JACKSONVILLE – Let's get to it …
Al from Fruit Cove, FL
Hey, Zone. I've read that our new center has the advantage of familiarity with the scheme of the new head coach. And then I've read that the new backup quarterback has the advantage of familiarity with the scheme of the new offensive coordinator. But aren't those two different schemes? Wouldn't the terminology be different? And if the playbook merges two (or more) schemes, wouldn't it be new to everyone?
This is a fair question, and the answer requires some connecting of connections. Or something like that. Jaguars center Robert Hainsey played for Jaguars Head Coach Liam Coen last season when Coen was the offensive coordinator of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Jaguars backup quarterback Nick Mullens played for Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski when Udinksi was assistant offensive coordinator of the Minnesota Vikings the past two seasons. Remember, though: Coen's offensive system's roots are with the Los Angeles Rams and Head Coach Sean McVay. Udinski's roots are with Vikings Head Coach Kevin O'Connell, whose roots are also with McVay – and who runs essentially the same scheme as McVay. Are they the exact same scheme? Is the terminology exactly the same? Not exactly, because offenses change a bit each season. But they are enough alike that all involved will be quite familiar with the language and concepts – and the learning curve for those involved therefore will be relatively minimal.
Bradley from Sparks, NV
I noticed last year the Rams and Bucs both drafted three guys who not only started but were among the best players on each squad by the end of their seasons. Do you sense the head coach and general manager are expecting the same from this draft?
I expect Coen and General Manager James Gladstone to draft many players they expect to start or contribute at some point during their rookie seasons. I expect one or two of those players to indeed start quickly and for a few more to contribute significantly as the season continues. This is the reason the Jaguars approached free agency as they did – to build the roster to the point where they have 22 starting-caliber players entering the draft and to leave space in position groups for rookies to develop throughout the course of the season. Will that mean having three players who are among the best players on the team? Time will tell, but the structure is right to have that happen.
Jim from Neptune Beach, FL
O, I always enjoy all mock drafts. I know they change the mocks as often as possible, because, after all, analysts have to continually offer variations because they need viewers to be engaged. And there's always new information to consider. But, what irks me more than anything is a draft analyst that says things like, "So-and-so is a great interior lineman, but could also play outside." If a player is great at one position, play him there. Example? Arik Armstrong. Great interior lineman. Why put him on the outside, away from a place where he excels? You want a great outside lineman, pick one. Don't make a defensive end play linebacker or cover tight ends. Pick a guy, put him where he excels and let him play.
OK.
Benjamin from Jacksonville, FL via Upstate SC
Watched Jags A.M. and noticed the absence of glasses. To be honest, it wasn't so much the lack of hardware as it was the blinking. If you went lasik or similar, I sincerely hope it gets more better soon because it looked very uncomfortable. If it's contacts, you might want to consider a different brand because they shouldn't do that to you. Now as I watch more... I'm thinking you may have had an exam before this was recorded and your eyes are still dilated. Whatever it is, as a guy who despised his glasses as a kid, made the switch to contacts at 17 and never looked back, kudos on losing the frames. It looks good on you.
Thanks for watching – if not particularly closely. I think I last wore glasses on our Jaguars Media channels circa 2018 or so. And I wasn't uncomfortable at all the other day. Except for Sexton being there. That's always a little awkward.
Travis from Jacksonville
ROTFLOL. "I'm not sure what 'future generation' or 'secret lab' means. I'm good. Some would say great. But I guess I'm not that good or great." Can you share local references to validate this? It seems like the scouting report might have you as generational, too!
I am the king of all funk.
Larry from Wattsburg(h), PA
Mayhap stay tuned is a reference to become inebriated daily which incidentally makes modern life as well as our choice of NFL teams bearable? #catniptillidie
Get yet wayward normal equestrian typewriter for the seashore on the kayak in Houston just past the breaking of the legs.
Mason from Palm Bay, FL
O-Zone, I've seen you mention a handful of positions that could/should be addressed on Day 1-2 (i.e. wide receiver, offensive line, defensive back, defensive line). And coming off a 4-13 season, there are definitely needs all over the roster. That said, what positions would you rank as the most important to address this draft? Obviously we want to go into the draft without selecting players based on need to avoid missing on the most talented guy available. But if we left the draft not addressing __, what would have you the most concerned going into next year?
Wide receiver, safety and cornerback. Some version of that.
Joe from Alpharetta
Any word on the Jaguars hosting an official NFL Draft party?
Yes. The Jaguars' 2025 Draft party is expected to be hosted as the Lemon Bar because of continued construction on the Stadium of the Future.
Jimmy from Jax Beach, FL
Sir Zone-a-lot, I believe most Jags fans would agree quarterback Trevor Lawrence has not so far been elite or what we hoped he would become in the NFL. However, I believe most would agree Trevor was elite in college. Except for perhaps Scott from Gilbert, AZ who shrewdly pointed out Trevor's other worldly stats and the Tigers' ability to win games were more attributable to Tee Higgins ability to out-body, outjump and outplay ACC corners. After all, Higgins must have done this for all of his 118 receptions over the 2 years he played with Lawrence. I'm googling how Lawrence completed another 862 passes at Clemson. I'll get back to you ASAP.
Text me.
Justin from NYC
KOAF- can you tell us about all the recent free agent signings again?
Absolutely I can – and I'm sooooo glad you asked. The Jaguars have signed 10 free agents so far this offseason: Washington Commanders wide receiver Dyami Brown, Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman Chuma Edoga, Tampa Bay Buccaneers center Robert Hainsey, Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman Fred Johnson, Cowboys cornerback Jourdan Lewis, Los Angeles Rams tight end Hunter Long, Baltimore Ravens guard Patrick Mekari, Minnesota Vikings quarterback Nick Mullens, Vikings tight end Johnny Mundt and Houston Texans safety Eric Murray. They signed the first nine at the start of free agency and Johnson a few days later. They addressed needs and believe players such as Hainsey, Mekari, Murray, Brown and Lewis will be clear starters in 2025 with Long and Mundt key parts of the tight-end rotation – and Johnson and Edoga key to the offensive line depth. Mullens is expected to be the backup to Lawrence. That's it. That's the recap. I feel good again. Get me a soda.
Deane from Hill AFB via Daytona Beach, FL
Yo, O-Zone!!! I watched Jags A.M. when J.P. filled in the other day. Brian Sexton's "wish to see in teal" selection of Penn State tight end Tyler Warren has some merit. It would allow us to have another solid blocker and playmaker. It may not be Rams-esque but more a Kansas City Chiefs/New England flavor. If my memory serves me correctly people criticized Atlanta for taking Kyle Pitts with the No. 4 overall pick. Minus an early hamstring issue, he has served the Falcons pretty well. Mr. Sexton might be onto something. I could see Gladstone taking him then turn around and jump back into first to grab a player like North Dakota State offensive tackle Grey Zabel or a defensive player like Mississippi lineman Walter Nolen. What says you, O-Zone???
I say No. 5 might be a smidge early for Warren, though I also say I wouldn't rule out the Jaguars selecting Warren – or any player – if they believe he is the best player available at the time of the selection. Remember: There are no positions where the Jaguars can't use great. I also say to remember that the Jaguars like tight end Brenton Strange and the other tight ends on the roster. That's not saying the Jaguars won't take a tight end in the draft. It's saying they're not seeing it as a draft-altering need.
Jim from South Georgia
You think you're pretty damn funny, don't you, bub?
I have my moments.