One additional thought about the rookies.

 

There is an understandable reluctance to rely to heavily upon rookie contributions to lift the team.  Caldwell himself said anyone relying on rookies to key a turnaround is asking for trouble.

 

Rookies can be inconsistent and unreliable.

 

But nowhere in Caldwell's statement, or the observation that rookies have questionable reliability is it absolutely mandated that rookies are precluded from making any positive contribution.

 

To the contrary.  Jaguars history and NFL history is replete with rookies making favorable first year contributions to making teams better as a whole.

 

Boselli was a rookie in 1995, and not only was the best player on the team the second he stepped on the field, but by season's end was one of the best in the league.

 

1996 saw three rookies-LB Kevin Hardy, DE Tony Brackens, and CB Aaron Beasley-bolster the Jaguars defense, lifting it up to 11th and helping the Jaguars to reach the conference championship in the team's second year.

 

Fred Taylor and Donovin Darius used their rookie years to give the Jaguars their best RB and SS in team history as both contributed mightily to the team's 3rd straight playoff run.

 

John Henderson showed early signs of dominance in his rookie year, notching 3 sacks in the win against Philadelphia.

 

Rashean Mathis, Vince Manuwai, MJD, Brandon Linder and others have also made positive contributions to the team as rookies.

 

There are other examples throughout the league.

 

The 1981 49ers saw contributions from 3 rookie DBs, Ronnie Lott, Carlton Williamson, and Eric Wright as they all started on the 49ers first Super Bowl team.

 

The 1991 Cowboys had four rookies starting by midseason-WR Alvin Harper, DT Russell Maryland, RT Erik Williams, and LB Dixon Edwards and all of them keyed the first playoff run for what would be the team of the 1990s.

 

Randy Moss turned the Vikings from a borderline playoff team to a league best 15-1 season and an appearance in the NFC championship in his rookie season.

 

Rookies make mental mistakes.  Rookies are still growing into their bodies, hit the proverbial rookie wall, and still struggle to learn the intricacies of the pro game.  However, those factors are not an absolute bar on them being catalysts in the right circumstances.  I think Ramsey and Jack-by most expert observers opinions-are perfect fits for this defensive scheme.  Thus far, both seem to have picked up the scheme pretty quickly according to Bradley.  Both have the physical traits to be great players in this league.  While the occasional bump is to be expected, I think the chances are good that the members of this year's Jaguars rookie class can contribute to improved performance on the defensive side of the ball. 

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Worst to 1st.  Curse Reversed!

One additional thought about the rookies.

 

There is an understandable reluctance to rely to heavily upon rookie contributions to lift the team.  Caldwell himself said anyone relying on rookies to key a turnaround is asking for trouble.

 

Rookies can be inconsistent and unreliable.

 

But nowhere in Caldwell's statement, or the observation that rookies have questionable reliability is it absolutely mandated that rookies are precluded from making any positive contribution.

 

To the contrary.  Jaguars history and NFL history is replete with rookies making favorable first year contributions to making teams better as a whole.

 

Boselli was a rookie in 1995, and not only was the best player on the team the second he stepped on the field, but by season's end was one of the best in the league.

 

1996 saw three rookies-LB Kevin Hardy, DE Tony Brackens, and CB Aaron Beasley-bolster the Jaguars defense, lifting it up to 11th and helping the Jaguars to reach the conference championship in the team's second year.

 

Fred Taylor and Donovin Darius used their rookie years to give the Jaguars their best RB and SS in team history as both contributed mightily to the team's 3rd straight playoff run.

 

John Henderson showed early signs of dominance in his rookie year, notching 3 sacks in the win against Philadelphia.

 

Rashean Mathis, Vince Manuwai, MJD, Brandon Linder and others have also made positive contributions to the team as rookies.

 

There are other examples throughout the league.

 

The 1981 49ers saw contributions from 3 rookie DBs, Ronnie Lott, Carlton Williamson, and Eric Wright as they all started on the 49ers first Super Bowl team.

 

The 1991 Cowboys had four rookies starting by midseason-WR Alvin Harper, DT Russell Maryland, RT Erik Williams, and LB Dixon Edwards and all of them keyed the first playoff run for what would be the team of the 1990s.

 

Randy Moss turned the Vikings from a borderline playoff team to a league best 15-1 season and an appearance in the NFC championship in his rookie season.

 

Rookies make mental mistakes.  Rookies are still growing into their bodies, hit the proverbial rookie wall, and still struggle to learn the intricacies of the pro game.  However, those factors are not an absolute bar on them being catalysts in the right circumstances.  I think Ramsey and Jack-by most expert observers opinions-are perfect fits for this defensive scheme.  Thus far, both seem to have picked up the scheme pretty quickly according to Bradley.  Both have the physical traits to be great players in this league.  While the occasional bump is to be expected, I think the chances are good that the members of this year's Jaguars rookie class can contribute to improved performance on the defensive side of the ball. 

 

A great example of rookie contribution was Jevon Kearse for the titans in 1999. Samari Rolle, a second year guy, and Jevon, a rookie absolutely owned and destroyed Brunell. Brunell never could stop throwing INTs to Rolle or running into Kearse sacks.

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Precisely, Seldom, though I am loathe to give the tacks any credit for anything.

 

I think the talent assets of Ramsey, Jack and other picks within this draft class will more than offset whatever liabilities come with being rookies.

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Worst to 1st.  Curse Reversed!

Rookies make mental mistakes.  Rookies are still growing into their bodies, hit the proverbial rookie wall, and still struggle to learn the intricacies of the pro game.  However, those factors are not an absolute bar on them being catalysts in the right circumstances.  I think Ramsey and Jack-by most expert observers opinions-are perfect fits for this defensive scheme.  Thus far, both seem to have picked up the scheme pretty quickly according to Bradley.  Both have the physical traits to be great players in this league.  While the occasional bump is to be expected, I think the chances are good that the members of this year's Jaguars rookie class can contribute to improved performance on the defensive side of the ball. 

 

I share this sentiment, but also caution to temper expectations.

 

There will be far too much required from the youth to right this ship.  There will be mistakes and confusion, but when the speed meets speed of play we should see big gains in success.  Once the rookie fog clears (which will be on an individual basis - separate, unique learning curves,) we should see exceptional change.

 

Otherwise, at times, we could see occasional meltdowns if/when several players aren't on the same page, and can't get back online.

 

In the end, the team and the rookies will all be better off for it.  It's just a question of how quick will this year's version of "race to maturity" happen.  Since the talent has been improved, I'd expect better than what we saw from last year.  For many, it should be a shorter gap to bridge.

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"You do your own thing in your own time. You should be proud."

Oh really??? Tell me where do u hide that time traveling machine?

We have Fowler, Jack, Telvin, Ramsey, Gipson, Amukamura with Marks coming back.


If you want to talk about time machine....it sounds like a few of yall are stuck in 2015.


I'm basing my assumptions on the players we added.


Some of you telling me I'm drunk in a time machine are basing their assumptions on the results from last year.


Come on guys. We're gonna have a good defense.

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Go home JagFan, you're drunk.

Why? Is it still 2015 with Evans at FS and Clemons at DE?


Go home flsprtsgod your stuck!

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10-6 or bust, this team is ready to take the next step baring any

injuries to key players.

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[img]blob:https://www.duvalpride.com/1a8a2498-9833-4b7d-8cc7-5e45aa36d9f6[/img][img=648x560]blob:https://www.duvalpride.com/cfd7a344-8206-4fed-a4c4-6536e150b1a7[/img]

10-6 or bust, this team is ready to take the next step baring any

injuries to key players.

Stop it! We drafted the 2 best players on defense and we get Fowler and Marks back. With Gipson and Amukamura.


This isn't 2016...get in your time machine and drink and then go home.

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What rookies? Myles Jack will be an OTTO this year if we're lucky.. and Jalen will probably move all around the secondary and will likely be a nickle or fill in for Prince or Davon if one of them are hurt. DE is the only key spot with a lot of youth in a 'key' position. Even then, the interior line will demand doubles, so you will get to see the DEs get 1 on 1s. I am tired of the excuses for this team. Its time to put up some wins and a lot of them. There are no more excuses.

Ramsey will be starting on the outside when Colvin comes back. Add in the rookie duo at LEO, and yeah, I'd say we'll have rookies at key positions.

I like these rookies. But they're bound to make some mistakes.

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We got a good enough defense to make up for a struggling offense.

Do we? 'On paper' that could be true, but in reality we won't know that until the regular season starts. What we do know for a fact is that we have rookies starting in key positions on defense, which isn't a confidence boosting kind of thing.

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A great example of rookie contribution was Jevon Kearse for the titans in 1999. Samari Rolle, a second year guy, and Jevon, a rookie absolutely owned and destroyed Brunell. Brunell never could stop throwing INTs to Rolle or running into Kearse sacks.

Those are great examples... but keep in mind that those are exceptions to the rule, not the rule.

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Those are great examples... but keep in mind that those are exceptions to the rule, not the rule.

 

Every year rookies come into the league and have an instant impact. The last time the Jaguars had that it was MJD. The previous impact guy before that was Fred Taylor. It's about time for the next impact rookie to step up.

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If we have the right coach, the influx of experienced talent that Caldwell has picked up as free agents, combined with the current veterans on the team plus the enthusiasm of the very talented rookie class then this team wins 10 games and wins the division.  Enough of you naysayers and doubting Thomas'es.  The time is now!

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Original Season Ticket Holder - Retired  1995 - 2020


At some point you just have to let go of what you thought should happen and live in what is happening.
 

We have Fowler, Jack, Telvin, Ramsey, Gipson, Amukamura with Marks coming back.


If you want to talk about time machine....it sounds like a few of yall are stuck in 2015.


I'm basing my assumptions on the players we added.


Some of you telling me I'm drunk in a time machine are basing their assumptions on the results from last year.


Come on guys. We're gonna have a good defense.

Lol i was just messing wit ya... I also believe our defense will be a lot better this year.. I believe the biggest difference will come in the 4th quarter..

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Why? Is it still 2015 with Evans at FS and Clemons at DE?


Go home flsprtsgod your stuck!

You're the one who said this defense would make up for a struggling offense. You should come back from Bizzaro World.

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“An empty vessel makes the loudest sound, so they that have the least wit are the greatest babblers.”. - Plato

You're the one who said this defense would make up for a struggling offense. You should come back from Bizzaro World.

 

Yup, we can hope our maturing and improving offense can overcome the defense while it continues to try to come together.

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"You do your own thing in your own time. You should be proud."

You're the one who said this defense would make up for a struggling offense. You should come back from Bizzaro World.

No, but you're stuck in 2015.

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Every year rookies come into the league and have an instant impact. The last time the Jaguars had that it was MJD. The previous impact guy before that was Fred Taylor. It's about time for the next impact rookie to step up.

 

And both of those were given roles rather than leaned on as whistle to whistle starters.

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"You do your own thing in your own time. You should be proud."

No, but you're stuck in 2015.

You seem to think the offense will struggle, I don't get it. The defense is what has to prove it, no matter what year this is, and so far they still suck.

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“An empty vessel makes the loudest sound, so they that have the least wit are the greatest babblers.”. - Plato

And both of those were given roles rather than leaned on as whistle to whistle starters.

 

Who cares? If Jack or Ramsey make the pro bowl because they make a bunch of turnover TDs or returned a bunch of punts or blocked a bunch of kicks they'll still have had an impact.

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