JACKSONVILLE – Let's get to it …
Kevin from Jacksonville
What are they doing at five? Can we not talk about that? Can't wait to see them blow this one. Just awful.
I assume you're referencing the Jaguars' potential selection at No. 5 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, and I also assume you're a blast to be around at social functions. We've discussed what the Jaguars might do at No. 5 some in recent weeks, and I suppose it's well past time to dig deeper into the subject. And more draft-related subjects. The Jaguars' reality is this: No. 5 this year appears to be a tricky spot. That's because Colorado cornerback /wide receiver Travis Hunter and Penn State edge Abdul Carter are generally considered the draft's two best players and also because there appear only two quarterbacks – Cam Ward of Miami and Shedeur Sanders of Colorado – likely to be selected in the first four selections. That means it's very possible – and even likely – that those four players will be selected Nos. 1-4, which leaves the rest of the draft available to the Jaguars at No. 5. While this is not a cause for panic, it perhaps leaves the Jaguars in something of dilemma. Do they select a player such as Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham, considered a very good player and a safe selection? Do they consider offensive linemen who many analysts aren't sure are "Top 5" players? Do they address wide receiver? Or tight end? Or running back? Here's the good news: There are going to be very good players available at No. 5. All the Jaguars have to do to solve the dilemma is select the player they like who they feel is the best player. So simple, so hard.
Chris from Sec 437
I see the overtime rules have been changed so that both teams get a possession. Where does this help? If they both score, they are back to a sudden-death situation. With a 10-minute overtime, I predict more ties and I know everyone wants that!
The NFL this week indeed at its 2025 Annual Meeting approved a proposal that will make regular-season overtime more similar to postseason overtime, with both teams now assured of at least one possession. The regular-season rule previously was that a touchdown by the first team possessing the ball meant that team won and therefore ended the game. You're correct that this could lead to both teams scoring a touchdown and the game ending in a dissatisfying tie. This is yet another rule that has been modified too often in recent seasons because observers see a team win a game under a certain rule and immediately take to social media and beginning yelling about it not being "faaaaaaaaair." What will happen if a few games end in overtime under the new rule? People will probably yell about fairness again, and we'll be back to 15-minute overtime periods and then people will yell about the games being too long. And so it goes. And so it goes.
Sean from Saint Johns City
I also think we've seen the most success from Dougs around here. I would have had no problem hiring another one.
OK.
Michael from Orange Park, FL
Zooooooney! Who ya got in the dance?
My Scooby Sense – and not my Scobee sense – tells me you're asking who will win the NCAA men's basketball tournament. A google inquiry tells me that in addition to Florida and Duke, Auburn and Houston are in the Final Four this weekend. I've watched Florida a bit more than the others, which is to say the Gators were playing on television when I was at Strings one Saturday evening. Florida looks very deep and talented. Auburn looks very talented. That freshman from Duke is outstanding, from what I understand. Houston has been really good for a long time. I'll go with Florida because they're more familiar – and the depth thing.
Jason from North Pole, AK
Do general managers end up watching film of every single player who is likely to be drafted? Or is the scouting department responsible for putting together a few clips on every guy? Just curious if a general manager ever ends up selecting a player, perhaps in the later rounds, relying mostly on the scouts opinions.
Most general managers have seen at least a bit of most players expected to be drafted. This does not mean all general managers have in-depth, passionate knowledge on players expected to be selected in the sixth and seventh rounds – or of players projected as collegiate free agents. General managers naturally spend more time on the early rounds. There are instances in later rounds when general managers ask the draft room if there are players left on the board about whom someone feels strongly – and there are instances when teams select players based on that passion.
Scott from Gilbert, AZ
Zone, if professional football executives don't always have to be nice because it's a league comprised of grown men, I'm curious about O-Zone demographics. Thinking the vast majority of your readers are over 18; thus, wondering why we all have to be nice when discussing professional football here? :)
Different rules for different fools.
Colin from Sanford, FL
Hey, John. In the scene from the Hunt where Liam, James, and Tony all get really excited while someone else confirms on the phone a player accepting a contract during free agency, do we know who that player was that they had such a strong reaction towards?
You're referencing a scene in the latest episode of "The Hunt," which debuted on Jaguars Media channels Thursday evening. Let me pause here to again recommended it to any Jaguars observer or fan, because it gives outstanding insight into General Manager James Gladstone, Head Coach Liam Coen and Executive Vice President of Football Operations Tony Boselli. As for the scene in question, when the trio expresses excitement over a signed free agent, it's my understanding it could have been any one of several players. The Jaguars felt good about their entire 2025 free agent class. It's early April and the Jaguars are unbeaten. High fives are common around these parts right now.
Ivan from Den of Theives
You must be proud. Seventy percent of Duval did not want to pay for the stadium. Now that 70 percent will pay far more as a group for your stadium than the football fans as a group. Isn't it wonderful that the NFL can reach into anyone's wallet and take whatever they want? Lie and manipulate trying to make that a positive. What are the 70 percent getting out of the deal? Owner Shad Khan waving his middle finger at 70 percent of his host City calling them "doubters." Those people had no doubts, they knew if the stadium passed they were paying for Shad's stadium and getting nothing in return. You all are proud, rejoice, happy to see how many people you can screw over. Isn't that the Jags' real reason for staying here? Duval has a weak, cowardice government. They fall for Lamping's lies and ignore their own people. Don't tell me it is the people's fault. Duval went from a Conservative Mayor to a Liberal Mayor and nothing changed. Mayor Deegan represented Khan and London over her own people. There are photos online of Khan and Deegan hugging, celebrating screwing over 70 percent of Duval. They proclaimed, "WE DID IT." Pretty cool, celebrating screwing over the people who have loved you and paid for you for the last 30 years. The players and coaches in the NFL are cool, good people. All the people above them are greedy, selfish, manipulative, thieves. That includes you for perpetuating the lies. Be proud of being part of corrupt America!
I was a bad dancer until I learned to shimmy.
KC from KC
What is happening?
Ask Ivan. He has thoughts.
Howard from Homestead
Under the new overtime rules, if you win the coin toss, are you kicking or receiving?
My first thought is I would kick off. This is because if you're now guaranteed a possession and you will execute that possession under specific circumstances. You will know, for instance, that you're in a constant "four-down" situation if the opponent scores a touchdown or that you can end the game with a field goal or touchdown. I don't know that there is a hard, fast right or wrong here. I do know there's a good chance I'm wrong and a better chance that I'm a greedy, selfish, manipulative thief. And not just me, either. A bunch of people. Joy to the World. Joy to You and me. And Ivan.
John from Hopkins, MN
Man, if The Hunt doesn't get you excited for this team going forward, I have nothing to say to you. [Head Coach] Liam [Coen], James, and Tony are such excellent people I have total faith in their abilities to bring us to the top!
I wonder if Ivan watched The Hunt?
