JACKSONVILLE – Let's get to it …

Scott from Gilbert, AZ

Zone, while Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange's career path is a win for the Day 2, lower-floor-higher-ceiling draft ideology (defensive tackle Maason Smith possibly more of a cautionary tale), I'm wondering if that philosophy might change to a more plug, play and contribute immediately approach in the second and third rounds this year – even if that means a lower projected ceiling – for a 13-win team in a playoff window with some holes to fill, little cap space, no first-round pick and a ton of developmental opportunities in Rounds 4-7. Young James proclaimed shortly after trading away the Jaguars' 2026 first-round pick that he was "uniquely qualified" to manage the situation, and it will be interesting to see his approach in April, but am wondering what Johnny O's crystal ball is saying in the meantime regarding the great "day-two-higher-ceiling-versus-contribute-now" debate for the Jags this year?

We've turned the corner from the Jaguars' 2025 AFC South championship season and we're understandably gearing full throttle toward analyzing and agonizing over the 2026 NFL Draft. But while indisputably blessed with a rare combination of looks and talent (and charm; let's not forget charm), I apparently am not smart enough to explain "day-two lower-floor-higher-ceiling-draft" ideologies. This is a rather long-winded way of saying the verbiage of this email confused my feeble mind. Bottom line: I expect the Jaguars with General Manager James Gladstone, Head Coach Liam Coen and Executive Vice President of Football Operations Tony Boselli to draft players they think will be good NFL players who fit their definition of being "intangibly rich" – and to play the players who give them the best chance to win regardless of draft position or free-agent background. That's this regime's way. I don't expect people making football decisions to talk as much about ceilings and floors as whether players can help them win. Players develop as they develop. All the verbiage in the world means little compared to that basic truth.

Doug from STA

A case for Coach of Year can be clearly made for Coach Vrabel and Coach Coen. But I believe the tilting edge to Coach Coen is due to being his first year as head coach, making a significant impact. Coach Vrabel has experience as a head coach. What say you?

I think Coen should be the 2025 NFL Coach of the Year because I saw where this franchise was before he arrived and where it was after he arrived. I saw the job he did in his first season and rarely in 32 seasons covering the NFL have I been as impressed with a first-year head coach – or any head coach, for that matter. I'm sure people who were close to the New England Patriots in 2025 feel the same about Patriots Head Coach Mike Vrabel. My sense is Vrabel will win it because the Patriots had a better record than the Jaguars much of the season – and at the end of the season. That increased visibility will probably be enough to push the award his way. Vrabel is deserving. Coen is deserving. Here's hoping it goes Coen's way. It would be a well-deserved honor.

Henry from Jacksonville

Do you expect the offense or defense to make a bigger leap next year?

Defense.

Dave from Los Angeles, CA

What's your level of confidence in Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. having the drive to grind his way back from a significant sophomore slump? I'm seeing online chatter about trades, etc., and it just seems crazy that last year we were so sure he was our No. 1 guy.

Life comes at you fast in the NFL. I have every confidence that Thomas has the "drive" to be a top receiver in the NFL. Desire and work ethic from this view do not seem to be issues for Thomas. His 2025 season didn't go well at times. He struggled at times. Sometimes seasons don't go well. Sometimes players struggle. It's not always about "want to."

Robert from Orange Park, FL

Zone, I get that injuries happen, but considering ESPN ranked the Jaguars' rookie class 31st in the league for 2025 production, I'm wondering what makes James Gladstone believe he is "uniquely qualified" to navigate the '26 draft without a first-round pick? And, as much as we all want Travis Hunter to be special, is it even humanly possible for one person to contribute as much as what we'd have if we'd stayed put and taken wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan at No. 5, cornerback Will Johnson who would have otherwise been available to us in the second round, and possibly left tackle Caleb Lomu who is expected to be taken around 24th overall, where we would have selected in April?

Loyal O-Zone readers – and he knows who he is – know that there few things in this life I love more than questions containing the phrase "ESPN ranked the…" Gladstone was with the Los Angeles Rams when the Rams navigated multiple drafts without a first-round selection, so I presume that's why he believes he is qualified to navigate one such draft without the Jaguars. As for Jaguars wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter … I don't know if he will be special, or how he will compare to the players you mention. I do know the offseason following a rookie season is not the time to evaluate the players from a draft class.

Jim from Middleburg, FL

Hi, John. Enjoy that long vacation you so richly deserve. By the way, Mrs. O says you got work at home you need to get done, so ...

Mrs. O knows where to find me.

Cliff from Everywhere with helicopter

Thanks for your recent O-Zone reply regarding the spike in DPI in the last 15-20 years. It's almost like the old bromide about the NBA: All you need to watch is the last two minutes of the game. It cheapens the game to see two teams slugging it out for 59 minutes, only to have the game decided on a dubious penalty that places the ball at the 1-yard line. I dislike most aspects of the college game, but I'd like to see the NFL adopt the 15-yard penalty. But then there'd be less 38-34 games and nobody wants that. Right?

I'm not ready for a rule limiting defensive pass interference to 15 yards, but that only means I don't have a good solution to what I agree is a problem of overofficiating defensive pass interference. The problem with limiting it to 15 yards is there are cases when a defensive pass interference penalty 45 yards downfield should give the offensive team possession 45 yards downfield. But I don't have a solution, which means I'm essentially complaining without adding any real value to the discussion. That's OK. I won't be the first old media type to engage in this practice.

Jadon from Raleigh, NC

I know he's great and we want him to stay, but part of me hopes Grant gets the Cleveland Browns job because he seems like the kind of genius that could fix that team. I do not want Campy gone, though. I think we get one more year with each of them MAX if they may be retained ...

I expect Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski and defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile to be NFL head coaches in 2027. Whether either is still with the Jaguars in 2026 remains to be seen. No one around the Jaguars wants either gone. They did a nice job in 2025 and were key to getting this thing moving in the right direction. What will happen if either leaves this offseason? Coen will diligently look for the right fit at offensive or defensive coordinator – just as he did this time last offseason. Circle of life, NFL style.

Bradley from Death Valley, CA

Are you saying that coordinators are human beings?

As much as any coach, I suppose – or anyone, for that matter.

Johnny B from Howey In The Hills

Dr. O: Lots of chatter on Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr.'s status. Personally, I really hope there is some form of agreement to keep him here. My opinion only, many high-dollar free-agent running backs get total abuse when they go for the big bucks. I hope Travis can stay here and stay in this system that is conducive to both his health/longevity and the Jags' offensive performance. He is being used exceptionally well and I think a free-agency move could potentially reduce his playing career. My thoughts only but hope for keeping T-ETN springs eternal!!

Fit indeed is important for potential NFL free agents and it's too often overlooked in the process. The reason for this is often money and you're correct that some players' careers suffer on the field for that decision. At the same time, it's completely understandable that players prioritize money. It's professional football. It's a rare chance at life-changing financial security. Money must be prioritized.

Greg from Jacksonville

You really think highly of yourself, don't you?

I love me some me.