(08-27-2024, 04:37 PM)Caldrac Wrote:

(08-27-2024, 04:04 PM)jaglou53 Wrote: Not a lot of surprises with the roster. They were not going to cut a 4th round pick so soon. Hopefully Foster will improve significantly so he can eventually become a starter at right tackle. If he doesn't, he will hardly be the first offensive lineman unable to transition to the NFL. Alex Leatherwood is the latest example of this and he was a 1st round pick.

While it is way to early to grade the most recent draft class, I'd have to say Baalke and his staff did an overall very good job. Thomas Jr. looks like the real deal who should continue to improve. There just aren't many guys with his his size and speed combination at the receiver position. Even if his total receptions number this season aren't spectacular, I'd be very surprised if he doesn't have at least 8 touchdowns and force defenses to account for him opening up the rest of the offense. Maason Smith may take longer than Thomas to be a significant contributor in year 1, but his ceiling is just as high. Both of these LSU products not only have elite size and skill, but just as importantly they seem like hard workers who want to become great. Those intangibles are very important; just look at 1st round pick C.J. Henderson who also had the physical tools but lacked in all other areas. After being released again today, he may not even be picked up by another team. 

The remainder of the draft class looks promising with Prince and Cole looking like potential steals and Little has shown not only the leg but also the confidence to remain on the roster for a long time. The 2024 free agent signings MUST immediately prove to be important contributors on day 1. Morse and Cleveland are at the top of this list since the players behind them do not instill a sense of confidence in those who have watched them so far. Armstead is the real wild card due to his injury. If he is able to get totally healthy, his presence would give the team a valuable contributor whose versatility will help both on the Edge and on the inside. 

As fans, we have reason to be optimistic. If Lawrence and the offensive line remain healthy, there is no reason the Jaguars cannot return to the playoffs this season.

Good breakdown. Would like to add on my end as well, last year's draft class is showing a ton of hope and promise already after the preseason came to a close. 

Parker Washington, Tank Bigsby & Brenton Strange look like they'll be ready to contribute a lot faster in year two. Anton Harrison also looked good picking up multiple defenders on his blocking assignment's. 

Washington in particular though easily played like the team's MVP as he kept showing up everywhere in just those three games.