(04-24-2023, 01:56 PM)Caldrac Wrote:

(04-24-2023, 01:33 PM)jaglou53 Wrote: I also heard Pauline this morning. While not infallible, he is one of the better draft analysts out there. You did a great job summarizing his comments. My post interview thoughts are:

1. Van Ness is the most likely pick for the Jaguars since Wright, N. Smith, Banks and Porter are likely gone. I'd be fine with that, although it will take him time to develop.

2. There is still a possibility that Porter falls to Jacksonville if Banks has moved ahead of him. Not likely, but it wouldn't shock me. Would be a great pick.

3. Branch may not be a home-run pick, but he is a great "safety" valve in case the top 3 are gone. He should definitely be available at 24.

4. Pauline is still pretty high on Bryan Bresee. I hope they pass on him, but Pauline's comments would give me hope if he is the pick.

5. I didn't hear him talk about Myles Murphy, but he'd also have to be a consideration at 24. He is "safer" than Van Ness. Probably a higher floor
   but lower ceiling than Van Ness. 

6. If they do go pass rush in round 1, round 2 will be very interesting. Do they take the top corner available or possibly reach for an offensive
    tackle due to lack of quality depth at that position? My hope is that either Cody Mauch or Mathew Bergeron are available and that they would
    be the pick. I have confidence a good nickel will be available in round 3 such as Riley Moss or Garrett Williams. 

7. That's about it for my thoughts on the first 2 days of the draft. I'd be pleased with Murphy/Van Ness in round 1, Mauch/Bergeron in round 2 and
    Williams/Moss in round 3. If a tight end like Washington is there at 56, that would also have to be a possibility.

He also mentioned Van Ness is all over the place within the mock community. He may or may not be there at 24. I wouldn't hate the pick. If Porter Jr. is there though I am running my card out to Goodell before the clock is down to 14:00 minutes. He's a steal at that point in my opinion. 

I am just not a fan of Branch. Really boils down to my earlier comments. Can Caldwell properly scheme him into a successful nickel/slot CB and what is the long term plan with him? Because he seems like a waste there and scary in coverage with 4.5 speed in the nickel/slot role primarily. I also agree with value being there much later to fill this need. Riley Moss, Mekhi Blackmon and Garrett Williams would be more ideal. 

I am mortified of Bresee. That would be my nightmare selection to hear this Thursday. The injuries, the mental state, etc. Just not a fan. If he fell to 56? I would consider him. Murphy would also be a fine selection for me. I wouldn't love it. But, I wouldn't hate it. He has a decent skill set as a pass rusher. Would pay off earlier than Van Ness as you pointed out. 

I have to tell you though. I don't think this front office is prioritizing the offensive line early, at all. I would be surprised if they took an offensive player in RD1 and RD2. RD3 would also be surprising at this point. If they do take a tackle or guard I would have to tip my hat to Baalke because he's had me fooled for sure this offseason. 

My heart is telling me to take Cody Mauch 24th overall. Because of his versatility, his feet, his ability to fit more than one need competently on a team that SHOULD be thinking about protecting it's QB more than it is at getting after the opposing QB at the moment. My heart is also telling me to take Joe Tippmann with the 56th overall pick because he's another solid C/OG option and he gives us a very, very good player there to backfill in a pinch if Fortner falters in year two or adds more strength and the eyes of a Center right next to Fortner at LG as a rookie. Again, protecting Lawrence is my priority. Especially with his contract up for extension sooner than people think.

It will be very interesting to see when they actually take an offensive lineman. It certainly is possible that they wait until round 4, but I hope that's not the case. Taylor may not have been great, but at least he was good at pass protection. I just don't feel confident with what they have- especially if one of the starters goes down. I also like Cody Mauch a lot, but would wait until sometime in round 2 and possibly trade up for him or Bergeron. Both have great versatility and I believe there's a big gap between them and the next group of linemen who can play guard and tackle. Avilla and Tippman should be very good interior linemen, but neither can be plugged in for Robinson or Little in case of injury.

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