(04-09-2021, 05:49 PM)Bullseye Wrote: Just some thoughts three weeks before the draft.

1.  As much was we debate on this message board, I agree with th poster who said Trevor Lawrence has silenced much of the pre draft debate.  Usually at this time we would have fought about tanking, who should be drafted and why, etc.  We have none of that.  Those who argued that draft position is overrated haven't made a peep about it this year.  Just about everyone has stated we are glad that we've gotten the #1 overall pick without having to trade up for it.  Ordinarily, I LOVE the debates on the board.  Most of the posters here are good for counter points and good observations, even if I don't agree on a given subject and it makes for interesting discussion.  But make no mistake, I'd much rather have a relatively harmonious and quiet board for now with the knowledge we'll get Trevor Lawrence in less than three freaking weeks!  If he plays like most people believe he will, the board traffic and dialogue will pick up rremendously in time.

2.  I think the Jaguars fan base has come a long way over the years.  For a long time, I lamented the rampant Gator homerism that dominated the fan base.  I'm talking the kind of Gator homerism that led to a 3 minute standing ovation for Chris Doering for a 2 yard, non scoring, non first down producing, nondescript catch in the 3rd quarter of a preseason game.  I'm talking the kind of homerism that led to GatorSkins, BroncGators, and Tebow petitions to the President.  But for the past few years, it's been quite common for fans to lament the possible drafting of a Gator player.  Perhaps not enough to hang banners across I-95, but it's enough for people to take notice.

3.  More than any coach I can recall, I am interested to see what the offensive approach will be.  Perhaps because we are hiring a successful college coach with no NFL experience as opposed to our other coaches who all had healthy NFL resumes when hired.  Perhaps because I didn't follow the Gator or OSU programs especially closely.  But I would really like to learn more about his offensive approach, how it will be run by a long time NFL offensive coordinator in Bevell, how it will be stocked, etc.  I guess the same curiosity is piqued defensively, since, for the first time in our team's history, we'll run a 3-4.

4.  It's unfortunate the Jaguars haven't been very successful on the field over the past 15-20 years, because despite the myriad complaints fans have voiced over the years, the Jaguars have always treated me well, and have been far more receptive to fan complaints than they've been given credit for.  I thought the wall of fame acknowledging long time season ticket holders was great, the video boards are amazing, and I've gotten a lot of swag from them over the years, including a full sized autographed replica helmet (Paul Posluzny) and an autographed mini helmet (Calais Campbell)  But besides the great memories, I think the best thing I ever got from them came today, after I told them I could not renew due to health issues.  On my doorstep, there were flowers delivered saying I will always be a part of the Jaguars family.  I'm a guy...I'm not big on getting flowers, but that was an astonishing touch by a team that didn't have to extend such a courtesy.  I wasn't a suite or even a club seat holder.  I was in many cases in the cheapest seats in the house.  I preface my closing of this paragraph by stating in this time of covid, I urge you to let your health and safety govern your decisions.  That said, if you haven't been a season ticket holder before, and have the means to do so, and your health would not be endangered by attending the games, this would be a great time for you to get season tickets.  The team is adding a guy with the potential to not only be the best QB in team history, but a hall of famer.  If all goes well, the Jaguars will offer an exciting brand of football for years to come.  But on top of that, based on my experiences, you'll be treated exceptionally well by the organization.

More to come...