2012 NFL Offseason: Jacksonville Jaguars
Draft Grades, Season Previews, Offseason Needs, Free Agents
Jacksonville Jaguars (Last Year: 5-11)
2012 NFL Draft Grade: B
Goals Entering the 2012 NFL Draft: Jacksonville has a playoff-caliber defense and running game. It's just too bad that its quarterback situation is so miserable. If Blaine Gabbert continues to struggle, Gene Smith will be fired because he traded up for him last April. The smart move would have been to admit the mistake and attempt to move up for Robert Griffin, but that ship has sailed. Thus, Smith's only move is to give Gabbert the best supporting cast possible.
2012 NFL Draft Accomplishments: The Jaguars were, as Emmitt would say, stuck between a rock and another rock. There were six blue-chip prospects in this class, yet they were drafting seventh. Thus, they'd have to either reach for a prospect or find someone desperate enough to trade up.
Fortunately, Gene Smith was somehow able to move into the fifth slot to select Justin Blackmon. This was huge for the Jaguars; not only did they obtain a legitimate No. 1 receiver; they also surrendered only a fourth-round pick to do so. I still can't believe Smith was able to pull it off. The move should have cost Jacksonville a third at the very least.
So, Gabbert has his wideout. And Smith was also able to obtain a much-needed pass-rusher in Andre Branch (we learned that Jacksonville would have selected Melvin Ingram if it wasn't able to jump over the Rams). Unfortunately, that's where the positives conclude. The Jaguars made the ridiculous decision of drafting a punter in the third round. Bryan Anger projects to be a great punter, but it was still two rounds too early for him. There were also wasted picks in Brandon Marshall and someone named Jeris Pendleton from a make-believe school named Ashland. Those choices should have been used to build around Gabbert, who needs all the help he can get.
2012 NFL Draft Individual Grades:
5. Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State: A+ Grade
The Jaguars have loved Justin Blackmon throughout this entire process. Charlie Campbell had that information, so I made a note of it in my 2012 NFL Mock Draft. Jacksonville had to leapfrog the Rams to obtain him, and the team had such a dire need at receiver, so this is a great move.
38. Andre Branch, DE, Clemson: B+ Grade
Andre Branch fits the range and definitely fills a need for the Jaguars. They needed pass-rushing help across from Jeremy Mincey. They were going to select Melvin Ingram at No. 7 on Thursday if they couldn't get Justin Blackmon, but Branch isn't a bad consolation prize.
70. Bryan Anger, P, California: Matt Millen Presidential Assassination Attempt Via Kielbasa Grade
Wow. A punter in Round 3? I suppose a punter is useful because the Jaguars will be punting a lot, but under no circumstances should you ever select a punter before Round 5.
142. Brandon Marshall, OLB, Nevada: D Grade
The Jaguars landed Brandon Marshall! Oh, not that one? Poor Blaine Gabbert. This particular Brandon Marshall wasn't ranked higher than No. 225 on any major big board, so this is yet another reach. Marshall also doesn't really fill a need.
176. Mike Harris, CB, Florida State: B+ Grade
Finally, a cornerback! The Jaguars were never planning on selecting Stephon Gilmore at No. 7 (major smokescreen), but they had to address the position earlier than this. This is the right range for Mike Harris.
228. Jeris Pendleton, DT, Ashland: C- Grade
Who the hell is Jeris Pendleton, and what the hell is Ashland? Sounds made up. Eric Matthews' Boris University was more convincing.
*** 2012 NFL OFFSEASON NEEDS BELOW COMMENT BOARD ***
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Greek G
05-15-2012
07:59 pm
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Since you asked, Ashland is a college nestled in the coastal mountain range in Oregon (although technically the Mountains may be called the Cascades in that region).
The school has a sterling reputation for its performing arts program -- just not for football. Ashland puts on a world-class Shakesperean Festival each summer. I have to wonder whether or not Mr. Jeris Pendleton makes the 53-man roster. Also, how does JAC justify the scouting expense to cover all the hole-in-the-wall schools (or this case hole-in-the-mountain-valley) when they constantly complain about the revenue stream limitations of being in a small market locale?
Jacobian
05-07-2012
11:58 am
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@Kenny I agree I wanted Janoris too, easily the most talented DB in the class, better than Claiborne for sure. But it just wasn't gonna happen with Gene. Besides, you have to love the Branch pick - how long since we've had a pure pass rusher?
Kenny C.
05-06-2012
08:00 pm
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Besides the ridiculous 3rd round punter pick, I really wanted the jags to take Janoris Jenkins in the 2nd round. If the guy didn't love weed so much he would have been a top 10 pick coming out of Florida. I think he will become a shut down corner for Jeff Fisher. Also, we desperately need someone to take the load off Jones-Drew. He's gonna be dead if he continues at this pace. Ryan Grant or Cedric Benson would be nice signings as insurance. A good pass catching 3rd down type back would be better, but someone just signed Joseph Addai.
EPSNblogs
05-03-2012
08:07 pm
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8:32 -- The Jacksonville Jaguars move up to take the best receiver in the draft, Justin Blackmon of Oklahoma State. Blackmon can catch, block and run. He seems excited to be going to Jacksonville. Guess he can act, too.
The Grabster
05-03-2012
04:41 pm
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"Those choices should have been used to build around Gabbert, who needs all the help he can get."
Huh? WR: Robinson, Blackmon, Evans, M. Thomas, C. Shorts, J. Dillard TE: M. Lewis, Z. Miller RB: MJD, R. Jennings LT: E. Monroe LG: W. Rackley C: B. Meester (M. Brewster) RG: U. Nwaneri RT: E. Britton (yes, he's 100% healthy and HAS been - he simply had a staph infection last year) So, where would late round picks on offense had a chance to contribute and "build" around Gabbert? Look at the #'s now on offense. No room on the roster.
gary
05-03-2012
04:38 pm
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this artical proves you don't really need to know much about a team to write about them.
StartJakeLocker!
05-02-2012
08:00 pm
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To say Blackmon will catch 90-100 balls a year is ridiculous with a guy like Gabbert throwing the rock, but he will be a really good receiver. Also, Branch and Mike Harris will be solid in the future... besides the punter pick, I'll admit the jags did good this year
Emmanuel
05-01-2012
11:26 am
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Blackmon - #1 receiver
Branch - featured pass rusher Anger - franchise punter Marshall - future playmaking WLB Harris - future nickel Pendleton - backup nose tackle Sure, Anger was picked too high. But when we look back in 5 years and Blackmon is consistently catching 90-100 balls and Branch is consistently recording 12 sacks, we will be calling this a great draft.
wow...
04-30-2012
09:17 pm
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Its sad how some of you try to justify how retarded it is to draft a punter that early... the jags just know they'll be punting alot this year... just sad.
Utergatuk
04-30-2012
07:11 pm
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The Jags tried Free Agency for a punter, and believe me, that is not the way to go. Anyone ever heard of Matt Turk? 20 net yards punting isn't what you want.
Utergatuk
04-30-2012
07:11 pm
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The Jags tried Free Agency for a punter, and believe me, that is not the way to go. Anyone ever heard of Matt Turk? 20 net yards punting isn't what you want.
Utergatuk
04-30-2012
07:09 pm
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Besides, if both teams are struggling on offense (because of the Jags bad offense, and the Jags good defense) then who will win the battle of field position? The team with the better punter! The Jags just drafted the better punter, and will win more close games because of it.
Utergatuk
04-30-2012
07:05 pm
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The Jags had a lousy punter last year and it hurt them. This punter is likely to be one of the best punters in the league, and that is game changing. Punting has a huge impact on field position. You don't want a punter to "punt balls out of the stadium" like someone said. You want them inside the 20. Anger has been able to do this very consistently. Get a good punt off, stop their offense with a good D, and that equals great starting field position, which helps a struggling offense.
Wharthog
04-30-2012
12:31 pm
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Yeah, I'm gonna go ahead and agree wholeheartedly with bugsbunny - you don't ever draft a punter before round 6 unless he's been known to punt balls out of the stadium every time in the 700 punts he's had in his career. I still disagree w/the NFL network about Ray Guy being a draft steal in the first round - despite the fact that he's probably the best punter that ever played. This is a move that just flat out stinks.
buggsbunny
04-30-2012
09:11 am
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How do you draft a punter at the top of he 3rd round and still get a 'B?'
They could have grabbed any of a multitude of great players left on the board. I don't see how a war room can actually say, "We'll be kicking ourselves next year if we don't grab this punter." A 'B?' No way. |
Season Summary:
The future is bleak in Jacksonville. The Jaguars haven't made the playoffs since 2007. Their quarterback has shown little promise. The new head coach was going to be fired as Atlanta's offensive coordinator. And the new owner may not be hesitant to move the franchise to Los Angeles if the attendance figures don't improve. But why would anyone come see a team that can't score or win?
Offseason Moves:
Offseason Needs:
- Quarterback: It's not often that you can dismiss a first-round quarterback after watching him for a handful of starts, but that's sadly the case with Blaine Gabbert. Gabbert is scared of the pass rush. He wilts under pressure, has no football I.Q., and suffers with accuracy and decision issues. The fear is the most damning problem. I've never seen any quarterback as frightened of oncoming defenders as Gabbert. It's bad.
Unfortunately, the Jaguars won't be able to address this need in the offseason. Robert Griffin won't be on the board at No. 7 overall in the 2012 NFL Draft, and general manager Gene Smith won't trade up for a quarterback a second-consecutive year. Smith can at least bring in a veteran like Jason Campbell to challenge Gabbert. Signed Chad Henne
- Wide Receiver: Gabbert will be Jacksonville's starting quarterback in 2012, so Gene Smith needs to do everything in his power to find a No. 1 receiver. Mike Thomas and Cecil Shorts are nice, complementary targets, but neither is anything close to being a top wideout. Signed Laurent Robinson and Lee Evans
- Two Cornerbacks: Rashean Mathis and William Middleton are free agents, so the Jaguars will need replacements if they don't retain them. Re-signed Rashean Mathis and William Middleton; signed Aaron Ross
- Defensive End: Jeremy Mincey established himself as a dominant pass-rusher this season (so make it two defensive ends if he isn't re-signed). Jacksonville doesn't really have anything across from him, however, as Aaron Kampman can't stay healthy and mediocre Matt Roth is a free agent. If the Jaguars can't land Justin Blackmon somehow this April, they may opt to pursue Quinton Coples. Re-signed Jeremy Mincey
- Free Safety: Dwight Lowery will be hitting the market in March. He played well at first last year, but struggled down the stretch because of a shoulder injury. Re-signed Dwight Lowery
- Right Tackle: I don't know how any team can think it can get away with Guy Whimper as its starting right tackle. Undrafted rookie Cameron Bradfield showed some promise in this area late in the year though. Re-signed Guy Whimper
- Punter: Jacksonville missed Adam Podlesh last year. Replacement Nick Harris did not do a good job.
- Center: Unless the Jaguars think Will Rackley can play center after 2012, they'll need to bring in someone to replace Brad Meester in a year. Meester will be a free agent next March.
- Linebacker Depth: Jacksonville is pretty thin in this area.
2012 NFL Free Agent Signings:
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Laurent Robinson, WR, Cowboys. Age: 27. 
Signed with Jaguars (5 years, $32.5 million)
Laurent Robinson was finally able to stay healthy, and he consequently had the best year of his career, catching 54 balls for 858 yards and 11 touchdowns. He was a key contributor when Miles Austin-Jones went down, so Jerry Jones will make a strong effort to re-sign him. Robinson is injury-prone though, so Jerry better not go crazy.
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Aaron Ross, CB, Giants. Age: 29.
Signed with Jaguars (3 years, $15.3 million)
When Terrell Thomas suffered a season-ending injury in the preseason, Giant fans groaned because that would mean Aaron Ross would have to play more. Ross lived down to those expectations, allowing a 65.9 completion percentage and six touchdowns.
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Chad Henne, QB, Dolphins. Age: 27.
Signed with Jaguars (2 years)
Chad Henne has some solid physical tools, but it appears as if he'll never have the mental aspect of football down. Still, I'd like to see what he could do with some really good coaching.
- Lee Evans, WR, Ravens. Age: 31.
-- Re-signed with Jaguars (1 year)
Jacksonville Jaguars Free Agents:
Salary Cap: TBA.
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Josh Scobee, K, Jaguars. Age: 30.
Franchised by Jaguars
Josh Scobee was 23-of-25 last year, including 5-of-6 from 50-plus. He rebounded nicely after hitting just 64.3 and 78.6 percent of his field goals in 2009 and 2010, respectively.
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Jeremy Mincey, DE, Jaguars. Age: 28.
Re-signed with Jaguars (4 years)
Jeremy Mincey came out of nowhere to register eight sacks in 2011 - an impressive feat, considering that Jacksonville was often trailing. The Jaguars have struggled to rush the passer for years, so it's important that they keep Mincey around.
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William Middleton (RFA), CB, Jaguars. Age: 26.
Re-signed with Jaguars (1 year, $1.26 million)
William Middleton doesn't have much NFL experience, but he handled himself really well in relief of Derek Cox and Rashean Mathis in 2011. He's a young corner with loads of potential.
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Rashean Mathis, CB, Jaguars. Age: 32.
Re-signed with Jaguars (1 year, $5 million)
Rashean Mathis played well last year, but there are two issues. First, he turns 32 in August. Second, and more importantly, he tore his ACL in November, so it's not clear if he'll be 100 percent next season.
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Dwight Lowery, FS, Jaguars. Age: 26.
Re-signed with Jaguars (4 years)
Dwight Lowery was solid in taking over for Courtney Greene at first, but was slowed down late by a shoulder injury. He's not a proven commodity though.
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Matt Roth, DE/OLB, Jaguars. Age: 29.
Matt Roth didn't fare poorly in Jacksonville's 4-3, but struggled with concussion symptoms to close out the 2011 campaign. He's a decent, but unspectacular player.
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Russell Allen (RFA), OLB, Jaguars. Age: 26.
Re-signed with Jaguars (3 years, $6 million)
Russell Allen stepped in for an injured Clint Session at weakside linebacker toward the end of last season, and did a solid job.
- Leger Douzable, DT, Jaguars. Age: 26. -- Signed with Titans (1 year)
- C.J. Mosley, DT, Jaguars. Age: 29. -- Re-signed with Jaguars (3 years, $7.5 million)
- Drew Coleman, CB, Jaguars. Age: 29.
- Guy Whimper, OT, Jaguars. Age: 29. -- Re-signed with Jaguars (2 years, $5 million)
- Courtney Greene, S, Jaguars. Age: 25. -- Re-signed with Jaguars (1 year, $1.26 million)
- Zach Potter, TE, Jaguars. Age: 26.
- Brock Bolen (RFA), FB, Jaguars. Age: 27.
- Nate Collins, DT, Jaguars. Age: 24.
- Luke McCown, QB, Jaguars. Age: 31.
- Kassim Osgood, WR, Jaguars. Age: 32.
2012 NFL Free Agent Rankings Coming Soon
Divisional Rival History:
Houston Texans: The Texans have won the past three meetings. 
Indianapolis Colts: Most of these games are close; 16 of the past 20 meetings have been decided by eight points or fewer. 
Tennessee Titans: If you watched old and improved NFL Primetime you might remember that Chris Berman always said, "The Titans know all and tell all at Alltel Stadium." That's definitely true; Tennessee has won seven of the previous 11 in this heated rivalry.
Features to be Posted This Offseason:
- 2012 NFL Draft Grades (Pick-by-Pick NFL Draft Grades as well - Live on Draft Day!)
- Detailed season preview
- Fantasy football projections
- Positional rankings
- Daily updates on free-agent signings
2012 NFL Offseason Pages
2012 Fantasy Football Rankings - May 25
2013 NFL Mock Draft - May 22
Charlie's 2013 NFL Mock Draft - May 21
2012 NBA Mock Draft - May 19
2013 NBA Mock Draft - May 7
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