JACKSONVILLE – Let's get to it …
Darrell from Fernandina Beach, FL
John, I fail to understand Owner Shad Khan's reluctance to say who the Jaguars are drafting No. 1 unless it's not Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence. I know they don't have to; however, I see no strategic or tactical advantage not to. What I do see is a fan base that wants to know and some are filled with angst. For a front office that wants the best for us, why not tell us? "The most important decision this franchise will make," though true, is tired and about a month too old. Why so coy?
I wonder if perhaps you and others have lost perspective over this in the excitement of the moment. Why so coy? The simplest answer is, "Why not be coy?" Another answer is, "What's the difference?" Still another is, "Is it a crime to make people wait an extra week or two?" Remember: The NFL is professional sports. Sports are supposed to be fun. It's OK for the Jaguars to not announce to the world who they plan to select No. 1 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft Thursday. It's even OK for the decision-makers to know darned good and well who they are going to draft and not tell the world. Yes, the fan base wants to know and I guess some are filled with angst, but isn't it just a little fun not absolutely knowing for sure? A little? Anyone? Anyone? Buehler?
Charles from Riverside
Hello, John. Any chance we might make a run at bringing in Julio Jones? Trade rumors abound.
I'll answer this by paraphrasing a Twitter report I saw Tuesday. An unidentified NFL personnel official was asked what team might be interested in upgrading its receiver corps by trading for Julio Jones of the Atlanta Falcons. The response, essentially: "What team wouldn't be?" Still, while Jones would upgrade any team at receiver, I doubt the Jaguars would pursue Jones because I would guess he would draw major compensation in terms of a trade – and because you would be taking on a large salary for an older player. There will be a time for the Jaguars to make such a move. It doesn't feel as if Head Coach Urban Meyer or General Trent Baalke believe that time is yet at hand.
Sean from Jacksonville
Rest in peace, Geno Hayes. Thank you for your great time with FSU and the Jaguars. You will be missed.
Geno Hayes, who played linebacker for the Jaguars in 2013-2014, indeed has died after being diagnosed with liver disease two years ago. He was 33. And yes … may he rest in peace.
Luke from Brisbane, Australia
O, in the leadup to the draft do teams do much analysis on what other teams might need and who they like in order to a) inform any trade discussions or b) confirm their thoughts on certain prospects? Or do they simply look after their own backyard? Thanks!
Teams do scout other teams to try to get an idea of opposing team needs – more to inform trade strategy, and to know if they might need to trade up past a team for a certain player, than to verify what they may or may not feel about a certain prospect.
David from Chuluota, FL
Zone – When a player is waived, does every team that covets the player put in a claim at a specific time, with the player then awarded to the team highest in the waiver order? Are teams "in the dark" through this process, until the claim is granted? In other words, are teams staring at their PCs, going "Please, please, pleeeease … AAUGH!!! FREAKIN' JAGS!!!"
Teams have 24 hours from the time a player is placed on waivers to submit a claim for that player. During that time, teams do not know what other teams in the NFL have made claims. When the 24 hours expire, teams then learn who received the player via claim.
Aqeel from Toronto, Canada
Mr. O, more and more analysts and mock drafts seem to have one or both top running backs available at No. 25 or 33. I could see the Jags taking one as Coach Urban has often spoken about a strong running game and adding explosiveness to the backfield. I just feel this makes sense on many levels. As has been stated in here, the line did a good job of run blocking last year. Adding another dynamic runner would allow them to run at will, take pressure of Lawrence, help the passing game have the chance to be explosive and make the line look better overall. Add in that one was T-Law's teammate and that you could have a young two-headed monster on the cheap for a few years and I can't see the Coach/GM passing that value up, can you?
It would surprise me if the Jaguars don't select a fast, dynamic skill player – a wide receiver or a running back – with one of their first five selections Thursday or Friday. It wouldn't surprise me if they selected two such players. Whether that player is at No. 25, No. 33, No. 45 or No. 65 … I don't have a good feel for that, and I expect that will depend on who else is available on their board at the various selections.
Daniel from Jersey City, NJ
O-man, so do you think Trevor and defensive end/linebacker Josh Allen become our two leaders of each side of the ball?
Yes.
Tom from Old Forge
If pick one is Lawrence and 25 is barmore Alabama lineman at 33 if terrace Marshall LSU's wr is there is time talented to pass there 6'2 4.4 forty seems to have the built and athleticism to b a true #1 unlike alot of the smaller slot wr or would you go in another direction thanks for all the work you do
I would like to answer your question punctuation is an issue trouble figuring out exactly how to answer your welcome it's my pleasure
John from Jacksonville
"Dear, John. So aside from a few flat earthers, we've concluded that the '20 Jaguars didn't tank on purpose. What was the cause of the 1-15 record?" "They weren't good." The answer to that is Dave Caldwell, period.
It's convenient and easy to blame former Jaguars General Manager David Caldwell for all that has ailed the Jaguars for much of the past decade, and as general manager he indeed deserves much of the "blame." It's not entirely accurate, but it's unavoidable that many will see it that way.
Steve from Nashville, TN
Can Jaguar Fans safely go to bed on Thursday evening after the pick is in for No. 25 or do we need to see it all the way through to No. 32?
Jaguars fans can go to bed whenever the hell they want Thursday, but remember Baalke has a reputation from his days as the San Francisco 49ers' general manager of trading aggressively to get into areas of the draft he feels are high in value. The Jaguars have the No. 33 overall selection in the draft, so yes … there absolutely is a chance the Jaguars could move up a spot or two to obtain an additional first-round selection.
Marlin from Newberry, FL
Hey, John. This week I have read articles about the Jaguars on Sports Illustrated's MMQB, the New York Times, NBC Sports, Yahoo Sports and others. Not to forget the epitome of course, Jaguars.com's illustrious coverage led by our own highly-esteemed senior writer. This is a good week to be a Jaguars fan. I found the behind-the-scenes and between-the-ears insight into the past few months of the Jaguars, Shad Khan's decision to hire Urban Meyer, and Meyer's decision to join the team fascinating. I have never heard of a head coach addressing the business side staff of an NFL team like Meyer did in early March. How was that personnel meeting at TIAA Bank field?
It was interesting and informative, and the staff appreciated Meyer taking the time to do it. Former Jaguars Head Coach Doug Marrone held a similar meeting last offseason, but you're correct that not all head coaches communicate with the staff in such fashion.
Justin from New York City
Did Urban spend any time with TLaw before signing his contract with the Jaguars? Would have been a great chance to get Trevor up to speed without worrying about any of those pesky NFL rules limiting contact between the team and its staff.
The Jaguars have not yet selected a player with the No. 1 overall selection in the 2021 NFL Draft and they have not yet signed Lawrence. They reportedly have discussed the playbook in detail during pre-draft Zoom meetings – as is permissible by NFL rules.
Josh from Atlanta, GA
Speaking of Bubbles, what is your favorite comedy series of all time and why isn't it Parks and Rec?
Because it's Curb Your Enthusiasm.
