JACKSONVILLE – Let's get to it …
Seth from Denver, CO
Do you think the Jaguars will be able to leverage trades in the form of draft picks for players they have to let go? Or will players like defensive tackle Marcell Dareus, defensive end Calais Campbell, defensive tackle Malik Jackson and safety Barry Church only bring us compensatory draft picks if released? It sure would be nice to manage our roster the way the New England Patriots have for over a decade.
This is an understandable question because the details of how NFL rules and mechanisms work can be tricky to understand. But the answer is no: the Jaguars probably won't be able to leverage trades for the players you mention, and they also won't bring the team compensatory selections if they're released next offseason. The reason they probably won't be traded is teams will know the players are likely to be released, and they therefore will wait for that to happen rather than give up the equity of a draft selection. The reason they won't bring compensatory selections is compensatory selections are only awarded for players who become unrestricted free agents because their contracts expire at the end of a league year; all the players you mentioned have seasons remaining on their contracts following the 2018 season. It's far from a guarantee all those players will be released following 2018, and I would be surprised if one or more aren't on the team in 2019. But if any indeed are released, they Jaguars likely will have to simply feel good about what they got from those players in the time they played and not expect anything more. As for getting into a situation to manage the roster as the Patriots do, that takes time. Compensatory selections are usually awarded for players a team drafts and opts to not re-sign at the end of their rookie contracts; a team also has to be relatively inactive in free agency because free-agent signings work against teams in the compensatory formula. It's complex, but teams that draft and develop their own players are usually rewarded in the system. The Jaguars are getting there, but they're not quite there yet.
Kerry from Streets
O-Man, legend of the O. The big Owskie. O brainer.
Yeah, that's right.
Emiel from Texas
Was Ramsey all out of shape? Did his teammates make him sit all by himself in the cafeteria?
Cornerback Jalen Ramsey on Tuesday practiced with the Jaguars for the first time this offseason after not participating in the voluntary portion of the offseason. He appeared to be in very good shape and his teammates were perfectly accepting of him upon his return. This is no surprise, and in fact was totally expected.
Chris from Goodnight, TX
How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?
Four. No, five.
Jagzfan from Franconia, VA
O'Funkmeister, in answering another reader's question you stated the Jags' offense ranked fifth highest in the NFL in scoring last year and sixth-highest in yards. Do these rankings factor out all of the defensive touchdowns and return yards?
Defensive touchdowns are included in the NFL's scoring rankings. Return yards are not included in total yardage rankings. The Jaguars would have ranked a bit lower in scoring had you factored out defensive touchdowns, but their yardage ranking is their yardage ranking. Bottom line: this was a far better offense last season than many perceived. The scores, results and statistics say it was. Was it perfect? No. Was it the best in the NFL? No. But it darned sure wasn't bad.
Paul from Ponte Vedra, FL
Big O-dacity: So, is it just me or is our quarterback simply under a microscope no matter what he accomplishes or does? I listen to sports radio all day (yes, I do work!) and all I hear are passes given to no-shows at OTAs and why they get them, but it seems like everything from Blake's weight to his choice of clothes are constant sources of contemplation! Was it Blake's play that cost us not going to Super Bowl, almost the Pittsburgh playoff game or at least three or four others? Did AR 15 recently get a HUGE contract based off his shining numbers in '16 but Blake's are considered "trash" or clean-up numbers? I don't know … I feel the kid is good. He has wheels and plays hard and is as tough as anyone on this team! Please pass it along that quarterbacks in this league do toss an interception or two ... it happens from time to time, just look the Great Brett ... Farv-errra! That is all.
So, one fer Blake and one not fer a few other things … (A few words of advice, if I may: don't listen to talk radio all day and try to relax. The NFL is fun. Enjoy it.)
Roseanne from Jacksonville
Are there any practices open to public this week? My son and his family are here from West Virginia and would like to come watch. Thanks!
Unfortunately, no. While the Jaguars are expected to have multiple practices free and open to the public during training camp in early July and August, offseason practices including this week's three minicamp sessions are closed to the public.
Tim from Fernandina Beach, FL
John: No question, just a comment. I had nothing else to do, so I watched the top 100 NFL players. Derek Carr completes 62 percent, 22 touchdowns 13 interceptions and 86 rating. Blake Bortles 60 percent completion, 21 touchdowns, 13 interceptions and 84.7 rating. Why is Carr No. 61 and we've got a bottom feeder for quarterback?
Perception.
David from Orlando, FL
O-Zone: As a tennis player, I always found the most difficult players to beat were the ones whose game mirrored mine. For the Jags, I think the Tennessee Titans represent our mirror image. We're essentially the same young, physical, power-running team. Pretend we're in debate class, where would you start your argument that the Jags were the better team?
They won the AFC South and advanced to the AFC Championship Game whereas the Titans did not. That would be a start. Either way, Jaguars-Titans looks like it should be a close rivalry in the coming seasons. The Jaguars' edge? It should be defense. That should be their edge against most opponents.
Tim from the Conference Room
Sometime tell Mike from Atlanta he already screwed up. He just broadcast to the entire world that he thinks his wife is good but not great.
Mike from Atlanta just got married. Opportunities to be told he screwed up won't be a problem for him anymore.
John from Jacksonville
JOHN!!! Did I see less adds? Did I? DID I? DID I?
I really doubt it.
Glen from Jacksonville and Section 146
Come on, people … our true and only rivals!?!? The referees in Foxborough four months ago. I was there and Myles Jack wasn't down. #DTWD #MylesJackWasn'tDown #NeverForget
DTWD
Don from Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
Going on over 23 years now and the Jaguars have no one in the Hall of Fame – and they want to give it to a knucklehead who is not going to show up for the award? At the same time, you have one of the greatest offensive tackles of all time hanging. Not much is ever going to change for Jacksonville until the Jaguars win the Super Bowl. Then, it's oh my!
There's little question the inclusion of wide receiver Terrell Owens in the Hall of Fame is tough for those who see the honor as one that should be reserved for people who respect the game – i.e., the players who played it, the idea of team and indeed the legacy of professional football. But while respecting the game is nice, it is not a prerequisite for playing in the NFL – or for being honored as one of its great performers. As for the candidacy of former Jaguars offensive tackle Tony Boselli, I believe he will make the Hall of Fame soon – whether or not this franchise wins the Super Bowl. And I have no question he will be counted about the many enshrinees humbled by the moment.
Josh from Harrisburg, PA
LeBron or MJ?
I watched Jordan at Carolina, and was fortunate enough to see him play a game in UNC's old Carmichael Arena. Because of that, I probably have to go with MJ if only for old time's sake. But does that mean I have to hate LeBron?
JagsMavs from Virginia Beach, VA
O-Man, while it sounds like Austin Seferian-Jenkins might be the answer at tight end, wouldn't it be fun to give Gronk a run for his money by signing LeBron as a free agent tight end?
I never understand what's going on.
Al from Orange Park, FL
"Jaguars partner with fan intelligence platform"? Are we now gauging fan intelligence? Are we sure that we want to know?
You said it, Al. Not me.
