(07-07-2023, 11:51 AM)Bullseye Wrote: I think there is another factor we haven't fully considered (at least I haven't) in determining the answer to this question. 

I am referring to the Calvin Ridley trade.

Specifically, there is the provision in the trade where if Ridley is a starting WR, the Jaguars give the Falcons a 2nd round pick.

So if Ridley is a starter, and the team has a lot of success this year, not only does our first round pick end up at the bottom of the first round, but the team won't have a 2nd round pick.

I would imagine due to that and being up against the cap, the team might trade out of the first round.  But the bottom line is barring another trade, the team won't have the full/normal allotment of draft picks.

I have to think the Jaguars would likely do something to offset that likely loss of talent.

All the more reason I think Ridley becomes the primary point of focus in 2023 and going into 2024. We're going to want to lock him down for another three, four years more than likely. It's a combination of losing that draft pick + losing him that would be a total pisser for this front office. If you essentially have him for one year, and, it doesn't net you a Superbowl win? You need to resign him if his production is up there. 

I think they could figure something out to gain some draft picks at some point. Trading down next year if they end up deep in the post season would make a lot of sense. Especially with a giant bubble looking to pop that's tied around the salary cap from the contracts that were signed in 2022.

Drafting Strange, Bigsby and Miller feel like early insurance picks now at TE, RB and ILB respectively. And for obvious reasons when you look at the roster and the talent there that's going to cost you a good chunk of your cap if they reup on guys like Engram, Oluokon and Etienne.

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