JACKSONVILLE – Let's get to it …

JK from NY & Fernandina Beach, FL

John, even though the Jags have a first-time head coach and first-time coordinators, based on the reporting and interviews coming out of organized team activities and minicamp there seems to be a feeling of competency and confidence coming from the coaching staff that was missing over the last several seasons. Are you picking this up when you are around the team at camp?

A couple of thoughts here. One is that there absolutely is a feeling of confidence and competency around this organization right now. Jaguars Head Coach Liam Coen has compiled what appears to be a very good coaching staff, and the "good vibe" extends to not only General Manager James Gladstone but to Executive Vice President of Football Operations Tony Boselli. This is a new regime with new thoughts and a new direction – and the "good vibe" around the building absolutely reflects that. Players feel it and that matters. At the same time, it's fair to note that such "good vibes" are common around new regimes – so common that it's rare not to feel "good vibes" in this situation. Right now, everyone around the Jaguars is undefeated and no decisions are yet being second-guessed. Jaguars fans have been burned by "good-vibe" offseasons often in the last decade and a half, so skepticism and eye-rolling from fans regarding these "good vibes" are not only fair but expected. Still, you would rather have "good vibes" than "not-good vibes." And just because "good vibes" are expected doesn't mean they're unimportant. This has been a good offseason. The confidence is real. That guarantees nothing, but it's a good foundation as 2025 Training Camp approaches.

Charles from Savannah, GA

I remember offensive-weapon hype when the Jaguars drafted Denard Robinson. There was always that question where will the Jaguars use Robinson? Travis Hunter is a generational player, but do you see some of that with Hunter right now?

The Jaguars indeed deemed Denard Robinson an "offensive weapon" upon drafting the University of Michigan quarterback in the fifth round of the 2013 NFL Draft. They selected wide receiver/defensive back Travis Hunter No. 2 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. Their storylines are perhaps similar in the sense that there was discussion and interest about where Robinson would play just as there is discussion and interest about where Hunter will play. Remember, though: Robinson entering the NFL didn't really have a position and the Jaguars had to figure out a position where he could succeed. They eventually settled on running back. Hunter has two positions where he clearly can excel, and the Jaguars must figure the best formula to allow him to excel at both. The difference is all the difference in the world.

Mark from Davenport, IA

Question and comment. Does Travis Hunter ever not have a smile on his face? He has an infectious personality. Hopefully that translates to others.

Answer and two thoughts. Typically not. Yes, he does. Maybe it will.

David from The Island

Do you really read all the e-mails or do you have an intern that cleans out the inbox? Have you blocked some submitters?

I read all O-Zone emails I receive and I do not have an intern. I asked Lamping about getting an intern once. When he responded, "I thought you were an intern," I with great dignity folded my three-page "action plan" and strode proudly from his office. There are times on a regular-season Sunday or Monday – when email volume peaks – when I skim through O-Zone emails a bit more than usual and quickly delete some if many are essentially the same questions. Even then, I try to read as many as possible as carefully as possible. If people can take the time to write this old chunk of coal, I can take the time to read. As for blocking some submitters … I have not done this. I'm not saying it's not a damned fine idea. I'm saying I haven't done it.

Don from Marshall, NC

I know one thing that is similar to Ray Guy with Logan Cooke is they are both good at throwing the football. It takes the courage to use that skill by the coach. Especially in today's game. Logan Cooke is a good athlete and a weapon if you use him. Running and passing. That would give him a lot better chance at the end of his career to make HOF. Go Jaguars!

When it comes to wanting to use Jaguars punter Logan Cooke as an offensive weapon, Don – perhaps somewhat overly optimistically – remains "all in."

Larry from Wattsburg(h), PA

Do you think specialist Steve Tasker will ever get in the Hall? Grew up in 716 but mutinied and have waved a teal flag on a figurative Jaguars island up here since. Have you ever read Keep the Aspidistra Flying? In my top three! #some'er-reading

Former Buffalo Bills wide receiver Steve Tasker is widely considered one of the great NFL special teams players of all-time. People close to the Bills during his career believe strongly that he should be considered for – and enshrined in – the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The issue here is the same issue that so often hurts returners and specialists when it comes to the Hall – and that's that special teams play far fewer plays than offense and defense, and special teams players therefore aren't considered as impactful as offense and defense.

Joel from Mandarin

O, Can I be your legitimate apprentice?

No.

Van from St. Augustine, FL

I appreciate your quick reply on Bangel's defensive stud Trey Hendrickson. I, too, think this poses a great opportunity for the Jags. The need on the other side is clearly running back, and it seems we might have one or two to consider in a deal. ETN and cash for H-man?

I would be surprised if the Jaguars trade for defensive end Trey Hendrickson, even though he and the Cincinnati Bengals – a.k.a., the Bangel's – have yet to agree on a contract extension. I don't expect the Jaguars to trade running back Travis Etienne Jr. this offseason.

Anita from Springfield

I for one like this Jaguars DNA-type approach, and hope we don't pursue high-profile problem-players like Hendrickson. I get that he's very good and talented, but he's also 1) Aging and 2) A diva with a me-first attitude. It's a fine line between Dawg and Selfish, and I am feeling like we've got a lot of Dawgs right now who will work for the team and their brothers more than themselves. It also helps that this regime seems willing to pay great players, including the GOAT punter.

One not for the "H-man," apparently.

Marlin from Newberry, FL

Hi Zone, Regarding the question about Logan Cooke making the NFL Hall of Fame, no offense to Logan - he is clearly the best punter the franchise has ever had - but it would be difficult for him to even make the Pride of the Jaguars. It's just a symptom of his position.

I wouldn't be surprised at all if Cooke one day is in the Pride of the Jaguars. He's having that sort of his career and likely has many years remaining in that career. I would be surprised if he makes the Pro Football Hall of Fame, at least somewhat because of the reason you cite.

Sean from Saint Johns City

Let's just say that Gene Frenette doesn't have to worry about working for a while. A long while.

Former longtime Florida Times-Union sports columnist and Northeast Florida cultural icon/thought leader Eugene P. "Gene" Frenette is retired. That he doesn't have to worry about working for a while is sort of what "retired" means.

Sam from Orlando, FL

A Eugene "Radio" Frenette podcast without Don is a missed opportunity. A drafting-a-running-back-instead-of-Patrick Mahomes-sized missed opportunity.

OK.

Mac from Avondale

What do you think is more impressive? Otanai's pitching + hitting or Travis Hunter playing both ways?

I watch so little Major League Baseball that I never have seen Shohei Ohtani play. I know he has been a three-time Most Valuable Player, and I know he pitches and hits at an elite level. I know hardly anyone around baseball thought they ever would see that until they saw Ohtani do it. I know there are many people around football who wonder if Hunter can play both offense at defense at a high level in the NFL, but he hasn't done it yet. What will be more impressive if Hunter can do it? I might nod toward Ohtani because it seems from this view that hitting/pitching are more different skillsets than wide receiver/cornerback. But it would be a slight nod. Bottom line: What Hunter is trying to do is incredibly rare and what Ohtani does is incredibly rare and remarkable.

Mikey from Tallahassee

If you could change any rule in the current NFL rulebook, what would it be?

The one that makes senior writers attend organized team activities practices.