(09-21-2020, 12:03 PM)jaglou53 Wrote:

(09-21-2020, 09:11 AM)The Real Marty Wrote: I think that's way overblown.  I don't think any players are going to take less money to play somewhere else just because Jalen Ramsey or Yannick Ngakoue didn't want to be here.   They'll make whatever decision is best for them.  Joe Schobert didn't seem to mind coming here.  If they see a young up-and-coming team and money on the table, free agents will sign with us.

I totally agree with you on this. If the Jaguars continue to compete like they have the first 2 games, they should win 6 or 7 games and be a team on the rise. They have gotten rid of the bad apples in the locker-room as well as Tom Coughlin. Most free agents will take the highest offer and the Jags can afford to "overpay" at least one free agent who could be a difference maker. With 2 first round picks and two seconds in 2021, most free agents are likely to view the Jaguars as a team capable of immediately contending for the playoffs with the arrow pointing straight up. 

Regarding the positions which will need to be addressed in the off-season, it seems way too early for that. As the season progresses, we will learn much about guys like Chaisson, Josh Jones, Henderson and Davon Hamilton, among others. The safety position seems to definitely need at least one upgrade, but a quality safety can be found after the first round. If Henderson continues to play well and look like a true number 1 cornerback, the Jags may be able to also wait on taking a cornerback. It wouldn't surprise many people if Luq Barcoo eventually moves his way up to be the starter due to his ball skills. 

Once this season plays out (hopefully all 16 games), I would expect them to be in a position to use their two first round picks on the BAP's who don't play quarterback, running back or wide receiver. Personally, I'd love to see them use one of those picks on a tight end. Just seeing how they used Eiffert yesterday shows the importance of having a tight end who can be a weapon. He just can't be depended on going forward nor can Oliver for the obvious reasons. My favorite guy is Freirmuth from Penn State or the guy from Florida, Having one of those along with Chark and Shennault would give Minshew three weapons which the defenses would have to account for. The remainder of the draft should primarily focus on strengthening both lines and likely adding a safety. Prior to the draft, at least one of these positions can be addressed via free agency.

I thought O'Shaughnessy has been playing good as well. Having him and Eifert on the roster together gives us a lot of options and makes TE much less of a need. I like Friermuth a lot, but the pass rush and pass defense have been so abysmal that we can't pass up on elite players at positions of need to take guys at positions where we might already be set. Eifert is signed through 2021 and O'Shaughnessy is a FA at the end of this season. If both continue to produce, I'd try and extend O'Shaughnessy before the end of this season and Eifert in the offseason. We wouldn't have to burn a high draft pick and both of them would come a lot cheaper than trying to draw in a big name free agent. You don't necessarily have to have a flashy TE to have an effective offense. O'Shaughnessy and Eifert just do what is necessary to get the job done. It's been a long time since we've had a stable TE position on this team. I know it's only 2 games, but it feels good.

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