Jacksonville Jaguars NFL Team Column

2008 JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS DRAFT CLASS

By: John L. Clarke

Round 1 (pick 8) –  Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida (6’5”, 270 lbs.)

Much has been made about Harvey since he entered the 2007 NFL Draft.  Should he have stayed in school for his senior season?  And the biggest question that is on people’s minds; is he going to sign anytime soon?  Harvey is the lone unsigned first rounder from this past draft.  As most would expect, the learning curve decreases with every missed snap.  The Jaguars had a tentative spot reserved for him as their pass rushing end, with the oft-injured Reggie Hayward and aging team captain Paul Spicer (33) not being able to produce like they use to.  Spicer still has some gas in the tank, after registering 8.5 sacks last year, but Harvey is desperately needed in the pass rush.  His first step and agility will be a welcome addition…if he ever gets into camp.  The good news is that Sedrick Ellis (10th player taken) and Keith Rivers (9th player taken) have recently signed, which will help the market for Harvey.

Round 2 (pick 52) – Quentin Groves, DE, Auburn (6’3”, 250 lbs.)

Is he a defensive end?  Is he an outside linebacker?  These were concerns from most NFL teams that saw Groves’s pure talent for pass rushing, but his ‘tweener size.  The Jags, known for their aggressive defensive schemes, took a chance on him, banking on being a situational pass rusher and learning how to play the run as he develops.  This was a great pick for the Jags, whom have won most games because of their defense.  If we have learned anything from the defending Super Bowl Champions, it’s that having a deep and talented defensive line makes a difference.  Groves has shown flashes of brilliance at time during camp, and will contribute right away.

Round 5 (pick 155) – Thomas Williams, LB, USC (6’1”, 225 lbs.)

The Jags drafted a linebacker from USC.  That sentence will be an attention grabber, but the name associated with it is not Keith Rivers, Lofa Tatupu or even Junior Seau, but Thomas Williams.  He was never a star at USC and rarely started (started 14 of 49 games), but he was very versatile as he played all three LB positions and some fullback.  He will add good depth at the weak-side spot as well as be a special team ace.  I look for him to have a Bill Bates type of career.

Round 5 (pick 159) – Trae Williams , DB, South Florida (5’09”, 193 lbs.)

With former teammate Mike Jenkins garnering most of the attention, Williams flew under the radar a bit.  He is not as athletic as Jenkins, but this was a great value pick in the 5th Round.  He is a ball hawk and although undersized and not very physical, excels in coverage.  He adds great depth to the secondary.

Round 7 (pick 213) – Chauncey Washington, RB, USC (6’0”, 224 lbs.)

Excellent size and bulk for the Jaguars power runner.  With Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew getting the majority of the carries, look for Washington to contribute on goal line and short yardage situations.  He never had carried the full load at USC with awareness and game speed being something he lacked.  He has some upside if coached properly, but he has to make his name on special teams and get a lot of production out of his limited carries if he wants to be a part of the 2008 Jaguars.

Overall, the Jaguars did a solid job of drafting.  Knowing their strengths, they capitalized on some defensive players that should fit nicely into their system.  If the top two picks, Harvey and Groves, produce as their draft selections dictates, then this will have been an above average class.  The rest of this year’s draftees are not expected to make an immediate impact, but were tagged for special teams and depth reasons.  This is the best team the Jags have had in a while and have a legitimate shot at a Super Bowl run.

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Jags Roster Draft Update

Key Losses: CB Aaron Glenn(Saints); S  Sammy Knight(N.Y. Giants);  DE Bobby McCray(Saints;  DT Marcus Stroud(Bills);  WR Ernest Wilford(Dolphins); S  LaMont Thompson

Key Aquisitions:  CB Drayton Florence;  DT Jimmy Kennedy;  QB Cleo Lemon;  WR Jerry Porter;  WR Troy Williamson; S  Gerald Sensabaugh(re-signed)

Jacksonville's roster is already set at most positions, but there is a little bit of tweaking that can be done as is the case with all of the top four or five teams in the AFC.  The Jags do need to either improve or add depth to the right side of the offensive line- the Guard and Tackle positions.  They also need to improve the pass rush by adding Florida's defensive end Derrick Harvey or a Harvey-Type speed rusher.  The team could also be looking at Miami's safety Kenny Phillips to possibly come in and start at the other safety position which is momentarily being held by young veteran Gerald Sensabaugh who was re-signed after Sammy Knight departed for the Giants.

By K. T.  Reid

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Jacksonville Jaguars Team Needs and Mock Draft

            Fielding an elite defense and a rushing attack that ranked #2 in yards per game propelled the Jags to an 11-win season and a meeting with New England in the Divisional round.  Jacksonville hung tough for the first half but managed six 2nd half points, losing 31-20.  Quarterback David Gerrard emerged as one the most reliable quarterbacks in the league and showed flashes of big play ability.  Surrounding Gerrard with some more playmakers will be the Jags top offensive priority this spring. 

Receiving Leaders: name-receptions-yards-touchdowns

WR Reggie Williams-38-629-10

WR Dennis Northcutt-44-601-4

WR Ernest Wilford-45-518-3

RB Maurice Jones-Drew-40-407-0

TE Marcedes Lewis-37-391-2

WR Matt Jones-24-317-4

            Jimmy Smith’s unexpected retirement prior to the 2006 season has left the Jags lacking a true lead receiver and someone who defenses have to key on.  Reggie Williams caught 10 TD but his hands are terribly inconsistent.  He may be no better than a 3rd option and red zone threat.  Northcutt is undersized and also boasts inconsistent hands.  He did not provide the big play threat the Jags where expecting upon signing the former Brown.  Wilford is a free agent that lacks speed while Matt Jones slumped and has yet to show that he can gain separation on a consistent basis.  Tight end Marcedes Lewis has a ton of potential but disappears for long stretches and struggles when asked to block.  Jacksonville is a star receiver from being in the Super Bowl.  After adding Northcutt last season Jacksonville should take a stab at another speedster in Bernard Berrian.  They haven’t had much success in drafting receivers so maybe adding an emerging star is the way to go.

            Having aircraft carriers like John Henderson and Marcus Stroud inside opens things up for the defensive ends to attack the pocket.  They are the key to the Jags pass rush as it takes 4 lineman to properly handle the duo.  The Jags had 37 sacks, good for a 4-way tie for 9th, but after Paul Spicer’s 7.5 no one else had more than 4.  In addition to a playmaker on offense they need to add a playmaker on defense.  Finding an end that can post double-digit sacks would take this defense to another level.  Bobby McCray saw his sack total drop from 10 to 3 last year and is free agent but could provide depth if re-signed.  The free agent market is practically devoid of quality pass rushers.  Longtime Bengal Justin Smith is a great run stopper who could return to his 8-sack career average next to an elite pair tackles. 

            Jacksonville is a team on the verge of great things.  Adding more explosion to their attacks on both sides of the ball could put them over the top.  In addition to DE and WR, Jacksonville will be in the market for a SS, OL depth, and youth at CB.

Mock Draft

Round 1- Quentin Groves DE Auburn 6’3 251

            Possessing good speed, ran a 4.57 at the 2008 NFL Scouting Combine, Groves could be the best athlete along the Jags defensive line.  Few ends have his closing burst and straight-line speed.  He could move to linebacker but he will be deadly with the attention paid to Henderson and Stroud.

Round 2- Tracy Porter CB Indiana 5’11 185

            Porter doesn’t have the toughness the Jags demand but he is a strong man corner who can cover slot receivers and would add speed to the Jags secondary.

Round 3- Shawn Crable LB Michigan 6’5 241

            A strong run stopper who could take over at strongside while also adding another pass rusher.  Not a factor in coverage.

Round 4- Will Franklin WR Missouri 6’1 205

            Legit 4.4 speed, solid hands, excellent heart and determination.  Could be a late round find that gives you more than expected.  Has the size to go along with his outstanding athleticism and could develop into a lead pass catcher.

Round 5- Harry Douglas WR Louisville 5’11 170

            Dropping due to small size and disappointing senior season, Douglas is a younger version of Northcutt.  He tough and fearless and could be a great 3rd option on the outside.

Round 6- Barry Richardson OT Clemson 6’7 331

            Jax needs to replenish their offensive line depth while developing for the future.  You can never have to many healthy bodies along the line and Richardson is beast at right tackle.

Round 7- Chris McDuffie OG Clemson 6’4 328

            Another large lineman from Clemson who is a project but has the tools scouts crave.  Provides beef and one day could form a powerful right side with Richardson.

By Daryl Breault

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