JACKSONVILLE – Let's get to it …
Charles from Riverside
Hello, John. I can't remember when there was such a consensus on the Jags picking Mason Graham at No. 5? I wonder with Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence quoted as saying "we don't have a running game" and Head Coach Liam Coen repeatedly stressing the running game for his style of offense if our first pick could be an offensive lineman? Somebody like Will Campbell of Louisiana State or Kelvin Banks of Texas? Is the Graham pick potentially "smoke?"
University of Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham is the consensus selection by analysts to be the Jaguars' selection at No. 5 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft because those analyzing the draft find it easy to type his name next to the Jaguars. I get no sense that the Jaguars' decision-makers are finding it nearly that easy – though the Graham selection isn't a "smokescreen" because Jaguars decision-makers aren't "putting it out there" that they might select him. I also get no sense that the Jaguars have decided who they will select at No. 5, though I would be really surprised if the selection is an offensive lineman. Really surprised. Remember, too: The Jaguars addressed offensive line heavily in free agency. They believe they filled their short-term need there.
Sean from Oakleaf FL
Under the new overtime rules, I would take the ball first and not have to worry about the game clock expiring on my first drive. If I don't score and do not allow my opponent to score, there is likely some time left for my second possession and a walk off score.
This continues a recent O-Zone discussion regarding the NFL's regular-season overtime rule, which NFL owners this week modified to mandate that both teams will get a possession – as recently has been the case in postseason overtimes. Previously a team scoring a touchdown ended regular-season overtimes. I previously wrote that I might opt to kickoff to start overtime because I would know upon taking possession if I needed a touchdown to tie or win, or if I needed a field goal. Your point – that the 10-minute regular-season overtime period must be taken into consideration – is a good one. If I knew my offense could score a touchdown and drain nine minutes from the clock, I would opt to receive the opening overtime kickoff.
Scott from Atlantic Beach, FL
Do you know what the caveat is for the new overtime rule, if the first team to possess the ball engineers a long sustained 10-minute drive and then kicks a field goal as the ten-minute overtime period expires?
In that scenario, the team taking the opening overtime kickoff and kicking a field goal following a 10-minute drive wins without the other team possessing the ball.
Bill from Hawthorn Woods, IL
"My first thought is I would kickoff. This is because if you're now guaranteed a possession…" Not guaranteed. There has to still be time on the clock. The ten-minute period (versus fifteen) adds a little doubt as to how much time you might left for your drive.
Fair, though 10-minute drives are rare enough that owners weren't really all that worried about this.
Ed from Danvers, MA
How about this? If a team scores in overtime, they have to attempt a two-point conversion in two plays from the 10-yard line. No more Tush Push in overtime, either.
OK
J.Hooks from Orange Park, FL
Dude. You have such an eclectic mix of bands and music that you enjoy and grew up with (as do I). I know you love the Clash, too, and some awesome punk stuff. My question is INXS and Depeche Mode versus Talking Heads and B-52s? Would you take Travis Hunter at No. 5?
I probably would lean INXS and Depeche Mode over the Talking Heads and B-52s because I went through a phase of being very into Depeche Mode's early stuff – and the other three were never really "my bands." I expect I would take Colorado wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter at No. 5 overall if available. I would be tempted to lean offensive or defensive line there, but Hunter is considered one of two "special" players in the draft and you want special selecting that early.
Pedal Bin from Farnborough, Hampshire, UK
Oh Mighty 'O'/King Of All Funk, any truth to the rumor that Superman's alter ego was going to be called Eugene P. "Gene" Frenette but the real longtime Florida Times-Union sports columnist and Northeast Florida cultural icon/thought leader Eugene P. "Gene" Frenette asked writer Jerry Siegel to not drawn attention to his ability to leap tall buildings in a single bound so switched the name to Clark Kent?
Yes.
Chris from Fleming Island, FL
OZONE, While watching The Hunt I noticed the new hire coaches were immediately in Jags gear (as they should be). My question is are they "gifted" gear by the team, or do they have to purchase them on their own?
Coaches typically get free garb. Free is cool. Coaches like it.
CaptBob from JAX
Is Ivan actually from Moscow? You are wise and crafty not answering him, leaving that up to your readers. Explaining all the benefits the Jaguars bring to the area again is futile anyways. He wouldn't be listening anyways.
We're referencing a recent O-Zone email from a reader named Ivan. Ivan does not like public money being used on sports stadiums and specifically didn't like public money being used on the Jaguars' Stadium of the Future. Ivan also considers many people involved with the Jaguars – myself included – greedy, selfish, manipulative thieves. I have long since learned there are people who feel this way. That's fine. Not everyone has to agree on things or like everyone.
JK from NY & Fernandina Beach, FL
John. Kudos to The Zone for showing some journalistic integrity by posting Ivan's email. Despite your somewhat snarky reply, you gave Ivan a voice to express concerns about the City of Jax's investments in the Stadium of the Future. In the new episode of The Hunt, Executive Vice President of Football Operations Tony Boselli boldly proclaimed the Jags' new objective when he said, "We are going to be a championship organization. The standard is to go win the division, win the conference and win the Super Bowl." If these things come to pass, the City of Jacksonville will recoup its investments and then some, both economically and in Duval pride. That is the real stakes the Jags are playing for now.
People can feel how they like, and I long have posted emails expressing a variety of thoughts/feelings in the O-Zone. The Stadium of the Future "issue" was pretty simple. If the NFL was going to remain in Jacksonville, a renovated or new stadium was necessary. Because of NFL rules, the city was going to have to fund at least half the project. It was either help fund the renovation or not have a team. The Jaguars are playing to win, just as always has been the case.
Bruce from St Simons Island, GA
O, How hard would it be for the Jags to trade up to pick No. 4? It appears they will not trade up. Are the odds greater that they will trade back?
It will be hard for the Jaguars to trade up because it will be expensive and I don't expect the Jaguars to want a player in the draft enough to do it. I think there is a better chance the Jaguars trade back than up.
Richard from Shimytown
KOAF. You are indeed are wise to be nice and request others to be nice. I think I am being nice by letting Ivan know that a "conservative" mayor would have done the same thing as Mayor Deegan. While it troubles me that local government pays for stadiums, people can argue but with all money NFL teams, players, and staff contribute to local economy every year.... stadium costs generally are paid for before it is time to do it again.
I don't think many mayors of many cities want their legacy to be the mayor that lost an NFL franchise.
David from Maplewood, NJ
Ivan clearly hasn't watched the hunt, wouldn't watch the hunt and doesn't care about the hunt. His loss. On a serious note, I totally get frustration by non-football fans but to imply that only football fans benefit from the Jaguars in Jacksonville is beyond ignorant. Being an NFL city impacts the economy in ways that really no other single fact could possibly approach. I find it impossible to believe that even the most ardent opponents to the stadium deal don't know this.
People are allowed to have thoughts, and to express them.
Don from Marshall NC
The shimmy definitely is key to really stepping out! You can raise one foot and shimmy and repeat. I was surprised you knew these advanced dance moves. Staying Alive Baby! Go Jaguars!
When it comes to supporting the shimmy and Staying Alive, Don rather unsurprisingly remains "all in."
