My Dream's for the Jaguar's 2010 Draft & Season.

1 of 14

My name is Michael McDonald and I have a dream. Many actually. Most of them deal with my Jacksonville Jaguars. Last season took a lot out of me. I haven't written anything in awhile because I needed to recharge my batteries. But with each new season, optimism springs eternal. Here are some of the things I dream, some pray, will happen in 2010 for the Jaguars in the draft and the season. Let me know if you agree or have any thoughts.

Draft Wish #1 - Rolando McClain(ILB) with First Pick.

If unable to trade down for more picks, I believe Rolando McClain would be a fantastic addition to the Jags defense. Good size (6-4, 249 lbs.), Butkus Award winner as best college linebacker last year, and a team captain who never missed a game in his college career.
Alabama coaches have said that he not only fully understood his role on defense but knew everyone else's. That means he is very intelligent & is a leader.
In the games I saw last year, he is a sure tackler also.
I love Daryl Smith, but he doesn't have the intensity for middle linebacker that Mike Peterson did. I think Rolando McClain does.

Draft Wish #2 - Dan Lefevour(QB) in the Third Round.

Dan Lefevour (6-3, 230 lbs) has the prototypical NFL quarterback build. In four years at Central Michigan, this Academic All-American who graduated with a 3.57 GPA threw 120 tds with only 36 interceptions.
He was considered by many as a "coach" in the huddle & was respected in the locker room.
His only knock is struggling with deep throws. HELLO...Del Rio never throws deep anyway.
Lefevour is also a great runner who put up passing/rushing combo numbers met or matched only by Tim Tebow and Vince Young.
I like this guy!
He will be available when we pick in the 3rd round.
Make it happen, Jags!!!

Draft Wish #3 - Myron Lewis(FS/CB) in the Fourth Round.

This one might be tough. The word is out on Myron Lewis and his draft stock is rising. I will just have to hope that he is still there when the Jags' fourth round pick is up.
Lewis is a big free safety (6-2, 203 lbs.) who has cornerback speed.
His hands are sure, but he also is an excellent tackler with some pop.
Lewis has already graduated from Vanderbilt, with perfect attendance.
He has two siblings who are already in the NFL, so the lifestyle shouldn't be an adjustment.
Everything about this kid says "good guy".
I would be proud to have him on my team.
I just hope he isn't gone before Jacksonville has the chance.

Draft Wish #4 - Lonyae Miller(RB) in the Fifth Round.

I love Maurice Jones-Drew.
It was painful to see him hit the wall late last season.
It wasn't his fault.
It was his first year as the primary back and Rashad Jennings played like a 7th round pick.
The Jags need a compliment back for MJD.
Lonyae Miller played behind future Chargers' 1st round pick Ryan Matthews at Fresno State, but never complained.
He has great size (6-0, 221 lbs.), but has busted multiple long distance yard runs.
Though not being a starter is a negative, he also has what they call "fresh" legs.
He was known to be a great teammate.
He also has a young child, so you would hope that has bred maturity.
What I read that I really liked was when asked who he admires the most, he said his father.
I respect that.

Free Agent Wish #1 - Sign Greg Ellis(DE) to an Affordable Contract.

See that Picture.
Greg Ellis, a 13 year veteran, is about to sack Alex Smith.
Ellis played 14 games last year for the Oakland Raiders.
He finished with 7 sacks.
That is half of the TOTAL sacks the Jags has last year.
The Raiders were also a BAD team last year who played from behind often. That means he got his sacks even though a lot of times the opposing team was running the ball with a lead.
What I like the most about Greg Ellis is that DeMarcus Ware of the Cowboys has said on numerous occasions that he learned a tremendous amount about the defensive end position under Ellis' tutelage.
Maybe Greg Ellis could be the recreation of Clyde Simmons.
A veteran who comes in for a year or two and teaches the young guys how to do it right.
Maybe put up some good stats while he's at it.

Free Agent Wish #2 - If Released by the Redskins, Sign Colt Brennan(QB).

The Jaguars are going to need an experience back-up for Garrard.
Colt Brennan showed a lot of skill while in college.
He has good NFL size (6-3, 206 lbs.) and was turning heads in Washington before injuries derailed his season last year.
If released by the Redskins, I don't think it would cost a lot to sign him.
He's young, mobile, and appears to be a good guy.
Sign him!!!

Get This Guy! - Deon Butler(WR) Seattle Seahawks.

I've watched this guy absolutely KILL during the 2009 preseason, (Thanks NFL Network!), and show some promise towards the end of the regular season.
Deon Butler is built like a slot receiver, (5-10, 182 lbs.), and sneaky fast.
With a little more experience, he could be our Wes Welker.
The Seahawks currently have 10 wr's under contract so Butler could be released outright.
Maybe you could get him for a 7th round pick.
If I worked for the Jags, I would stake my job that bringing him to the team would be a prudent move.

Move to Improve #1 - Trade Reggie Nelson.

Look. I have no personal ill will towards Nelson...even though he's a damn Gator!
My problem is this. He is three years into his NFL career.
After a promising rookie year, he took a step back in year two.
In year three, he was a freakin' car wreck.
Missed tackles.
Broken tackles.
Blown coverages.
Poor play.
The worse kept secret in Jacksonville is that after 3 years, Reggie Nelson still can't grasp the defensive playbook.
He is a defensive coordinator's worst nightmare.
He singlehandedly caused the Jags to lose to the Colts on national prime time TV.
He went into shutdown mode shortly after that.
It's time to admit we made another 1st round mistake & cut bait.
It will send a message to the team.
Excellence is expected.
Under-achieving will not be tolerated.

Move to Improve #2 - Demand Garrard Works on Mechanics.

I have been a David Garrard supporter from the beginning.
I applauded Del Rio's decision to give the starting job to Garrard in 2007.
But by the end of last season, I had reached my fill of David.
Too many mistakes.
Too many turnovers.
Too many sacks.
Not enough smart play.
Regardless, David will be the starting QB in 2010.
I keep going back to the preseason of 2007.
David Shula was brought in as QB coach.
Byron Leftwich, the starter, wouldn't take any advice from Shula concerning his mechanics.
Garrard, on the other hand, was a willing student.
By the 3rd preseason game, Garrard's throwing motion was perfect.
He hit every throw, even the deep ones.
Now Garrard's throws are too high.
Maddeningly HIGH!
It has to be mechanics.
I still like and truly respect David Garrard.
I want to believe in him again.
I don't get a over-prideful vibe from him so I hope he will consider this request.
Get back to basics and learn to throw accurately again.
It will serve you and the Jags well.

Personal Request - Put Jimmy Smith in the Ring.

My all-time favorite Jacksonville Jaguar player is Jimmy Smith.
Probably always will be.
He was the first Jag to inspire me to buy his jersey.
The first to get me to show up at a personal appearance.
Hell...I found his address and sent him an invitation to my wedding!
He didn't respond. My feelings weren't hurt.
He was dynamic on the field.
He is our greatest receiver by a long shot.
He was the first Jag to get consistent "Sportscenter" coverage.
His best attribute?
He always showed up big in big games.
Now I'm not an idiot.
I know he has completely tarnished a just-below hall of fame career by giving in to his demons.
Seeing the true man I had adored and respected looking so defeated in a courtroom is something I will never forget.
But that doesn't change what Jimmy Smith meant to the Jaguars and to the city of Jacksonville.
In most people's minds, Mark Brunell and Fred Taylor should go in before Smith.
They may be correct.
That is why my request is purely personal.
But remember these numbers:

Receptions - 862 (15th all-time)
Yards - 12287 (12th all-time)
Yards per game - 69 (13th all-time)
Most 1000 yard seasons - 9 (2nd all-time)

Most telling stat - Jimmy Smith had all 862 catches with the Jags.
Next highest on list?
Keenan McCardell with 499.
Highest current Jag?
Maurice Jones-Drew with 148!!
Jimmy Smith was, is, and will always be the man!!!
If you don't know, you better ask somebody!!!!