(11-20-2022, 08:46 PM)flsprtsgod Wrote:

(11-20-2022, 04:34 PM)TheDuke007 Wrote: I know some people are just saying "offense", but to me, you draft position by position.  Turning your weaknesses into strengths is the best way to improve a team.  I see our biggest needs as the following:

1.  Cornerback - We save $13 million by cutting Griffin, so he is all but gone.  I think Herndon sucks, but even if he didn't, he's a free agent too.  Claybrooks is good at special teams, but terrible at cornerback.  Brown is a seventh rounder who has played minimally.  This is a huge need.

2.  Pass Rusher - Ideally, this would come from up the middle of the defensive line, but however we improve the pass rush, we need to improve it.  The team is currently ranked 27th in sacks.  Development from Travon Walker will help but isn't enough.

3.  Wide Receiver - I like Ridley and Kirk, but ideally you want 3 good wide receivers.  It would be nice if Zay Jones could be our #4 receiver.

Ideally, I would want those positions as our Day 1 and Day 2 picks.  I will say that those positions are close enough in need that value would likely determine the order taken.

We have 2 fourth round picks this year.  My preference would be left guard.  It is a position that often drops in the draft.  I would love it if we got someone that could beat out Bartch.  If he doesn't, we can still use him for depth.

The other fourth rounder would likely be tight end for me.  I'm assuming Engram resigns, but even if so, I'm guessing Dan Arnold leaves.  We need a player to develop for the future.  Tight end is another position that often drops in the draft.  However, it is also a position that can take time to learn.  As such, I don't like the idea of letting Engram go and relying on a rookie as our opening day starter.

For the 5th-7th rounds, those are depth picks.  I will mention two positions.  I think we need a power running back.  I think it is one of the big factors that has hurt us in the red zone.  We don't have a great short yardage runner.  It would also be very beneficial on 3rd and 1 and 4th and 1 situations.  The good news is that running backs sometimes drop and this is particularly true of one dimensional running backs.

I'll also mention kicker.  If there's one worthy of being drafted late, then draft him.

I also don't oppose using some of our late round picks to trade up.

Drafting defense is the surest way to keep us in single digit wins every year.

No, allowing your team's weaknesses to remain your team's weaknesses is the best way to remain a losing team.  The Jaguars had the lead in the 4th quarter in four games this year and the defense lost the game for us.  If we win those games, we're currently tied for the 2nd best record in the AFC and within 1 win of the top seeded playoff team.  This doesn't even reflect the game where our defense cost us an opportunity at overtime or the fact that quality defensive players would have helped us in quarters 1, 2, and 3 as well.  I'm not saying offense isn't important.  We need both offense and defense.  Trevor's growth is the biggest key for the offense.  As far as new players, we've already acquired Ridley for next year.  I've advocated using an early draft pick on another wide receiver, getting competition at left guard, resigning Engram and drafting other roll players and depth.  I would like to do more and if we can, great.  However, I like to be realistic in my expectations.  You only have so many draft picks and we're not in a good salary cap position, so you have to prioritize your team's biggest weaknesses position by position.  Turning your biggest weaknesses into strengths is the best way to improve a team.

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