Your one-stop shop for Jacksonville Jaguars news, opinion, and analysis.
Good morning!
Here is today’s roundup of the latest news, rumors, and analysis on your Jacksonville Jaguars.
Local chatter
Fan favorite Zay Jones moments (Big Cat Country)
Yesterday, the Jacksonville Jaguars announced they had released wide receiver Zay Jones. Zay Jones played a big role in the fun of the 2022 season, so I asked on social media for your favorite Zay Jones plays and moments from his two years in Jacksonville. In random order, let’s take a look at Big Play Zay.
Jaguars History: 1998 Season (Big Cat Country)
Last offseason, I asked on Twitter and Facebook what you consider the Jaguars’ best season. After reading your responses, I highlighted the 1995, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2007, and 2017 seasons. With the Jacksonville Jaguars entering their 30th season this year, I thought now would be a good time to revisit the rest of their seasons beginning with the 1998 season.
Jaguars podcast: Reviewing the 2024 NFL Draft (Big Cat Country)
John and I discussed the Jacksonville Jaguars’ 2024 NFL Draft class. You can view the team’s full haul here and listen to us break down the events from Thursday night here.
Jaguars post-draft power rankings roundup (Big Cat Country)
“They flopped midway through the season in 2023 because they weren’t ready to handle the challenge. It didn’t help that Trevor Lawrence was playing hurt. They will push Houston in the division after a nice draft.”
3 things to know about Jarrian Jones (Big Cat Country)
As a senior at Florida State, Jones delivered his best season statistically, turning the ball over four times (three interceptions, one forced fumble which he recovered). The five picks in total matches the number he made at high school – but incredibly, four of the ten total interceptions were returned for touchdowns. FOUR! Converting 40% of your turnovers into six points is a pretty impressive feat…
NFL Analyst Bucky Brooks Pleased With the Jaguars 2024 Draft Class (Jaguars.com)
“The theme of the draft was bigger, longer, stronger, more physical,” Brooks said. “If you look up and down the draft board, everybody they brought in kind checked off the box when it came to that part – particularly the players at the line of scrimmage.”
Grading the Jacksonville Jaguars’ 2021 draft after three years. How did they do? (Times-Union)
Despite not contributing in his rookie season due to a Lisfanc injury, the Etienne addition has aged well for the Jaguars. He’s recorded 2,133 yards on 487 carries for 16 touchdowns in his career and recorded consecutive 1,000+ yard seasons in the last two years.
Tony Khan talks Jaguars ‘excellent’ draft, players appearing in AEW (Jags Wire)
“We’ve got a great coach, Doug Pederson, he’s one of the best coaches in football, a Super Bowl-winning head coach and a brilliant football mind. And really, it was an excellent draft I believe for the Jaguars. The only thing I didn’t enjoy about it was that I had to wear this neck brace throughout the process, it made reading the analytics sheets a bit more difficult sometimes.”
Jersey numbers revealed for Jaguars 2024 free agent class (Jags Wire)
Jacksonville on Wednesday announced jersey numbers for its 2024 free agent class and acquired-via-trade quarterback Mac Jones, as well as a new digit for second-year Jaguar, running back D’Ernest Johnson.
Thomas was the Jaguars’ only pick in the first four rounds to exceed his ranking in Brugler’s Top 100. Brugler’s 15th overall prospect went No. 23 and could be a big-time difference maker if he improves his consistency and rounds out his route tree. The Jags’ other top-four picks could be labeled as reaches. Defensive tackle Maason Smith, who went 48th and was ranked 64th, was their only other pick in Brugler’s Top 100. Third-rounder Jarrian Jones was Brugler’s 28th-ranked cornerback, while fourth-round tackle Javon Foster (15th) and defensive tackle Jordan Jefferson (20th) were moderately ranked at their respective positions. There will be a lot of pressure on this class to exceed expectations.
2024 NFL draft: Ranking the 100 best picks, steals, fits (ESPN)
The wide receiver room in Jacksonville is stacked now with the addition of Thomas, even after Calvin Ridley signed in Tennessee. The front office had already added Gabe Davis earlier this offseason to join Christian Kirk, and Thomas will bring a size/speed element to the Jaguars’ passing game that was missing. His 17 touchdowns last season led all FBS receivers.
2024 NFL Draft: Favorite picks for all 32 NFL teams (PFF)
The Jaguars took fliers on some higher-ceiling athletes with their first three picks of the draft, but their fourth pick might have been my favorite: Javon Foster. Foster isn’t the elite-caliber athlete to garner a top-100 selection, but he started for three years in the SEC and consistently earned grades above 80.0 in all three campaigns. If the Jaguars ever have an injury to one of their starting offensive tackles, he is a great “next man up” to throw into the lineup. That depth is key.
Thomas has the height, burner speed and flexibility as a route-runner to excel as an “X” receiver in Jacksonville alongside Christian Kirk in the slot and Gabe Davis on the other boundary. Thomas gets to the football like a fast center-fielder, too. While he feels like a tall vertical-only perimeter pass-catcher, Thomas forced 30 missed tackles on 127 catches at LSU.
National links
Majority control of Dolphins ‘not for sale,’ source says (ESPN)
Should teams trade up in the NFL draft? Lessons from past deals (ESPN)
Editor’s pick
Where Have All the Second-Round Quarterbacks Gone? (The Ringer)
Nix and Penix were never going to be available in the second round because second-round quarterback prospects don’t really exist anymore. This draft offered the most glaring example of their disappearance—and showed how the fear of missing out on a young franchise quarterback has caused it.
Must-see media
beyond grateful for every memory, truly. every teammate, every coach, every staff member, every fan i’ve encountered or felt inspired by. the support of a strong community does so much for us athletes. thank you more, Duval and Jags fans overseas. https://t.co/wgWXoLlFn2
— zay (@zayjones11) May 1, 2024
Daily poll
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