Big Cat Country

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2010-03-14T17:16:16Z

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With the 25th pick of the 2010 NFL Draft, the Baltimore Ravens select Trent Williams, Offensive...

2010-03-14T05:13:50Z

With the 25th pick of the 2010 NFL Draft, the Baltimore Ravens select Trent Williams, Offensive Tackle from Oklahoma.

This is a pure BAP pick, OT isn´t a need for the Ravens but Ozzie Newsome prefers value over need. Trent Williams is a top 15 pick in most mocks and at this spot will be hard to pass on him, with this selection, the Ravens could let Gaither go the next season and have a nasty pair of tackles in Oher and Williams, he´s a dominant run blocker and is versatile enough to play both tackle positions or even guard, with a lot of upside and the ability to handle edge rushers. Other players considered at this pick were McCourty, Kindle and Golden Tate but Trent Williams is more talented.

FanShots - Big Cat Country - For Jacksonville Jaguars Fans

With the 24th pick of the Draft the Eagles pick Carlos Dunlap, DE from Florida The Eagles look to...

2010-03-13T20:17:05Z

With the 24th pick of the Draft the Eagles pick Carlos Dunlap, DE from Florida
The Eagles look to upgrade on the other side of Trent Cole. Their defense likes to put pressure on the Qb and Andy Reid likes drafting lineman. Although character is an issue, that has not stopped the Eagles getting players in the past(Owens, Peters). He has a high ceiling so the risk can be worth the reward where the Eagles are picking because they are old behind Cole and mediocore at best on the other side.
-Pick by Jags2732

With the 23rd selection in the 2010 NFL draft , the Green Bay Packers select Charles Brown OT |...

2010-03-13T00:35:30Z

With the 23rd selection in the 2010 NFL draft , the Green Bay Packers select Charles Brown OT | 6'6, 298 pounds | Southern California

Offensive line has been a big problem for the Packers, last few seasons, if they want to keep Rodgers away from getting sacked (2nd in NFL 49 sacks last season), beaten and probably injured, they need to improve their OL. (especialy now when they face Pepers 2 time a year, and Vikings DL…and we know what they did to GB OL last year). Maybe Trent Willams would be better, and is higher ranked on draft board, but I think Brown can step in right away, and that is what GB needs. Offensive guard is big need too, I was hoping Iupati would be here. Other than OL offence seems to be OK, with great QB, very good WR’s and TE, and solid RB’s (Grant should be OK, when OL is fixed, maybe they could add young RB to depth).
On the defence GB needs are DL , maybe Everson Griffen or Price as 3-4 DE (they have B.J.Raji but need to add strong lineman that can stop the run, or they’ll need to take runstoping MLB), pass rush OLB Kindle (but late season "awakening" of rookie Brad Jones, and great rookie season by Clay Matthews could postponde selection of another OLB). And ofcourse DB’s, but not because they are not good, but because they had a lot of injuries and are getting old . The question is how good will they be when they come back. And that is something GM in GB needs to think about. And since this draft is deep on D, with smart drafting they could fix D for a long time.

What is the Jaguars QB situation?

2010-03-12T23:52:02Z

More photos » Phil Coale - AP

Could David Garrard be a victim of the same set of circumstances that led him to boot Byron Leftwich in 2007?

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The post-Brunell Jaguars have always struggled to find consistency under center. Byron Leftwich's injuries and poor mechanics led to him being a the first in a long proud line of first round busts. David Garrard had several opportunities to unseat Leftwich, but always managed to spectacularly fail when the job was in his grasp. However, in 2007, David Garrard morphed into one of the most effecient quarterbacks in the NFL. Then, after signing a massive contract, he morphed back into the inconsistent QB from 2004-2006.

There has been a lot of interesting comments centered around the Jaguars quarterbacks over the last few weeks. It all started when Jack Del Rio made his infamous comments on Jim Rome is Burning that David Garrard wasn't "elite" and "needed good players around him." While these comments would be responded with "duh" to many in the fanbase, for a head coach to make them is practically unheard of.

Comments were late made by GM Gene Smith and several others regarding the Jaguars plans for Luke McCown in 2010. The Jaguars clearly are willing to give him a shot to prove himself in the coming off-season. This also doesn't preclude the team from adding another QB via the draft or free agency (I'm looking at you Brady Quinn.)

What is the situation looking like in the longterm for the Jaguars?

David Garrard

Despite being a "Pro Bowl" quarterback last season, it has become increasingly clear the team's patience in Garrard is wearing thin. His comments to the Times-Union earlier this week, that he needed to "outplay Luke McCown" to keep his job made that clear enough.

After having an excellent season in 2007, David Garrard has morphed back into the schizophrenic quarterback that could never quite unseat Byron Leftwich in 2005 and 2006.

Between the team's comments about Luke McCown and the rumblings of looking at different QBs in the draft, David Garrard has to know the writing is on the wall. He has to recapture the poise and skills that he had in 2007 in order to keep his job as the Jags starting QB. The recent reports that Garrard has contacted fellow AFC South QB Peyton Manning about off-season development tips shows that he is serious about doing this.

However, in addition to his QB play, Garrard is also due a massive salary in 2010. It is almost a certainty that the Jaguars will ask Garrard to take a pay cut.

Luke McCown

The McCown bandwagon has been gaining some momentum, and I can't exactly figure out why. McCown has a 1-6 career record as a starter and his actual statistics haven't been that great either. Granted, his does seem to have all of the physical tools, but what would Luke McCown bring to the table Garrard already doesn't?

He could catch fire in training camp this summer and Garrard could continue his downward spiral, which could lead the Jaguars to make a switch. However, is there any evidence that it could happen? I don't believe so. McCown is a solid backup QB, but trying to have him be a starting QB would only lead to the Jaguars picking in the Top 10 again.

Draft/Free Agency

Other pieces to this puzzle could be added in the coming weeks. The most intriguing player on the market right now is Cleveland's Brady Quinn. While the Browns didn't sign QB Jake Delhomme, it is still being reported Quinn is on the market. While Cleveland gave up a lot to pick him with the 22nd pick in 2006, if they are bringing in Seneca Wallace and Jake Delhomme over him, I can't see the Browns wanting much in terms of compensation.

The other piece could come from the draft this year. Notre Dame QB Jimmy Claussen could fall to the Jaguars at #10, or they could use a pick later on a QB like Tony Pike.

My Take

It's clear the Jaguars aren't happy with the current state of the quarterback position. However, what realistic answers are there to address the position? I think the best case scenario would be to get Garrard to take a paycut and see if he can regain his 2007 form. If not, the 2011 Draft is deep with QBs like Ryan Mallett, Jake Locker, Pat Devlin, and Christian Ponder. It would be easier to address the future of the position then.

With the 22nd pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots select Jared Odrick, DT, Penn...

2010-03-12T19:39:06Z

With the 22nd pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots select Jared Odrick, DT, Penn State.

The Patriots are in desperate need for pass-rushers and linemen after the departure of Richard Seymour. The Patriots ranked 23rd in the league last season in sacks and 20th in rushing yards allowed. Odrick makes perfect sense for the Patriots because he is a DT who could also play DE, and for the Patriots who have a hybrid defensive system this is a perfect fit. Odrick gives the Patriots youth and talent on their defensive line and hopefully another cornerstone of their rebuilding defense.

With the 21st selection, the Cincinnati Bengals chose Tight End Jermaine Gresham from Oklahoma.

2010-03-12T05:08:45Z

With the 21st selection, the Cincinnati Bengals chose Tight End Jermaine Gresham from Oklahoma.

The Bengals use needs drafting instead of BAP and TE and WR are their biggest needs. With the recent signing of Antonio Bryant, Mike Brown will go TE in this spot. Personally, I think this is too high for a player coming off surgery to repair torn cartlidge in his right knee in October, but this is about what I think the Bengals will do and this fits their drafting profile. (Personally, I think a good RB for Jim Anderson--one of the best position coaches in the NFL--to use would be a smarter decision, but Mike Brown isn't going to listen to me/lol.) The injury won't keep the Bengals from having a slight stretch here, but it's been since the days of Dan Ross that the Bengals have had a decent pass catching tight end.

With the 20th pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, the Houston Texans select G Mike Iupati, Idaho A great...

2010-03-12T02:52:13Z

With the 20th pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, the Houston Texans select G Mike Iupati, Idaho

A great meeting of value and need here at pick 20. Mike Iupati is easily the best guard in the draft and will help fortify the offensive line making the offense even more dangerous. Cornerback is another position that needs to be addressed, but none is worth using the 20th pick on. Quality corners will be available in the second and third rounds.

Per Chris Steuber of Scout.com, the Jaguars were at the following Pro Days Ohio Nebraska Boston...

2010-03-12T01:32:50Z

Per Chris Steuber of Scout.com, the Jaguars were at the following Pro Days
Ohio
Nebraska
Boston College

With the 19th pick in the 2010 NFL draft, the Atlanta Falcons select OLB Sean Witherspoon,...

2010-03-11T20:59:49Z

With the 19th pick in the 2010 NFL draft, the Atlanta Falcons select OLB Sean Witherspoon, Missouri.

The Falcons will take the best DE or OLB available. Dunta Robinson gives the Falcons a quality CB, will allievates that former need. Weatherspoon is the best overall OLB and is the best OLB suited to play in a 4-3 defense. At the combine he put up 34 bench reps as well as a 40 inch vertical, which is an indication of his talent and physical attributes.

2010 Scouting Report: Sean Lee, LB, Penn State

2010-03-11T18:47:46Z

More photos » Carolyn Kaster - AP

6 months ago: Penn State linebacker Sean Lee, top, sacks Syracuse quarterback Greg Paulus during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009, in State College, Pa. Penn State won 28-7. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

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If you don't follow Michael C. Wright's twitter account, I suggest you do so right away. The golden nuggets with insight about the Jaguars plans are daily and they have definitely influenced the way I think about this year's draft. Namely, my belief that the Jaguars will be addressing the linebacker position in this year's draft. All of the following quotes came from Wright and are reflective of what people inside the Jaguars organization have told him:

"Jags are looking for a MLB. They want Buck (Daryl Smith) 2 stay outside. Ingram and Durant will battle 4 last spot." -March 6th

"They still want to add 2 LBs, DE (maybe 2), DT (whether through FA or draft)." - March 2nd

"Jags think their holes are at DE, LB and DT." - March 2nd

So clearly linebacker is a position that we should be keeping our eye on this April and more specifically, middle linebackers. One guy that Vic Ketchman reports Mark Duffner likes is Penn State linebacker Sean Lee.

Sean Lee is a fifth year senior from the NCAA program that produces NFL linebackers like none other. For a player to see the field at Penn State it usually means good things for their future, but if they're seeing the field their freshman year you know that player is something special. Lee saw the field in 7 games his freshman year and took over as the starting outside linebacker in his sophomore year, never giving the spot up. In a practice prior to the 2008 season, Lee tore his ACL and missed the entire season, electing to use a medical redshirt to give himself a second chance at his senior year.

Although an ankle injury held him out of 3 games in his senior season, Lee bounced back from the knee injury with a strong senior season, leading the Nittany Lion defense to be ranked 3rd in the nation in scoring defense.

Video Killed the Scouting Report:

Sean Lee: By The Numbers

Sean Lee
Position 1: Inside Linebacker	Height: 6'2
Position 2: Outside Linebacker	Weight: 236
Class: Senior	Age: 23
Projected Round: 2nd-4th	40time: 4.74

2009 Second Team All Big 10

2005 Academic All Big 10

Stats Overview	Tackles					Interceptions
YEAR	TOT	SOLO	AST	SACK	FF	INT	YDS	TD
2005	11	6	5	0	0	0	0	0
2006	89	46	43	5	0	1	0	0
2007	138	54	84	3	3	1	0	0
2009	86	47	39	2	0	1	13	0

According to the Experts

SB Nation

Pros

Tenacious, tremendous leader, unquestioned work ethic, does not miss tackles, smart

Cons

Smallish, injury prone, older than normal

CDS Draft

Pros

Sean Lee is a terrific person who has a real solid understanding of the game. He possesses unparalled instincts and leadership skills. He is rarely fooled on the field and his see-to-do is among the best in the game. He plays with good balance and is able to shed blocks effectively. He's solid in pursuit and can sift through the trash to get to the ballcarrier. He's a fundamentally sound tackler who rarely misses. He's a hard worker with a lunchpail mentality on the field. Is decent in pass coverage as long as he's able to keep the action in front of him. Will blitz from the edge and shows good burst and speed to get to the QB.

Cons

Lee's biggest question mark is his injury status. He didn't play as well in 2009 as he did in 2007, and suffered yet another injury on top of it all. When healthy, he's only an average athlete and doesn't show much in the way of quickness or change of direction ability. Might not have the size to hold up at SAM nor the speed to excel at the WILL, though he certainly has the intelligence and ability to play both. He's not going to wow anyone in workouts.

Poll

Is Sean Lee worth a 3rd round pick?

With the 18th pick in the 2010 NFL draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers select DT Dan Williams, Tennesee....

2010-03-11T17:04:24Z

With the 18th pick in the 2010 NFL draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers select DT Dan Williams, Tennesee.

The Steelers could use some help on the offensive side of the ball but with Casey Hampton getting up there in age and NT being a premium position for a 3-4 team, the pick here is pretty simple, especially with the pretty good combine numbers Dan put up. They should be excited that he made it past a couple other teams, especially Miami now that Jason Ferguson has been suspended.

With the 17th pick in the draft the San Francisco 49rs select Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland San...

2010-03-10T23:29:52Z

With the 17th pick in the draft the San Francisco 49rs select Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland

San Francisco has multiple opportunities but goes with BAP, need and value. Campbell had an outstanding combine and will start immediately at RT with the possibility of moving to LT. They could also go for the safety position but addressing the offensive line is more of a priority.

Draft Breakdown is reporting the Jaguars were amongst the teams that were at Rutgers Pro Day....

2010-03-10T19:05:33Z

Draft Breakdown is reporting the Jaguars were amongst the teams that were at Rutgers Pro Day. Although no specific players were mentioned, OT Anthony Davis would certainly be on the Jaguars radar.

In addition, Alabama LB Rolando McClain turned in a 4.74 40 yard dash at his Pro Day. Not great, not terrible. If he does drop, his 40 time won't be the reason.

With the 16th pick in the draft, the Tennessee Titans select Brandon Graham, DE, Michigan. After...

2010-03-10T07:51:46Z

With the 16th pick in the draft, the Tennessee Titans select Brandon Graham, DE, Michigan.

After seeing Kyle Vanden Bosch leave for Detriot, Aaron Kampman pass us up in favor of Jacksonville, and Jevon Kearse be a shell of his former self, we need defensive ends. Graham was easily the best player at the senior bowl, and can get to the quarterback.

BCC Radio tonight at 10pm

2010-03-10T00:09:22Z

More photos » AP

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Click Here at 10pm

I'm not sure if you've heard, but the Jaguars made a few moves in free agency. Tonight we'll discuss what all of this means in the short and long term for the franchise. Also, for those of you who listened in on Gene Smith's conference call, stop on bye and fill everyone in on what happened.

45 Days to Go and Mock Drafters Have No Idea Who the Jaguars Want

2010-03-09T04:08:36Z

More photos » Craig Ruttle - AP

10 months ago: Football fans wait for the start of the NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall in New York Saturday, April 25, 2009. (AP Photo/Craig Ruttle)

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Well here's a roundup of some mock drafts from around the web and what is clear is that people feel the Jaguars could go many different directions with their 10th overall pick. I looked at 12 different mock drafts and found the names of 9 different prospects drafted by the Jaguars. So have at it Big Cat Country, underneath each of the picks is their explanation for the pick.

Mocking Dan - MockingtheDraft (2/16/10) - DE Derrick Morgan - Georgia Tech

Yes, the Jaguars drafted defensive ends Derrick Harvey and Quentin Groves in 2008. However, both have underperformed and are nowhere near the player Morgan can be. The team only had 14 sacks in 2009, a number Morgan could get by himself.)

Pat Kirwan - NFL.com (3/2/10) - S Eric Berry - Tennessee

Berry can play anywhere in the secondary, which means he can match up well on division foes Dallas Clark or Andre Johnson.

Bucky Brooks - NFL.com (2/16/10) - DE Carlos Dunlap - Florida

After registering only 14 sacks, the Jaguars turn to Dunlap to upgrade their non-existent pass rush.

NFLDraftDog.com (2/28/10) - WR Dez Bryant - Oklahoma State

Missing the season shouldn't hurt him, but he is going to miss the combine and his pro day on March 10th due to a tweaked hamstring.

Black & Teal (2/6/10) - LB Rolando McClain - Alabama

McClain can play all three linebacker positions and he would add to an already impressive set of Jaguar Linebackers. McClain would add a solid tackler to the edge of the defense which is currently held by Clint Ingram. Ingram could be gone and having a guy like McClain on the depth chart could prove to be a good decision.

WalterFootball.com (3/3/10) - DE Jason Pierre-Paul - South Florida

It's amazing how much hype Jason Pierre-Paul is getting. He had only one mediocre season (15.5 TFL, 5.5 sacks) in Division 1-A football and showed a lack of interest at times, but he's the second coming of Reggie White because he's 6-5, 270 pounds and runs a 4.64. Forgive me, but I don't subscribe to the Al Davis method of drafting.

Some stupid team will overdraft Pierre-Paul, and it could be the Jaguars. Jacksonville's top need is selling tickets and drawing fan interest. The team's No. 2 need is finding someone who can get to the quarterback. The Jaguars tried the 4-3 and the 3-4 in 2009, but nothing worked. Amazingly, the team finished with just 14 sacks, and no one had more than three. They may think Pierre-Paul can fix this problem.

KFFL.com (3/3/10) - DE Derrick Morgan - Georgia Tech

Can the Jags really spend another high pick on a pass-rushing end? We're not so sure, but JAX's total of 14 sacks last year is pathetic. Dez Bryant a strong possibility.

Daniel Jeremiah - MoveTheSticks.com (3/8/10) - RB Ryan Mathews - Fresno State

Copying the Panthers with a deadly duo at RB

DraftTek.com (3/6/10) - CB Joe Haden - Florida

Rashean Mathis is still a warrior, but has shown some vulnerability - and if you read between the lines of GM Gene Smith, the Jaguars learned from the Saints that coverage is as important as pass-rush in defending Peyton Manning. Joe Haden has the potential to be a "shut-down" CB, and is the best "value" on the board at #10.

Consensus Draft Services (3/8/10) - WR Dez Bryant - Oklahoma State

The Jags desperately need a number one receiver and Bryant is the best one available and gives David Garrard the target he needs.

Pete Prisco - CBSSports.com (3/4/10) - CB Joe Haden - Florida

Even though he didn't run that well at the combine, he is a quality cover player. You can never have enough in a division with Peyton Manning and Matt Schaub.

NewNFLDraft.com (3/8/10) - DT Brian Price - UCLA

I still have the Jags taking price with this pick in the 2010 NFL Mock Draft. I just don’t see them passing on him because he has the most upside out of anyone in this 2010 NFL Mock Draft.

With the fifteenth pick of the NFL draft, the New York Giants select Jason Pierre-Paul DE from South Florida

2010-03-09T03:54:18Z

The Giants love pass rushers so this comes as no suprise. With Osi's production falling off and Antonio Pierce's departure, by picking JPP this gives the Giants room for flexibilty. This move could possibly put Kiwanuka back at linebacker and still manage to have the best defensive end duo since Mathis and Freeney. I would have went with Taylor Mays but with the recent addition of Antrel Rolle that idea was pushed to the side.

Chris Steuber of Scout.com is reporting that the Jaguars have scheduled a private workout with...

2010-03-09T00:56:51Z

Chris Steuber of Scout.com is reporting that the Jaguars have scheduled a private workout with Appalachian St QB Armanti Edwards. The workout is scheduled for March 17th. No word on whether he'll work out as a WR, QB, or both.
UPDATE: Edwards will be working out as a returner

How does Kampman affect the Jaguars defensive plans?

2010-03-08T21:27:03Z

More photos » Ross D. Franklin - AP

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In what was expected to be a quiet free agency period for the Jaguars, they managed to grab one of the biggest fish in DE Aaron Kampman. The "Where's Waldo" guessing game as to where he was and the concerns over his ACL have been talked about enough that I'm going to skip them. Either way, the ripple effect of Kampman can't be ignored.

Here are a few collateral issues the Jaguars will have.

1. Reggie Hayward
The Jaguard offered HayDay barely above the league minimum, though with good reason. However, if Hayward did resign with the Jaguars, it would be an excellent sign of things to come. If Derrick Harvey can develope under Joe Cullen; between Hayward and Kampman the left side should be secure. Not to mention they could rotate out regularly and keep their respective injuries from popping up late in the regular season.

2. Derrick Harvey

For all of the bust labels thrown at Harvey, I thought he played well last year. After going back to a 4-3, he began to show signs of life. However, the Jaguars never had anything more than a mediocre DE on the other side, meaning even when Harvey did get penetration he would get double teamed. The signing of Kampman should light a fire inside if he has the competitive spirit to play in the NFL.

3. The Draft

I don't buy the idea that the Jaguars will still go defensive end at #10 after signing Kampman. Tra Thomas was always a stop gap player, and the Jags lucked out with Monroe falling to #8 last year. The Jaguars didn't pay Aaron $10 million in guaranteed money to be a stop gap player. The team paid him that to put Peyton Manning and Matt Schaub on their asses.

Granted, if the Jaguars have Derrick Morgan or Jason Pierre-Paul as the BAP, I think they'll take him. However, I think the Jaguars will look elsewhere, especially if Jimmy Clausen or Eric Berry fall.

4. Quentin Groves
If there is a big loser in all of this, it's most likely Groves. After spending most of last year either on the bench, getting mauled by opposing tackles, or being involved in hit and runs, I doubt he has much of a future with the team. The Jaguars were open to trade talks for him last year, and after signing Kampman I'm sure Groves will be on the trading block again. Even if he doesn't get traded, if he doesn't turn in an excellent off season and camp, the turk may pay him a visit.