(02-08-2021, 10:54 AM)Bullseye Wrote:

(02-08-2021, 07:28 AM)flgatorsandjags Wrote:   He will cost much more money than Judon and he's been one of the best defensive payers in the league over the last few years not just last night.  I'd love Barrett but I think Meyer will see Allen and Chaisson as our OLBs and not spent that kind of money.  Hopefully we throw than money at Trent Williams

I agree completely with these sentiments, especially your closing line.  I think Trent Williams, despite his age and contract demands, should be this team's top FA priority.  If he came anywhere close to playing at last year's level, he would represent a huge upgrade for us at the most important position.

While LB would be a priority if we switch to a 3-4, I think ILB would be as much of a priority as OLB/Edge, but there hasn't been much ILB conversation among Jaguars fans/observers.  I am as guilty as not prioritizing them much at all in any mocks I do.  All things considered, I think for our first year running a 3-4, we're decently set up at starting LB, assuming Chaisson is better standing up than in a 3 point stance and depending on the scheme.  If we employ a scheme that requires the OLBs to drop in coverage a lot (think early Patriots) then Chaisson would not fare well.  I think he needs to spend the bulk of his time going forward, after the passer.  Josh Allen, however, could do anything in any scheme assuming he's healthy.  As for the inside guys, I think Jack might have problems taking on guards, while Schoebert might have limits in coverage.  Not sure we have much behind them, though.  Between free agency and the draft, I would think we bring in at least 3 LBs.

I think Trent Williams is more appropriate for a team trying to win now not for one in the process of rebuilding.

With so many positions on this team in need of upgrade, I think it's too early to invest that much cap space in one player.

I think the team would be better served using that cap space to bring in a broad range of players in order to increase the odds of finding a core group of talent that works.

After you find that core, then you can start targeting individual players and offering big contracts to fill the remaining roster holes.

I do think we need to get better play from that position and should be addressed in the offseason, I just don't think we need to break the bank on any player while the roster is likely multiple years of development away from being able to reap the full benefits of that player.

Also, a big contract now and it's impact on future salary caps could potentially hamstring your rebuilding efforts before they are completed.

---