid alternative. There are several viable choices in the NFL draft who could do a better job at right tackle than Jawaan Taylor. The Jaguars could use their 2nd round pick on this position and still draft Hutchinson in round 1 if a viable trade offer does not come their way. Neal would be a "safe" pick since he could immediately be plugged in at either tackle position, but Hutchinson could be elite and greatly upgrade the pass rush.
I agree that Hutchinson would be preferable to Evan Neal. If the Jaguars are unable to trade down, Hutchinson would be my easy pick. However, the offensive line needs to be a top priority in the off-season. I just can't see paying Robinson $17 million based on his performance as a Jaguar. I do believe they can find good value in rounds 2 or 3 for a right tackle to play opposite Little. Another option is to trade back up into round 1 if Trevor Penning falls beyond the early 20's. As much as I hate to give up draft choices, if Penning is graded high enough it would be worth it to secure your bookend tackles for the next several years.
The majority of people on this board believe that no top 10 free agent would come to Jacksonville. I do not agree with this, based on the following:
1. The Bengals are in the Super Bowl and won 2 games a couple years ago. This proves it is possible to improve significantly in a short time period.
2. Trevor Lawrence gives this team something they have never had which is a potential franchise quarterback. Brunell was good, but he had great weapons around him. Having Lawrence should be
a great selling point- especially to the receivers and tight ends in free agency.
3. Doug Peterson is a player's coach and has won a Super Bowl.
4. The team's salary cap is figure is best in the NFL and Khan is more than willing to spend money on great players.
5. Jacksonville is a great place to live as evidenced by all the players who remained here after retirement. Low taxes and great weather are the main reasons for this.
We will know whether my beliefs come to fruition by around March 23. By then, most of the top free agents will have signed with their new teams. I am more than willing to admit my mistakes and will do so if the Jaguars are unable to land a solid group of free agents.
