JACKSONVILLE – Let's get to it …
Steve from Jacksonville
John, since you are around the Jags more than most, does the team feel focused on building upon last year's breakout success? From the outside, it appears the team is taking a professional workmanlike approach and paying attention to details.
Jaguars players and coaches from this view seem focused. Head Coach Liam Coen sets the organizational tone, and his offseason message has been about realizing that last season's success means nothing moving forward – and that whatever success the Jaguars have in 2026 must be earned. It's the right tone and it can be felt throughout the organization – and there definitely is a workmanlike approach and attention to detail throughout everywhere. It's also fair to mention here that I never have been around an organization that didn't have a workmanlike approach with attention to detail in the offseason. But yes … there is a real focus this offseason around the Miller Electric Center. Absolutely.
Charles from Riverside
Hello, John. It looks pretty crowded at running back for the Jags: Chris Rodriguez Jr., Bhayshul Tuten, Deejay Dallas, LeQuint Allen Jr., the recently acquired Ameer Abdullah and undrafted rookie J'Mari Taylor. That's six guys in the preseason competing. Any thoughts on how many running backs the Jags will carry on their final 53-man roster? Is anyone a sure or near lock at the position? Or is this a wide-open competition that bears watching?
I expect Rodriguez, Tuten and Allen to be key to the Jaguars' offense in 2026 if they remain healthy – and I therefore will be very surprised if they're not on the 53-player roster. I think there is a decent chance the Jaguars will carry four running backs at various times in the season. It's important to remember in this discussion that the 16-player practice squad and the accompanying ability to carry/activate veterans there makes the practice squad more "members of the team" than previously was the case. Either way, the Jaguars' running back position absolutely is worth watching in the coming months. I expect the team to lean hard into the back-by-committee approach, which means three-to-five players at the position could matter in 2026 – though Rodriguez and Tuten likely will matter more than the others.
Matthew from Townsville, Tropical Australia
Hi, O. Another word on the dreaded consensus boards if I may be allowed, as some in the media still mention them as they downgrade the Jags' outlook for the season. Even the name is false. A consensus is when a group of people discuss something and all end up agreeing. This does not happen with the consensus boards. It is instead a process of weighted averaging, with more prominent "experts" given greater weight. So, the truth is that there is no consensus at all. And there are even different so-called consensus boards that don't agree. If there is no actual consensus, how can the mock drafters criticize a team when they don't even agree with each other?
An analyst projecting a team's success based on a rookie class either hasn't been analyzing the NFL very long or isn't paying much attention to reality. As for mock drafters criticizing a team … mock drafters mock draft. It's what they do. How good they are at anything else…
Mike from East Alabama (Pensacola)
I obviously haven't seen action, but I am impressed with Pregnon's history, tape and frame for the NFL. But I especially LOVE his attitude and seeming nasty guard. We have not had a downright nasty one in a long time – in fact, can't remember. Did y'all at the media team pick up any of that?
Jaguars guard Emmanuel Pregnon, a third-round selection from Oregon in the 2026 NFL Draft, has impressive size and a strong collegiate background. He looked big and strong recently during 2026 Jaguars Rookie Minicamp. He looks like a player who will matter very much to this franchise. We noticed.
Jadon from Raleigh, NC
Who is the best player to wear No. 21 for the Jags in Jaguar history?
More than 15 players have worn this number for the Jaguars, most for comparatively short stretches. Among the most notable: Cornerback Aaron Beasley (1996-2001), cornerback A.J. Bouye (2017-2019), cornerback Christian Braswell (2023-present), cornerback Terry Cousin (2005-2007), cornerback Derek Cox (2009-2012), cornerback Drayton Florence (2008), running back Justin Forsett (2013), running back Toby Gerhart (2014-2015) and cornerback Darious Williams (2022). The thought here is it's between Beasley and Bouye, with Beasley having the more consistent/extended career and Bouye's 2017 All-Pro season the highest level anyone on the list achieved. We'll go with Beasley here, but it's tight.
Bradford from Orange Park, FL
I saw you did an O-Zone podcast with Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski. I'm not saying there hasn't been a plethora of people that I have heard speak that have been smarter than me. But sometime in the middle of listening to him when I first heard him speak at a press conference last season ... I just remember thinking - and may have even said it out loud, "this guy's smarter than me."
You are not alone.
JK from NY & Fernandina Beach, FL
Hey John. So great to hear the EVP back on the radio being himself. So rare for an NFL exec to be so transparent and genuine. So many great explanations and takes on the state of the Jags. One stood out: "All that matters is winning football games on Sundays." So true. Go Jags!
I will assume here you are referencing Jaguars Executive Vice President of Football Operations Tony Boselli speaking on the radio recently. He indeed is very, very good in that forum for many reasons – one of which is that he spent a long time working in various media forums and therefore realizes that being transparent doesn't necessarily mean giving away competitive advantages. One fer Boselli on this one? Absolutely.
Paul from St. Augustine, FL
In response to the question regarding player "greed" in the league, I would like a show of hands of everyone who would turn down more money for their work. Anyone? Bueller?
This is a written forum, which means it is very difficult to see readers "raise" their hands. There indeed was a recent O-Zone email expressing tiredness at player "greed." While this sentiment is perhaps understandable given the ever-widening gulf between NFL salaries and those in the "real world," your point is a correct one – and most reasonable people would do whatever possible to maximize their earnings. It is also important to remember that NFL careers are short compared to those in the "real world." Even if careers aren't cut short by injuries, most players are out of the league well before their 10th NFL season. The chance to set themselves up financially for their adult life is comparatively short. Get what you can when you can. When it is over, it is over.
James from Titusville, NJ
Sheesh, we are still talking about running backs? The most devalued position on the offense (be it fair or unfair). I get that people don't like the moves because the names are relative unknowns, but Alvin Kamara wasn't up for free agency and even if he was, that would be a bad move, in my opinion. I see the Jags front office as finding their own winning lottery ticket rather than paying dearly for winning numbers that have already been drawn.
The difference between how running backs are viewed by fans and NFL teams is big – and likely will remain that way. I don't know if the Jaguars will hit the lottery with their moves at running back this offseason. I do know there is every confidence around the Miller Electric Center that they will be as good at the position as last season and that the running game overall can – and should – improve.
Ed from Danvers, MA
Did India Jones enjoy Indiana Pale Ale?
Ed's got jokes.
Chris from Mandarin
How much did those involved consider that the external facade of the updated Jaguars stadium will look outdated over time. Consider how ugly the Caesar Superdome in New Orleans looks 50 years on.
Many O-Zone emails prove impossible to answer for various reasons. This is up there on the list. Does everyone consider the Superdome ugly? Will the Jaguars' Stadium of the Future be considered ugly in 50 years? Will it even be around in 50 years? What will "consensus style" when it comes to stadiums in 50 years? Are there that many stadiums built in the late 70s still in use? Maybe it will be outdated in 10 years. Who knows? I do know the Stadium of the Future ensures the Jaguars are here for the long-term. Perhaps there's someone better to know more external façade fashion in 2076. I'm really good, but alas: I'm not that good.
DMiz from Jagsonville
"There is no excape. Ever." I laughed at this!! You are the King of all Funk!!!
Throw enough darts, eventually one hits the board.
