(05-01-2022, 06:00 AM)Caldrac Wrote:

(05-01-2022, 05:53 AM)Bullseye Wrote: As to your second paragraph, it goes back to what Pederson was saying before the draft...that the depth was not there at WR and interior OL.

As to the value of the picks vs the position, let's face it, we couldn't have gotten value at WR in the first round without trading up higher.  The Jaguars got no offers to trade back from #1 overall, so that wasn't an option.   Though some of us would not have minded taking Jameson Williams #1 overall, had Baalke done that or taken any other WR, he would have been savaged by critics.  Williams is the one WR who, when healthy, displays rare traits.  But the thing about Baalke being obsessed with guys who tear ACLs would have resurfaced.  The team who actually took Williams had the 2nd overall pick, and didn't take him until 122th overall.  Now I will temper my excitement for Austin until he starts proving it in minicamp/training camp/preseason.  But the bottom line is it was virtualy impossible to maximize value at WR in the first 3 rounds.

I don't think this team needed another WR. Pederson proved he can get it done with that position not being the focal point of his offense. There should be an expectation of a shared effort across the board. TE and RB position will be heavily involved this year in the passing game. The WR position will probably shine here and there due to match up advantages. It's a good thing IMHO. As it keeps your opponents guessing and on their toes.

I'm not convinced the team did not need another WR.  The team finished with the lowest offensive output in team history.  An infusion of talent was of utmost importance.  Relying on a slot WR who hasn't had to be "the man" or operate without studs around him, relying on a former 2nd round bust doesn't necessarily inspire confidence, even considering Pederson's influence. Whatever strategic advantage Pederson's schemes may provide, it could be offset or mitigated by whatever personnel deficiencies we have.  We still don't have much to offer in the way of speed.  Without the fear of being burned deep, opposin defenses can adjust their coverages to minimize the impact of the TEs.

But there is something to be said for getting value in your picks.  The team needed more offense, but under the circumstances, it wasn't practical to do so early.

Under the circumstances, the Jaguars would either have to reach for an offensive player at 27 (Watson/McBride) or take the higher rated LB.

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