Bleacher Report - Articles by John Vetsch

In The Trenches: Linemen Roster Battles in Jacksonville

John Vetsch — Tue, 12 May 2009 15:56:28 -0400

Every summer there are positional battles that occur throughout training camps on every NFL roster.

You would like most of your starters to already be in place going into camp and most of the competition to be battles at the backup positions, but this is not the case in Jacksonville this season.

After a disappointing 2008 season, the Jaguars had one of the biggest roster overhauls in the NFL, as 11 players who started at least one game for the Jaguars last year have either been released or simply not re-signed and are no longer on the team.

Whether it was because of disappointing production, locker room cancers, or off-the-field problems, new GM Gene Smith has cleaned up this roster and there will be some major competition for roster positions in Jacksonville, including quite a few starting jobs.

These battles will continue through training camp as the starting lineups will start to take shape and then through the preseason games as the backups will be fighting for the final positions on the depth chart.

The most intense roster battles might be on the Jaguars' offensive live. This is a unit that was decimated by injuries in 2008 and as those players return from injury, they will be fighting both veteran and rookies to regain there starting positions.

Left Tackle

The Jaguars landed 11-year veteran OT Tra Thomas (Eagles) in free agency who looks to have an edge over the young rookies, at least for now. Thomas, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, only allowed two sacks last year in 16 starts with the Eagles. Only two players who started all 16 games allowed less sacks.

However, Thomas will have to fight off rookie Eugene Monroe (Virginia), who was selected No. 8 overall in the draft to be the LT of the future for the Jags. Monroe is an extremely athletic prospect who possesses excellent technique, footwork, and awareness, and has all the tools to be an elite LT in the NFL.

When it is all said and done, Tra Thomas should win this job. He just has too much experience and has proved that he can play the position at a high level. However, it would not be a shock at all to see Monroe take over by midseason, as his potential is limitless.

Right Tackle

With Tra Thomas winning the LT position, that puts Eugene Monroe in a fierce battle for the RT position with incumbent RT Tony Pashos and rookie Eben Britton (Arizona). Pashos is a tough, hard-nosed lineman who dominates in the running game, but really struggled is pass protection at times last year. He gave up 5.5 sacks and led the league with seven holding penalties.

Pashos is not ready to give up his position without a fight though.

"Each and every year I fight to make the team regardless of the scenario who is there and everything," he said. I'm confident in my abilities. I work my tail off and I listen to my coaches.”

Rookie OT Eben Britton seems ready for the challenge as well.

"Every team that passed on me is gonna regret it for the rest of the history of that franchise," he said after being drafted in the second round.

“I'm angry and the chip on my shoulder just got a little deeper. I'm gonna work my [tail] off for the Jacksonville Jaguars and people are gonna regret it. I've got my own agenda and that's first and foremost to take the Jacksonville Jaguars to the Super Bowl. Secondly, I'm gonna be the greatest offensive tackle to ever play this game."

Well, those are some pretty impressive statements from both players, Eugene Monroe should win this job. He will play RT for a year before taking over for Thomas at LT next year, leaving the RT job for Britton. The Jaguars will finally have their bookend offensive tackles in place.

Center

Not a lot of competition here. Brad Miller, Uche Nwaneri, and Dennis Norman will be in the mix, but they all have an uphill battle and little chance to unseat C Brad Meester, who just signed a four year contract extension. Meester is a 10-year veteran who, after missing six games following bicep surgery last year, came back and only allowed .25 of a sack in the final 10 games of the season.

Left Guard

This job is Vince Manuwai’s to lose. He could have some competition from Eugene Monroe, should the Jaguars want to keep him on the left side of the line to prepare him for his transition to LT, but it is more likely that Monroe will win the RT job.

Manuwai is coming back from reconstructive knee surgery to repair a torn ACL that happened in last year’s season opener versus the Titans.

When I asked how he was progressing, he responded with, “very good. Running 100 percent straight-line right now and about 70 percent on my cuts...I will be ready by training camp.”

This is very encouraging news and Manuwai should be ready to take back his job at the start of training camp after being 10 months removed from the surgery.

Right Guard

This position battle might be the most intense. Last year starter Mo Williams was also knocked out for the season in the opener although his injury, a ruptured bicep was a little less serious. Williams is 100 percent recovered and participated in full in last week’s minicamp.

Although Williams, a former RT, played well at his new position in 2007, he will have an uphill battle to retain his job this year in camp. Assuming Thomas and Monroe win the starting LT and RT spots, that leaves Williams, Pashos, and Britton all in a battle for the RG position.

When it’s all said and done, Williams might be the odd man out here as a starter, as Pashos and Britton, two of the Jaguars' most intense linemen, will fight this one out.

Britton will compete for the RT position, but he has no problem moving inside either. "I'll do whatever they want me to do," he said. "If it means playing guard, I'll play guard."

This one is too close to call.

The Jaguars have turned last year’s weakness into a strength and might just have one of the deepest offensive lines in the league. Almost all of the Jaguars' offensive linemen can play multiple positions.

When asked about the competition, new Jag Tra Thomas responded. "You can never have too much protection. That's the best way to look at it."

Final O-Line Depth Chart Prediction:
LT: Tra Thomas, Eugene Monroe, Eben Britton
LG: Vince Manuwai, Uche Nwaneri, Eben Britton
C: Brad Meester, Denis Norman
RG: Tony Pashos, Mo Williams, Eben Britton
RT: Eugene Monroe, Eben Britton

In the past and under the old management regime in Jacksonville, the higher drafted players seemed to have an edge in camp. This mentality of "if you were drafted high, you will start" is no longer the case under Gene Smith.

Jack Del Rio and Smith will open this training camp with all 53 positions up for grabs. Competition is back here in Jacksonville. Expect a tough intense, training camp come July and may the best men win.

Photo from nfl.com

From Tall To Small: The Jaguars New Offense

John Vetsch — Thu, 07 May 2009 20:26:02 -0400

A few years ago Jaguars QB Byron Leftwich said that when the team gets off the bus it looks more like an NBA team has arrived than a football team.

At the time, the team included Leftwich who was 6-5, WRs Reggie Williams and Ernest Wilford who were each 6-4, and WR Matt Jones stood 6-6.

That was then, this is now. With all of those players no longer here, the identity and offensive philosophy of this team has drastically changed.

If last week's mini-camp is any kind of preview of what’s to come, the Jaguars offense has taken a major overhaul. Jump balls and fades are a thing of the past and the new revamped offense will include much shorter and quicker routes which will allow QB David Garrard get the ball out of his hands faster and into the hands of his playmakers who can make something happen after the catch.

For this offensive scheme to work, offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter and QB David Garrard needed some new weapons.

Last year’s starting WRs Reggie Williams and Matt Jones couldn’t get any separation from defenders. They both ran lazy routes and were tackled almost immediately after the catch.

For the 2008 season, Reggie Williams averaged only 9.8 yards per catch and near the bottom of the league with a sorry 2.0 YAC (yards after the catch). Matt Jones was not much better.

David Garrard, meet your new receivers.

#80 - Mike Thomas
Height: 5’ 8” Weight: 193 lbs. 40-time: 4.29
Thomas is a rookie WR out of Arizona who was a team elected captain and four year starter. He was first team all PAC-10 as both a WR and kick returner and set the conference receiving record with 259 catches. He averaged 12.5 yards per catch and had 27 total touchdowns. Thomas finished 3rd of all WRs at the NFL scouting combine in the vetical leap (40.5"), the 3 cone drill (6.65 seconds), and the broad jump (10' 6"). If you are wondering who finished 1st and 2nd, they are the next two guys listed here. This is an athletic group.

#87 – Jarrett Dillard
Height: 5’ 11” Weight: 185 lbs. 40-time: 4.50
Dillard is a rookie WR out of Rice who was a team elected captain and four year starter. Dillard set an NCAA record for catching a TD in 13 consecutive games. He averaged 15.1 yards per catch and had 60 total TDs which is an NCAA all-time record. That's impressive. Dillard is more quick than fast and runs some of the best routes and has maybe the best hands of any WR in this draft class. Dillard also had the highest vertical leap of any WR at the combine with a 42.5” jump and tied for 1st with a 10’ 9” broad jump. In Rice's game vs. Texas, Dillard averaged 17.6 yards per catch. (Crabtree averaged 12.7 vs. the same defense) I'm just saying...

#19 – Tiquan Underwood
Height: 6’ 1” Weight: 180 lbs. 40-time: 4.29
Underwood is a rookie WR out of Rutgers who was a team elected captain and three year starter. Underwood can fly as he showed with his 4.29 second 40-time at his Proday. He also had the best timed score at the NFL scouting combine with a 6.62 second 3 cone drill. Underwood also tied for 1st with a 10’9” broad jump and finished 2nd of all WRs with a 41.5” vertical leap.

(continued)

#81 – Torry Holt
Height: 6’ 0” Weight: 190 lbs. 40-time: 4.34 (1999)
Holt is a veteran WR who is closing in on Hall of Fame status. He has 869 catches for 12,660 yards and 74 TDs for his career. Holt is just 15 catches and 539 yards shy of cracking the top ten all time in both of those respective statistical categories. He may not run his 4.34 anymore, but Holt has some of the best hands and runs some of the tightest routes in the league.

There is one thing in common with all of these receivers and that is production. They all run tight crisp routes, know how to get open, and all have a nose for the endzone. They more than make up for their vertically challenged stature by being both athletic and intelligent.

All 3 rookie WRs, like the rest of the Jaguars 2009 draft class, will have their college degrees by June and finished with strong GPAs. Dillard actually graduated in May of 2008 and is already enrolled in graduate school.

All 3 rookie WRs consistently finished in the top 3 in all the drill at the combine. In the vertical leap in particular, the Jaguars new WRs finished 1, 2, and 3. Dillard had the highest vertical leap of all WRs at the combine (42.5 in.) with Underwood and Thomas finishing 2nd and 3rd respectively.

If the new weapons weren’t enough, WR Mike walker is finally healthy. Just two years ago he was being called the next Jimmy Smith by some, but he just can't seem to stay healthy. Walker looked good in least weeks mini-camp and caught everything thrown his way. He could use a little luck at this point.

The Jaguars will also have a new and improved signal caller on the field. His name is still David Garrard, but he has dropped 25 pounds and looked slim, trim, and quick in last week’s mini-camp. Full mini-camp report.

Add to that, a totally new and beefed up offensive line for Garrard to work behind. The additions of Rookie OTs Eugene Monroe and Eben Britton and signing veteran OT Tra Thomas has turned one of last year's major weekness into a strength. With Meester and Mo Williams back and Manuwai expected back by training camp, this O-Line is stacked.

This offense will look different alright both physically philosophically. Instead of watching Garrard wait 4 and 5 seconds looking for a WR who was never going to get open, you should expect him to get rid of the ball in 2 or 3 seconds into the hands of his playmakers.

Where last year the WRs would fall at the spot of the catch, this year’s group of WRs will be able to take that 5 yard slant not only for a first down, but possible break one all the way.

Jack Del Rio seems to have parked the big SUV of an offense and rolled out the smaller, quicker, and polished Lamborghini. Training camp can’t come soon enough to see this new offense in action as it should be fun to watch.

-Photo of Jarrett Dillard from mini-camp 5/01/09 by John Vetsch

Jacksonville Jaguars' Minicamp Report

John Vetsch — Thu, 07 May 2009 16:02:47 -0400

Rookie CB Derek Cox (pictured) signing autographs for the fans after Friday afternoon's minicamp practice

After a tough season and a long offseason, the Jacksonville Jaguars took the field for their annual minicamp May 1-3 and the new season has officially started.

Just five days after being drafted, the rookie class of 2009 was on the field participating alongside veteran players they have been following for years. Head coach Jack Del Rio scheduled this year’s minicamp as close to the draft as possible this year as he wanted to bring a “shock factor” to the young players.

"They're going to be swimming” Del Rio said in his press conference. “They're going to be challenged, and we really want that this year. Last year I got away from bringing in the rookies right after the draft and I wanted that shock factor. I want these guys to hit Jacksonville and be shocked by me, be shocked by the veteran players that have been here working out.”

Before we get into the camp specifics, I think it is important to put this mini-camp in perspective and take it for what it is, an “underwear practice.”

These are no pads and no contact practices and the players wear only shorts and jerseys. This makes it very difficult to evaluate the Jaguars’ first three draft picks as they are all lineman who are especially challenging to evaluate as nobody is engaging.

The defensive line really has an advantage in these practices and it is noticeable on the field. An offensive lineman’s best friends are his hands and his ability to get up under the defenders pads where they can control their momentum.

With no pads on, the offensive lineman don’t have anything to grab on to and have to just rely on their feet. This all changes when the pads go on.

In front of a daily crowd of about 1,000 faithful Jaguars fans, although they may have been overwhelmed mentally, this rookie class rose to Del Rio’s challenge as if to justify why they were drafted.

The crowd buzz was a little subdued compared to last year, but it was a solid turnout as fans came out to get their first glimpse of the 2009 Jaguars team.

Three things really stood out to me as the players were taking the field. The first was how large this new offensive line is. Rookie OTs Eugene Monroe and Eben Britton along with the free agent signing of veteran OT Tra Thomas make this offensive line look massive which is encouraging after the debacle last year.

Both Mo Williams and Brad Meester are fully recovered from their injuries and were going 100 percent in practice. OG Vince Manuwai’s injury was a little more serious and had major reconstructive surgery on his knee last fall. When I asked how he was progressing he responded with “very good. Running 100 percent straight-line right now and about 70 percent on my cuts...I will be ready by training camp.” This was very encouraging news.

The second thing that really stood out is the size difference between this year’s WR group and last years. That’s not necessarily a bad thing as they have clearly decided to go with quicker and more sure handed receivers who can give this offense something after the catch.

Last but not least was QB David Garrard. Last year the roster listed Garrard at 246 lbs but many believe he was more like 260. This year he reported to minicamp at 232 lbs. He looked slim and trim and really seemed more comfortable in the pocket. He seemed like a new person out there and this was as the best I have ever seen Garrard throw this early in the season.

This camp has a little different feel than min-camps in the past. First of all, the practices themselves were longer by about a half hour over last years. They were upbeat and much crisper than in the past.

Also, I saw a lot more teaching going on. The coaches are stopping the drills right in the middle of action to point out formations as well as who is lined up incorrectly. They then put everyone back to where they were before the stoppage and then they start the drill again.

Saturday afternoon’s practice was by far the sharpest of the three. Garrard looked especially sharp and he and Torry Holt connected for three touchdowns. Torry started off slow as he took off on a one-on-one drill when it wasn't his turn and then had to go to the back of the line. On his next trip out in the one-on-ones, he dropped an easy ball.

In the 11 on 11s however he more than made up for it. One of the TDs was on a post corner route and the other two were on deep slant routes. All 3 TDs were about 20 yards. Not only does he run crisp routes, but he just finds the hole in the defense and Garrard was looking his way often.

On defense, I thought LBs Ingram and Durant both looked quick to the ball as did rookie LB No. 55 Johnny Williams. DEs Harvey, Groves, and Hayward all looked quick off the snap and SS Sean Considine really made some nice plays throughout camp as well.

Third round pick Derek Cox stole the show throughout mini-camp though. The rookie CB from William and Mary deflected nearly every pass thrown his way and came away with a nice interception thrown by Cleo Lemon. On Friday, Cox’s guy only caught one ball all day.

On Saturday, Cox looked solid again. He didn't have the kind of night he did on Friday, but he made one especially nice play on a jump ball with rookie WR Tiquan Underwood. They both went up for it and timed their jumps pretty good, but Cox knocked the ball away at the last second. D-Cox got some love on the sideline from veterans Brian Williams and Rashean Mathis for that play.

I don’t want to get ahead of myself here, but Cox looked like the real deal out there. He moves extremely well, shows good footwork, transitions from the back pedal to turn in coverage very nicely, and he's got good instincts for the ball.

He seemed very confident out there and it wouldn’t surprise me at all when it’s all said and done if Cox starts opposite Mathis come week one.

Fellow rookie WR Jarrett Dillard also had a nice camp. He displayed nice hands, catching anything thrown in is direction. On more than one occasion, he made some nice grabs in traffic running crossing routes.

I understand that there’s no contact right now, but the guy doesn’t appear to have any fear about going over the middle to make a play. We’ll see how that translates when the pads go on in July.

There is a long way to go between now and training camp, and there will be a lot of position battles that are going to be interesting to watch develop. None more so than the wide receiver battle that is brewing where the young talent will all be competing for a couple of spots. It should be a fun battle to watch.

Another battle to keep an eye on as training camp progresses is the one at the running-back position. Rookie RB Rashad Jennings is going to make a major push and should overtake Washington’s spot and he might even give Greg Jones a run for that number two spot before all is said and done.

The play of the camp was probably the footrace between Maurice Jones-Drew and Rashean Mathis.

Jones-Drew broke free on a run play and after about 20 yards downfield he slowed down a bit thinking the play was over. What he didn't know is that the veteran Rashean Mathis was still playing. Maurice looked over his shoulder to see No. 27 running full speed towards him and kicked it into fifth gear as they raced step for step for 30 yards. Mathis had an angle but ended up just one step behind as Jones-Drew crossed the goal line. Neither one of them wanted to lose that race.

It was a crowd favorite, but it was also good to see both Maurice and Rashean out there showing the young guys how to finish a play.

Overall, I thought it was a very tight and crisp mini-camp. It was nice to see the guys back at it as they try to put the 5-11 season of misery to rest. There was a clear emphasis on working on the basics and fundamentals which was encouraging.

This is only the first minicamp leading up to OTAs and many things can happen between now and the end of July when training camp begins for the team.

The camp had a nice positive feel to it and leaves us fans with a feeling of optimism. Let’s hope they can carry this momentum into training camp and into the new season.

Eagles Looking to Trade into the Top 5?

John Vetsch — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 22:27:40 -0400

According to all the experts, Baylor OT Jason Smith is expected to be a top-four pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, as most mocks have him heading to either Detroit at No. 1, St. Louis at No. 2, or even to Seattle at No. 4, but that's as far as he is expected to fall.

So, why did the Eagles visit with this blue-chip prospect today when they pick in the 20s?

It's possible they are looking to take advantage of the bargain basement sale going on right now on the top end of this draft.

Teams like the Lions, Rams, Browns, and Jaguars have all said they would like to trade down and some are actually desperate to do so.

Don't misunderstand when I say "sale". The sale does not include a discount when it comes to contract talks. Jason Smith, if selected in the top five, will still demand a payday of somewhere around $60 million with several millions in guaranteed money.

The bargain basement sale really centers around draft picks. Using the NFL Draft trade value chart, the Rams first-round pick (No. 2 overall) is worth 2,600 points.

In previous years, if a team wanted to get up to No. 2 they would have to come reasonably close to matching the point total in the trade value chart. If that were the case, the Eagles could trade all 12 of their 2009 draft picks and still fall short by about 400 points

However, this year is different. With the top few teams desperate to trade down to accumulate some more draft picks, they will be willing to make a sacrifice in the trade chart.

The Eagles have some ammunition, too. Out of those 12 draft picks, two of them are in the first round. They and the Broncos are the only two teams with 2 picks in the first round.

If the Eagles want to make this happen, they will have their chance, and it might take a lot less than they think.

The will be looking to fill the shoes of three-time Pro Bowler Tra Thomas. I know they brought some bodies in, but does anyone really believe either Andrews is the answer at LT?

Should be an interesting draft.

Jason Smith does were No. 72, and he is already comfortable in a green jersey...I'm just sayin'.

EDIT: I guess this all becomes irrelevant now that the Eagles traded with the Bills to acqire LT Jason Peters. This changes the mock drafts...

Make the Right Move Detroit: Take the Lineman

John Vetsch — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 16:16:52 -0400

In the words of William Wallace: "Hold!... Hold!!... Hold!!!"

If you do not have a line, you can not win.

The 2009 NFL draft is less than 10 days out and teams are in the final stages of draft preparation.

The Detroit Lions have the No. 1 overall pick in the draft and we should expect them to make their decision and have their player under contract come draft day.

Who will it be? Who should it be?

The 2008 Lions were one of the worst teams in the history of the NFL and can only upgrade with whomever they pick.

Their best option might be to trade down and get a few more picks, but like the Dolphins last year, they might not find a taker. In that case, they have to make a pick.

Lions fans did not have a lot to be excited about all season going 0-16 and all and really need to hit on this pick.

Usually, new regimes mean new quarterbacks. But can they really take a QB? Both Georgia QB Matt Stafford and USC's Mark Sanchez have flaws and neither has proved that they can help this team right now or be the franchise saving QB of the future.

If you want to improve your team, you have to start with the lines and this point is only emphasized when you are looking at a team that has given up 50 sacks three straight years.

Baylor OT Jason Smith is a converted tight-end who is a great athlete and is extremely quick on his feet. He will be able to step in and start from day 1 at LT and finally solidify an O-line that gave up 52 sacks in 2008.

Smith's strength is his pass blocking ability, but he also brings a mean streak in the running game which new head coach Jim Schwartz will be looking for as he will pound the ball.

It all starts up front. Build the lines and the rest will follow. Paying $40 million to a QB who will be laying on his back staring at the Ford Field ceiling is not going to help you.

The Lions just can't afford to miss on this pick as they can no longer use the Matt Millen excuse. Take the sure bet Detroit. Take the best lineman in the draft. Take Jason Smith.

(photo from SportingLink)

Michael Crabtree's a Freak: A Stat You May Not Have Seen

John Vetsch — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 15:57:02 -0400

We all know that wide receiver Michael Crabtree put up some amazing numbers at Texas Tech, but I didn't realize he was this kind of freak.

Look at some of these numbers: Not only does he have the biggest wingspan of all the top wideouts in this year's draft class, but he beats most of the top O-linemen in that measurement as well.

Crabtree might be 6'1", but he has the reach of someone 6'5" or bigger.

It's just another thing teams should consider when Michael is staring them in the face on draft day.

Wingspan Measurements

'09 Draft Class Receivers

Michael Crabtree: 34.25"

Kenny Britt: 34"

Darrius Heyward-Bey: 33.625"

Jeremy Maclin: 32.5"

Percy Harvin: 31.625"

Brian Robiskie: 31.5"

Derrick Williams: 31"

'09 Class Offensive Linemen

Eugene Monroe: 33.875"

Jason Smith: 33.75"

Michael Oher: 33.5"

Alex Mack: 33"

Eben Britton: 32.75"

Notable Current NFL WRs

Calvin Johnson (6'5"): 33.375"

Braylon Edwards (6'4"): 33.125"

Brandon Marshall (6'4"): 32.625"

Vincent Jackson (6'4"): 33.625"

Where will he go in the draft?

People keep doubting this kid, but there might not be a bigger playmaker in the draft than Crabtree. With over 3,000 yards and 41 TDs in just two years of college, Crabtree is a highlight reel waiting to happen.

I don't want to hear the "but he played in a system" crap either. Crabtree is the system. He broke pretty much every receiving record as a freshman and won the Fred Biletnikoff award for the second straight year.

He has the size, speed, and route-running skills to be an NFL WR, but his biggest attribute is his competitiveness and aggressiveness. The guy plays every play like it is his last and just attacks the ball out of the air.

Even if the Browns don't take him, I think Crabtree will go No. 5 via trade with a team moving up to steal him from the Bengals, Raiders, and Jaguars.

2009 Jacksonville Jaguars Draft Preview

John Vetsch — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 22:06:56 -0400

The Jacksonville Jaguars will go into the 2009 draft with something they have never had—a true general manager calling the shots.

Promoted in January, new GM Gene Smith will have full control come draft day. Or as head coach Jack Del Rio worded it; “Gene has the conn”.

All hands on deck and full speed ahead. Smith will be trying to right this ship that is feeling the effects of missed first round draft picks of '03 (Byron Leftwich), '04 (Reggie Williams), and '05 (Matt Jones) where all three are currently looking for jobs elsewhere.

Smith knows this team well though as he has been scouting players for them for 15 years. Hired in 1994 as a college scout, Smith’s most recent title was Executive Director of College and Pro Personnel.

It did not take Smith long to put his stamp on this team though. After cutting free-agent disappointments WR Jerry Porter and CB Drayton Florence, the facelift continued as the Jaguars said goodbye to their franchise leading rusher and fan favorite, RB Fred Taylor.

The Jaguars also parted ways with veteran DE Paul Spicer as well as WR busts Reggie Williams and Matt Jones as well as starting SS Gerald Sensabaugh.

On the surface, this sure looks like a team that has entered rebuilding mode with an eye to the future. But are they rebuilding?

This is the same team that finished 11-5, knocked off Pittsburgh on the road, and put up a good fight against the Patriots only 15 months ago. Have they really regressed this much this fast?

Gene Smith would not go as far as saying the team is rebuilding, only “re-tooling the roster.” This process will involve talent as well as character evaluation as the Jaguars look to rid themselves of anymore off the field problems and get back the blue-collar, team-first atmosphere of two years ago.

Smith started the re-tooling process early in free-agency snagging veteran LT Tra Thomas (Eagles). Thomas fills one of the three gaping holes on this roster.

Offensive tackle was a huge liability for the Jaguars in 2008. They let disappointing LT Khalif Barnes walk in free agency and due to the tragedy regarding Richard Collier, they have absolutely no one waiting in the wings behind him.

The still leaves two holes that will need to be filled draft day—DT and WR.

On the D-Line, Big John Henderson just isn't the same dominant player he once was and really got exposed last year without fellow DT Marcus Stroud next to him.

Jack Del Rio has always fielded a top-notch defense until last year where they ranked in the bottom half of the league. Look for the Jaguars to add a big DT sometime in this draft.

The other position that will need to be addressed is WR. After losing Porter, Jones, and Williams, the Jaguars might just have the worst group of receivers in the entire league. The Jaguars will draft a WR by the end of day one.

The Jaguars are now on the clock…

Gene Smith has said that he would like to accumulate some more draft picks come draft day and they have made no secret that they will look at the options to trade down.

However, he has also said that he will not lose value in doing so. Smith is all about value as he puts his draft board together. He will look to trade down, but will not hesitate to pull the trigger on a guy at No. 8 if he is the BAP (best available player) on his board.

What if that BAP is a QB though?

Will Smith stick to his “value-line” and BAP philosophy if QB Mark Sanchez is staring him in the face?

QB David Garrard, who turned 31 this off-season is coming off a disappointing performance in 2008. He will look to rebound and would love the Jags to get him a weapon, but unless Michael Crabtree is there, taking a WR at No. 8 might be a reach.

Garrard said in a recent interview that the team has told him that a QB will not be the pick. This is also the same team that told QB Byron Leftwich that the 2008 starting job was his only to be cut seven months later.

We will find out April 25.

Even if the Jags do not take Sanchez, I still see him going no later than No. 8 via trade. The Jets, Broncos, Redskins, and Bucs will all be on the phone here to trade up. However, if Gene Smith does not get the value he wants with a trade, Sanchez will be the pick.

He can learn from Garrard for a year or come in and start from day one. Either way, Jack Del Rio, Gene Smith and the Jaguars will have their franchise QB of the future and a centerpiece to build this team around.

2009 Jaguars 3 Round Mock Draft
Team needs: WR, DT, OL

First round, pick No. 8: QB - Mark Sanchez – USC

Second round, pick No. 39: WR – Brian Robiskie – Ohio State

Third round, pick No. 72: DT – Sen’Derrick Marks — Auburn

(photo provided from Jacksonville.com)