Wednesday, April 15, 2009
8. Jacksonville Jaguars
04/15/09- Andre Smith OT. Yes, yes, I know all about Smith’s Combine antics. In fact, his slide actually started before the Combine. But in the end I think (1) the Jags aren’t finished overhauling their O-line despite signing former Eagles LT Tra Thomas (who’s no spring chicken himself), (2) there’s no great value at this point in the draft for DT or 4-3 OLB, which are two positions of bigger need for the Jags, (3) the post-Combine developments (except for the shirtless running) have helped stop Smith’s freefall and allowed him to re-establish some momentum, and (4) Smith himself is just too much of a physical specimen and talent to fall very far when the recent drafting trend is to mortgage the farm for a cornerstone tackle. Everette Brown is still on the board as a 4-3 end, but hell will freeze over before the Jags spend their top 2009 pick on another end after going Derrick Harvey-Quentin Groves to start off their draft last year. Interestingly, some mock drafts project the Jags to go with one of the QBs (Stafford or Sanchez) here. Despite Garrard’s struggles last year, I still think this is too early to give up on him, which the Jags would ultimately be doing by sacrificing their high first-round pick on a QB when they have so many other needs. Add all of this up, and I think the answer is “Andre Smith”. He’s the massive road-grader that fits the prototypical RT mold, and is considered to have the potential to even take over the left side at some point. As a final thought, the Jags would have to be very tempted if Maclin is still on the board on account of the near certainty that last year’s leading receiver, Matt Jones, is going to be suspended again and possibly even imprisoned, but I'd still have to go with Smith over Maclin based on the relative importance of their positions.
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I know you aren't doing trades here, but I think, assuming Sanchez is still on the board here, the Jags either take him or trade down to a team that wants him (Jets, Bucs, maybe Niners spring to mind).
ReplyDeleteI think they can move down half a dozen spots and still get Smith or Oher. If both are gone maybe they try and drop again to pickup Beatty or Britton and restock their picks.
Of the two things you're proposing, Dan, I think the option of trying to trade down (obtaining another pick) and still get Smith or Oher is the more likely. If they can do that, more power to them. But they have be careful not to trade down too far, and I would think that, in no event, should they trade down past the Bills, who clearly need a left tackle now that Peters is in Philly.
ReplyDeleteThe other proposal involves the Jags taking Sanchez. Although I think this is less likely, it's certainly not impossible. Seems to me like Sanchez' value is flying up the draft boards. But I still tend to believe the presence of Garrard will persuade the Jags to look elsewhere. If you're right and I'm wrong, I will come back here and give you all the props in the world.