The Jaguars Will Draft for Need and Other AFC South Must-Reads

The old debate continues to rage in Jacksonville.

Today's article of the day comes from Alfie Crow of Big Cat Country who says the Jaguars will no longer be trying to select the best available player.

General manager David Caldwell is going to be focusing on filling needs in the draft. Of course, when the needs are limitless, there's almost no gap between the best player available and a position of need.

The debate sparks passion, especially in Jacksonville, where a generation of Jags fans were taught by Vick Ketchman to shun need-based drafting.

It's not a particularly interesting argument, especially because in the last two drafts, the Jaguars traded up to land the player they wanted.

A team that trades up is clearly drafting for need. Gene Smith didn't believe the players he wanted (Blaine Gabbert and Justin Blackmon) would fall to him, so he acted aggressively to land guys who filled big needs on the roster.

Ultimately, the philosophy of the GM isn't as important as his ability to evaluate talent. Caldwell simply has to do a better job of his predecessor at getting impact players into the organization.

While that starts with the second pick in the draft, it's going to have continue into the late rounds if the Jaguars hope rebuild.

General Interest

Paul Kuharsky of ESPN.com discusses Matt Schaub and Andrew Luck's status as Pro Bowl players.

Houston Texans

Nick Scurfield of HoustonTexans.com says the team is looking forward to the return of Brian Cushing.

Indianapolis Colts

Conrad Brunner of 1070 the Fan says Jim Caldwell gets redemption.

Phil Richards of the Indianapolis Star says Joe Gilbert is the new offensive line coach.

Tennessee Titans

Tom Gower of Total Titans has snap reports for the offense and defense.

John Glennon of the Tennessean says the pool of safeties is deep in the draft.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Ryan O'Halloran of the Florida Times-Union says Gus Bradley is working overtime.

O'Halloran reports the Jaguars hired a special teams coach.