Why the Jacksonville Jaguars Don't Need a Rookie Quarterback

There seems to be the general idea that the Jaguars need to draft a rookie QB with the 8^th overall pick. Many mock drafts have the Jaguars drafting Mark Sanchez and even Todd Mcshay mentioned that the Jaguars could be in the market for a QB. I find this alarming for many reasons, but mainly because it implies that David Garrard is not a long term solution. I’ll use this article to explain why I think that the Jaguars do not need a rookie QB.

Rewind to 2007. Jack Del Rio makes the controversial decision to fire franchise QB Byron Leftwich in favor of David Garrard. Garrard went on to lead the Jaguars deep into the playoffs, his 4^th quarter scramble put the Jags in field goal range to beat the Steelers on the Wild Card game. He also only threw an amazingly low three picks. The next season the Jaguars had a lackluster season and people already want Jacksonville to consider other options at QB…WHY!???! Garrard was hardly the problem. The Jaguars offensive line suffered numerous injuries and the backups let Garrard get knocked around like a piñata. Garrard was sacked twice as much in 2008 as he was in 2007. The two wide receivers, Jerry Porter and Troy Williamson, added in the off season combined for 211 yards and 2 touchdowns. Maybe the Jacksonville front office should admit that trading Marcus Stroud was probably a bad decision! 2008 is in no way singularly David Garrard’s fault and he should not be made its scapegoat.

Taking a look at 2009 Jerry porter is gone, Matt Jones got fired, and Fred Taylor has moved on. Garrard now has even less weapons than he had last year. There are rumors that Torry Holt will be visiting Jacksonville, which would go a long way towards helping Garrard. Only one QB plays so why draft another QB when you could grab a WR or OT with that premier pick that would support your QB. Remember when Garrard was receiving nothing but praises a year ago. People seem to have too short a memory…why try and ruin a perfectly good QB by demonstrating a lack of faith in him?

If Jacksonville is desperate for a controversial QB choice I have two suggestions both equally controversial. The first is more feasible; why not bring back Byron Leftwich? He knows the system and has evidenced his starter caliber in his year with the Steelers. Leftwich may not want to rejoin the team that so abruptly fired him, but it would be a solid solution that might just put Garrard back into the 2007 frame of mind. My other suggestion is Michael Vick. If Vick is allowed back into the NFL the Jags could use him to replace the production of Fred Taylor and give the Jags offense a boost. It would also provide an interesting QB competition that would force Garrard to demonstrate the value of his passing attack over the obvious value of Vick’s scrambling game. Either way, Leftwich or Vick, Garrard would be forced to step up his game.

The Jaguars have a solid QB in David Garrard. The Jaguars pick should be used to help elevate Garrard’s play, not potentially run it into the ground. Garrard needs to return to his 2007 form, and drafting Mark Sanchez or Matt Stafford will not accomplish that. If anything it will demonstrate the Jacksonville front office has little faith in him and Garrard’s play could decline. Maybe a veteran QB added to the mix might do elevate his play, but Garrard should be Jacksonville’s long term solution. For the reasons I have stated, I believe the Jacksonville Jaguars do not need a rookie QB.

Detroit’s Martin Mayhew: Bringing Detroit From Zero to Hero

Detroit’s Martin Mayhew: Bringing Detroit From Zero to Hero

The Lions off season has been quiet but phenomenally effective. Their first move was hiring Titans defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz as their new head coach. The Lions defense was atrocious and bringing in the coordinator of one of last year’s best defenses was a brilliant move. Then, bringing in Scott Linehan as offensive coordinator was an equally brilliant move. Linehan is eager to prove himself after his failures in St. Louis and will bring considerable experience to the Lions offense…not to mention that he has worked with Lions QB Daunte Culpepper. Former Chiefs head coach Gunther Cunningham will bring equally valuable experience as the Lions defensive coordinator. Overall, Mayhew ensured the Lions will have a strong coaching staff.

Free Agency has been relatively quiet for the Lions. Grady Jackson was their only really big buy. However, in signing him the Lions were able to part ways with Corey Redding and bring on pro bowl OLB Julian Peterson. Peterson will not only provide the Lions with a great linebacker, but a veteran who the defense can rally around in critical situations. Mayhew also traded veteran Jon Kitna to the Cowboys for Anthony Henry. Henry does not have great value as a CB, but the Lions are showing a willingness to experiment with him at safety. If this conversion works out the Lions would have successfully upgraded their secondary. Already, the Lions defense looks a lot stronger than it did last season, although it is tough to get any worse.

Now Mayhew stands at the precipice of having one of the best offseasons a GM can have. He has in his possession the 1^st overall pick, the 20^th overall pick, and the 33^rd overall pick. With these three picks, Mayhew has a lot of leeway to rebuild the Lions. He could draft a QB, like Stafford or Freeman, a lineman like Jason Smith or Eben Britton, or the best defensive player available. The possibilities at Mayhew’s feet are endless. However, I would suggest Mayhew pulls the trigger on one more trade.

Jay Cutler and Josh McDaniels are growing further and further apart and a trade seems likely. If Cutler is put on the block, the Lions should (pun intended) pounce on him. With 1/11^th of the picks in the first 33, Mayhew has the most power in negotiations. Using the draft pick value chart I am suggesting the following trade. The highest a QB was taken in 2006’s NFL Draft (the one Cutler was taken in) was Vince Young third overall. The value for the third overall pick is 2200 points. Seeing as Culter has made it to a pro bowl, but not the playoffs, I would value him at 2300 points. The first overall pick is worth 3000 points which means Denver has to make up for 700 points. Denver could give their 12^th overall pick to the Lions, worth 1200, making the Lions owe 500 points. The Lions then could add their 33^rd overall to the trade which is worth 580. Even though the Lions would be giving 80 more points than Denver would give, those points would make up for any ambiguity over Cutler’s value. Here’s the breakdown of the trade:

Detroit Get:

Cutler (2300), 12^th overall (1200) 3500

Denver Gets:

1^st Overall (3000), 33^rd Overall (580) 3580

This trade works out for Denver who gets three picks in the first two rounds (two of them at the start of those rounds) and the Lions get a franchise QB in Cutler, trade out of the 1^st overall, and still have two first round picks. If Mayhew pulls the trigger on such a trade, not only will the Lions have a solid QB situation, they will be free to pursue any player that they want and not be pressured into taking Stafford. Cutler and Calvin Johnson would make a dynamic duo for the ages. Mayhew has put Detroit’s rebuild on solid ground and if he pursued this trade, he would have shortened that rebuild by a few years.

Second Draft of My Mock Draft

This is my second draft of my mock draft. A lot has changed in between the two drafts. The combine and free agency wrecked my previous mock. Generally I don’t like to mock until after those events, but it was fun to try. This is a little more realistic of a mock. A few people fell out, but a few rose to replace them. We’ll see how the rest of free agency affects later drafts of this mock draft, but for now he is where I stand. Enjoy!

Detroit Lions: Matthew Stafford QB UGA

I still feel that the Lions pick Stafford. The Bush anomaly will not likely be put into effect. Peterson removes the need for Curry and Raji is more of a 3-4 DT (a good DT could be available with their next pick). The Lions could take Stafford here and draft an OT with their other pick. However, an interesting strategy would be draft Jason Smith, let Stafford fall and probably get Freeman with their other first round pick. People don’t want Stafford because there are a lot of question marks surrounding him, but there are as many, if not more surrounding Freeman and the other QBs in this draft. Stafford has considerable under the center experience, working with a makeshift line, and a strong arm. Having Culpepper on roster means the Lions could sit Stafford for a year and let Culpepper mentor/work out the kinks in the Lions offense. The 1^st overall pick does not need to play immediately. Stafford will be a good QB for the Lions and is a solid pick. In all honesty, how could he make the Lions any worse?

St. Louis Rams: Jason Smith OT Baylor

Previous Pick: Andre Smith OT Alabama

With the release of Orlando Pace the Rams have a gaping hole at OT. They missed out on Jake Long last year, but won’t miss out on an OT this year. I think Stafford is a darkhorse pick for them here if the Lions pass on him. Bulger is getting up there and is pretty battered. However, Freeman or Pat White could be available with their next pick. Plus, it is a poor decision to put a rookie behind a bad Oline. If the Lions take Smith, look for the Rams to take Eugene Monroe.

Kansas City Chiefs: BJ Raji DT Boston College

Previous Pick: Eugene Monroe OT Virginia

Kansas City removed themselves from the QB race with their acquisition of Matt Cassel. Picking Monroe and moving Albert back to guard or to RT would help bolster the line. However, the Chiefs are desperate for defensive players. Curry would be a nice pickup, but the Chiefs have Vrabel, Johnson, and Williams. Curry is an interior 3-4 linebacker which is where I see Johnson and Williams moving. I see Tamba Hali moving to OLB and Dorsey moving to DE. With this linebacker corps the Chiefs could pursue a nose tackle to dominate the middle of their new defense. I don’t think the Chiefs have a DT capable of taking on blockers. Raji would be a solid pick for the Chiefs.

Seattle Seahawks: Aaron Curry OLB Wake Forest

Previous Pick: Michael Crabtree WR Texas Tech

With Julian Peterson traded to the Seahawks, they can draft a phenomenal replacement for him here. Drafting an OT like Monroe is a possibility, but Curry is too good to pass up here.

Cleveland Browns: Brian Orakpo DE/OLB Texas

Previous Pick: Aaron Curry ILB Wake Forest

Curry would have been nice, but the Browns can draft Orakpo and upgrade their pass rush. Orakpo is a beast and operating opposite of Wimbley will give the Browns a fearsome pass-rushing duo.

Cincinnati Bengals: Eugene Monroe OT Virgina

Previous Pick: BJ Raji DT Boston College

With the departure of Stacy Andrews the Bengals have a considerable opening at OT. Monroe could shore the Bengals shaky line and boost the Bengals offense (although Palmer’s return should do that just fine).

Oakland Raiders: Michael Crabtree WR Texas Tech

Previous Pick: Brian Orakpo DE Texas

Russell needs a target. Can you imagine an offense with Jamarcus Russell, Darren McFadden, and Michael Crabtree? If the Raiders could get a decent line they could have an unstoppable offense.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Jeremy Maclin WR Missouri

Previous Pick: Michael Oher OT Ole Miss

Jones Drew is now the feature back in Jacksonville. Garrard needs a target and the Jags need someone to replace Jones Drew in the return game. Maclin is a dual threat that could elevate the Jags offense and help them return to the playoffs. I don’t lend any credence to rumors of them taking Sanchez with this pick. It has only been two years since Jack Del Rio decided to part with Leftwich for Garrard. The Jags are not ready to bring another QB into the mix, not yet.

Green Bay Packers: Aaron Maybin DE/OLB Penn State

Previous Pick: Malcolm Jenkins CB Ohio State

The Packers are switching to a 3-4. Linebackers are far and away the most important thing to a 3-4. Maybin showed a lot of potential in his one year at Penn State, but is it enough to warrant a Top Ten pick? He has problems with his weight, but if he can slim down, he’ll go a long way towards easing the Packers into this new defense.

San Francisco 49ers: Andre Smith OT Alabama

Previous Pick: Everette Brown DE/OLB Florida State

The 49ers don’t need a QB, they need an oline. Drafting Andre Smith to operate opposite Staley would provide the 49ers with solid, young tackles. Andre could be a great right tackle in this league. Solidifying the oline would not only help Frank Gore, but also help Alex Smith live up to his 1^st overall draft status.

Buffalo Bills: Brian Cushing OLB USC

Previous Pick: Brandon Pettigrew TE Oklahoma State

Brian Cushing is a versatile player. He could play DE on passing downs and OLB the rest of the time. Cushing and Posluszny would make a fierce linebacker duo that would help the Bills defense immensely.

Denver Broncos: Everette Brown DE/OLB

Previous Pick: Rey Maualuga ILB USC

What the Broncos pick here is a mystery to me. Have you looked at their roster? They have a plethora of every roster spot! They are switching to a 3-4 so I could see them drafting Tyson Jackson, but for the moment I’m giving them Brown. He’s the best 3-4 player available.

Washington Redskins: Michael Oher OT Ole Miss

Previous Pick: Jason Smith OT Baylor

The Skins are looking to upgrade their oline. Derrick Dockery helps, but adding a premier OT would make the Redskins line that much better. A solid line will go a long way towards helping Jason Campbell elevate his play and bring the Skins back to the playoffs.

New Orleans Saints: Chris Wells HB Ohio State

Previous Pick: Vontae Davis CB Illinois

The Saints could draft corner Vontae Davis or S/CB Malcolm Jenkins here. However, defense is obviously not the Saints’ strong point. The weakpoint on the Saints high caliber offense is the rushing game. Pierre Thomas shows some promise, but I’m not sold yet. Deuce is gone and Bush is recovering from a serious injury. Wells’ had a great pro day running a 4.34 40. Wells would help make a stacked offense even better and provide the Saints some insurance for their abysmal rushing attack.

Houston Texans: Malcolm Jenkins S/CB Ohio State

Previous Pick: William Moore S Missouri

Little known fact, the Texans were 4^th in passing! I couldn’t believe it. With those numbers and Slaton running well the offense should not be a priority. However, the Texans allowed a lot of yards and points on the other side of the field. Drafting a Safety in the first round would help stop the run and slow down the air attack. Seeing that Jenkins is being projected to be a safety in the NFL, the Texans could get a steal with this pick. It’s rare to have a premier cover safety and Jenkins would upgrade the Texans secondary considerably.

San Diego Chargers: Tyson Jackson DE LSU

Previous Pick: Knowshon Moreno HB UGA

The Chargers just franchised Darren Sproles and renegotiated with LT. This leads me to believe they will not be seeking a RB in this year’s first round. In that case the Chargers need to establish some depth at DE and 3-4 DE’s are hard to come by. Jackson would fill a need and could eventually be a foundation of the Charger’s front seven.

New York Jets: Darrius Heyward Bey WR Maryland

Previous Pick: Tyson Jackson DE LSU

The Jets are probably upset that they were unable to get Jackson. The Jets front office is adamant about the QB competition they already have, so I doubt Sanchez gets picked here. With Coles’ departure the Jets could use a deep threat wideout. Bey ran a great 40 and at 6’3 he could be a great target for whatever QB eventually takes over under center.

Chicago Bears: Larry English DE/OLB Northern Illinois

Previous Pick: Percy Harvin WR Florida

Upon great contemplation, Harvin is a lot like Hester. Looking at English, he seems to be a perfect fit for the Bears. He is strong and although undersized, the Bears have made use of smaller DE’s with some success. English could be very valuable to the Bears.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mark Sanchez QB USC

Mark Sanchez is a good QB. It broke my heart to watch him rip apart Penn State’s secondary. He shows great ability and has many physical gifts. That being said, I feel that he justifiably drops to Tampa Bay here. Kansas City has Cassel. The 49ers and Jets have a good QB competition already. Orton is good for the Bears. I question Sanchez’s maturity and endurance. However, Tampa has a decent offense in place already making Sanchez the perfect fit for Tampa Bay.

Detroit Lions: Eben Britton OT Arizona

Previous Pick: James Laurinaitis ILB Ohio State

The Lions picked Stafford up with their first pick. Now they need to protect him. I would say draft Laurinaitis here, but it is very possible that he’ll fall to them with the 33^rd overall. Britton will be a good pick up and help shore up a shaky Lions O-line.

Philadelphia Eagles: Knowshon Moreno HB UGA

Previous Pick: Chris Wells HB Ohio State

First, the Eagles have two first round picks so they should select the most dynamic player available. Second, Westbrook had a lot of durability issues. Third, Buckhalter is gone. Fourth, Tony Hunt has not panned out for the Eagles as of yet. Drafting Moreno will be a great solution to help Westbrook remain fresh through the season and provide the Eagles with a strong running game in Westbrook’s absence. Moreno’s constantly moving feet and receiving ability will make it seem as if Westbrook had not left the huddle.

Minnesota Vikings: Vontae Davis CB Illinois

Previous Pick: Josh Freeman QB Kansas State

It would have been interesting to see what the Vikes would have done with Freeman. However, now that the Vikings traded for Rosenfels they will not be going QB in this round. They should address their aging secondary. Davis is a solid and physical corner who will not only help their #1 rushing defense, but benefit from the tutelage of Antoine Winfield.

New England Patriots: Clay Matthews OLB USC

Previous Pick: Brian Cushing OLB USC

The Patriots have great needs at linebacker. Vrabel was traded to Kansas City. With that in mind, Clay Matthews’ stock is climbing, in large part due to his pass rushing ability. Many 3-4 teams will have their eyes on him. Matthews could be a perfect fit for the dynamic linebacker corp in New England.

Atlanta Falcons: Brandon Pettigrew TE Oklahoma State

Previous Pick: Perria Jerry DT Ole Miss

GM Thomas Dimitroff has made it no secret that he wants a TE to help Matt Ryan’s development. If Pettigrew slips past the Bills or the Eagles its pretty much a lock that the Falcons will draft him.

Miami Dolphins: DJ Moore CB Vanderbilt

Previous Pick: Aaron Maybin OLB/DE Penn State

Years ago I said the Dolphins should have taken Antonio Cromartie. Tom Brady is coming back and TO is coming to town. Hence, I am once again warning the Dolphins, you need a corner. DJ Moore had to defend some of the fastest WRs in the NCAA and did it well. He would bring a big boost to a very good football team.

Baltimore Ravens: Rey Maualuga ILB USC

Previous Pick: Jeremy Maclin WR Missouri

Rey is a linebacker in the mold of Ray Lewis. Who better for the Ravens to draft to replace Bart Scott? Lewis could be a phenomenal mentor to Rey and help him become almost as feared as Lewis has been.

Indianapolis Colts: Percy Harvin WR Florida

Previous Pick: Filia Moala DT USC

Here is a quote from Colts GM Polian: "I've always approached the draft as take the best player no matter what the position is. Don't worry about filling a need, you can do that later in the draft. Take the best player in the first two rounds, whoever he is." DT is an obvious need, but Jerry is not the best player available. That player would be Harvin whose playmaking ability could elevate the Colts offense to unbelievable heights. Harvin, Wayne, Gonzalez, and Clark would be a fierce set of targets for MVP Peyton Manning.

Philadelphia Eagles: Alex Mack C/G Cal

Previous Pick: Eben Britton OT Arizona

The Eagles signed Stacy Andrews and plan on moving pro bowl guard Shaun Andrews to tackle. So now the Eagles have a void on the interior of the line. Mack would be great for the Eagles if for no other reason than he was one of the few linemen that could hold back BJ Raji. The Eagles would do themselves a favor by drafting Mack.

New York Giants: Kenny Britt WR Rutgers

Previous Pick: Michael Johnson DE Georgia Tech

This pick is the toughest I had to make. DE is no longer an option with the signing of Chris Canty. I have difficulty saying the Giants pick a WR mainly because they drafted Sinorice Moss, Steve Smith, and Mario Manningham early. I don’t know how many more time the Giants will be willing to provide Eli with targets. However, they have so much depth everywhere else. Britt has good size and is strong enough to replace Burress in run blocking. Britt would be a solid pick for the Giants.

Tennessee Titans: Perria Jerry DT Ole Miss

Previous Pick: Darrius Heyward Bey WR Maryland

The Titans don’t draft wide receivers first round. Everybody wants them to, but every year they refuse. I’m tired of hoping. With Haynesworth’s departure I have the Titans drafting Jerry to try and fill the void left behind by the fierce DT.

Arizona Cardinals: Michael Johnson DE/OLB Georgia Tech

Previous Pick: Lesean Mccoy RB Pittsburgh

The Cardinals’ offense is not what lost them the Super Bowl. With the departure of Antonio Smith the Cardinals need to fill a void. The athletic Johnson could go a long way towards not only improving the Cardinals defense, but help the transition to a 3-4 defense. I would not be surprised if Johnson was gone by this point though. His athleticism is astonishing. How many DE’s do you know that are used as gunners on punt coverage?

Pittsburgh Steelers: William Beatty OT Connecticut

Previous Pick: George “Duke” Robinson G Oklahoma

The Steelers are paying Max Starks another $8 million…while I’m not the biggest fan of this, it was a smart move. Starks has been a starting tackle for two Super Bowl teams and despite a few mental errors in pass-blocking, he is a truly solid tackle who has destroyed some of the leagues premier defenders. I wished we had kept Simmons and let the Jets sign Kemo. However, I still see a need along the Oline. An OT would make sense as we fired Marvel Smith and Trai Essex will more than likely depart. If Beatty plays well enough the Steelers could move Colon to guard, Starks to the right side of the line, and have a pretty solid line for Ben to do that voodoo that he does so well.

Some mock draft stats:

The Fallen: William Moore, James Laurinaitis, Josh Freeman, Lesean McCoy, Duke Robinson

Newcomers: Kenny Britt, Clay Matthews, DJ Moore, Larry English, William Beatty

Biggest Rise: Jeremy Maclin 18 spots

Biggest Fall: Brandon Pettigrew 13 Spots

Number of Pick Changes: 30