Ruminations on Caldwell's words and actions, and what can be concluded from them.

 

Caldwell has indicated that RB was generally pretty low on the Jaguars priorities and would be one of the last areas tthey would address.

 

Here is a recent O-Zone that references the statement, while not directly quoting him

 

http://www.jaguars.com/news/article-theO...d60b9982d3

 

Specifically, Oesher writes...

 

Quote: 

When he says running back is one of the last pieces of the puzzle, he’s not saying he consider the position unimportant. He has said several times that with so many positions to fill in the early stages of the building process there wasn’t much point in drafting or signing a front-line running back only to have him endure two years of pounding when the overall roster wasn’t ready to contend or win consistently.

 

 

Then something happened.

 

Very early in this free agency period, the Jaguars made a strong push for RB DeMarco Murray.

 

Keep in mind, this was a 3-13 team just last year.

 

Granted, the Jaguars wound up signing six players, including Julius Thomas.  But are those guys the difference between a contending or consistently winning roster, absent a stud RB?

 

Is it possible when Caldwell made the statement, he did not anticipate Murray becoming available?

 

Yes. It seems Murray wasn't one of the initial 5 of Thomas, Odrick, Cobb, McCourty, and Parnell.

 

 But then if that's the case, why was he ready to make an offer when free agency began?

 

Then on Wednesday, Caldwell offered this...

 

Quote: 

*Caldwell said that the theme of free agency was helping second-year quarterback Blake Bortles. “Not only Blake, but the offense,” he added. “What can we do to protect him and help him out to give him some weapons to throw the ball to? Everything that we’re doing right now and throughout the draft will revolve around helping Blake.” …

 

(emphasis added)

 

http://www.jaguars.com/news/article-Jagu...7aa61e6ff3

 

Finally, unlike in years past, Caldwell indicates the team is open to trading down.

 

Quote:When asked about trading the team's 3rd overall pick David Caldwell said, "I feel more open to it this year because we don't need to have a guy come in and start."

 

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/story/spor.../23743113/

 

So what does all of this mean come the draft?

 

I think if the team stays at 3, DE/LEO will be the pick.

 

However, if the team trades down out of the top ten, I could easily see the first pick being a T, or...RB Melvin Gordon.

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