In this mock offseason - starting with Free Agency, I am examining players that I believe can start for the Jags or provide substantial playing time in a rotation.

 

1. Derrick Morgan - Leo DE - Titans - 6'3" 261 lbs - 26 years old in 2015

 

He was drafted in Rd 1 out of Ga. Tech and after a rough start has consistently provided 60+ tackles plus 6+ sacks per year. He is not a high glamour DE, so I think he can be signed for a reasonable contract.

 

Contract: 3 Years - 10 Mil; 3 Mil Guaranteed

 

2. Akeem Ayers - Otto LB - Patriots - 6'3" 255 lbs - 26 years old in 2015

 

The Patriots traded with the Titans to pick this player up for their pass rush sub-package and in 7 games he produced 4 sacks. I think he is closer to what Gus views as an Otto LB much like Bruce Irwin of Seattle - In 2012, his 2nd year in the NFL, he had 6 sacks for the Titans as an OLB. Another reasonable contract.

 

Contract: 3 Years - 8 Mil: 2.5 Mil Guaranteed

 

3. Charles Clay - TE - Dolphins - 6'3" 255 - 26 years old in 2015

 

Clay is a dependable outlet receiver who should become one of Blake Bortles go to guys. He is at the top of the 2nd tier TEs so his contract should not be outrageous, but it will be for starter money perhaps as high as 5 to 6 Mil per season. I think he is good for 60+ catches per season, so he should earn his contract.

 

Contract: 4 Years - 20 Mil; 8 Mil Guaranteed

 

4. Kendrick Lewis - FS - Texans - 6'0" 198 lbs - 27 years old in 2015

 

Lewis was signed to a one year contract by the Texans from the Chiefs. He performed reasonably well for the Texans. He should come in a fight for the starting FS job. He should not be paid starter money, rather just enough to sign him.

 

Contract: 2 Years - 5 Mil - 1 Mil Guaranteed

 

5. Eddie Royal - WR - Chargers - 5'10" 185 lbs - 29 years old in 2015

 

Slot WR that has the speed and experience to add a veteran presence to the WR Corps as well as return punts. Mid-tier Free Agent that will help Bortles in his development.

 

Contract: 3 Years - 10 Mil - 3 Mil Guaranteed

 

6. Perrish Cox - CB - 49ers - 6'0" 190 lbs - 28 years old

 

Sleeper type CB prospect with 5 Ints last year. He finally has put his game together and represents an upgrade to Gratz, so he should be paid starter money to sign.

 

Contract: 3 Years - 8 Mil - 2 Mil Guaranteed

 

Total Free Agent Cost: 61 Mil - Average Cost on 2015 Salary Cap: 19.5 Mil (out of 61 Mil available)

 

College Draft - in this mock, I will explore several trade down scenarios in Rd 2 and Rd 3. It should be noted that the draft positions include projections for compensational draft pick placements. (not that the Jags will get any comp picks)

 

Rd 1(3) Leonard Williams - DE - USC

 

I find it very difficult to imagine how the two QBs will not be taken 1 and 2 in this draft class, leaving the No. 1 player in this draft class to fall into the Jags laps. I see Leonard "Big Cat" Williams playing the 5Tech DE and dominating ORTs in this league with his quickness and strength.

 

Rd 2 - TRADE - Jags trade Pick 36 to Dolphins for Picks 47 (Rd 2) and 115 (Rd 4). Dolphins want one of the premium RBs that fall to the top of Rd 2.

 

Rd 2(47): Paul Dawson - ILB - TCU

 

Dawson demonstrated in the bowl game against Mississippi as well as all year long that he is a big time player. He will man the ILB position on 3rd downs initially and then in 2016 will become the long time starter for the Jags.

 

Rd 3 - TRADE - Jags trade Pick 47 to Browns for Picks 77 (Rd 3) and 153 (Rd 5).

 

Rd 3(77): Clive Walford - TE - Miami

 

Jags draft a future replacement for Marcedes Lewis. Walford will be the 3rd TE for the Jags in 2015.

 

Rd 4(104): Donovan Smith - ORT - Penn State

 

Donovan Smith will come in and compete for the starting ORT position with Pasztor.

 

Rd 4(115): Jarvis Harrison - OG - Texas A&M

 

A very athletic OG who will be the primary backup at ORG and OLG.

 

Rd 5(145): B.J. Finney - C - Kansas State

 

The Jags draft their 3rd Olineman in a row to provide depth and stability along the Oline.

 

Rd 5(153): Tony Washington - Otto LB - Oregon

 

In the game against FSU, Washington showed that he has the talent to play the Otto position.

 

Rd 6(184): Isaiah Johnson - SS - Ga Tech

 

Almost like a small LB - will be used in coverage defense.

 

Rd 7(221): Jordan Taylor - WR - Rice

 

Big tall WR that set school records for receptions.

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