JACKSONVILLE – Let's get to it …
Steve from Nashville, TN
With the 33rd pick in the draft, it seems like the Jaguars have three first-round picks this year as undoubtedly there will be players available at the top of the second round that somebody somewhere had a first-round grade on. Is this where the team adds a "playmaker" at the tight end or wide receiver position?
The Jaguars indeed essentially have three first-round selections in the April 2021 NFL Draft; because they will select first in Round 3 with two second-round selections, they essentially have five first- or second-round selections. It's a striking amount of draft equity. Along with having the No. 1 overall selection, it makes this the most important draft in franchise history. I haven't the foggiest idea what direction they will go with the No. 33 overall selection, though. The people making the selection won't know that until draft day because so much depends on which players will be available at the time – or if they will decide to trade down or up from No. 33. I do expect the Jaguars to address both tight end and wide receiver in either free agency or the draft. That could happen at No. 33. Or No. 25. Or a little later. They're positions where you can historically get decent production and good value in the late first- or early-second rounds. Stay tuned.
Mike from Atlanta, GA
Former Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt isn't as dominant as he once was, but wouldn't it make sense if they are going to run a 3-4? They wouldn't need him to be what he was, more of a hold the point of attack and occasionally be disruptive. He has a lot of experience playing that position. Could they get him on a short-term contract under $8 million a year?
There wouldn't be many immediate negatives for the Jaguars if they signed Watt. The questions would be long-term health and production from an 11-year veteran who has missed time with injuries in recent seasons – and who hasn't been as productive in those seasons as he was in his peak. It would be a little surprising if Watt signed a cap-friendly deal such as the one you suggest, although it's possible. I sort of doubt Watt would want to sign with Jacksonville because of the perception that the Jaguars aren't quite ready to contend. I could be wrong about that. I've been wrong before, so it wouldn't be unprecedented.
Andrew from Mattoon, IL
Any changes in the uniforms forthcoming? I am planning my budget for 2021.
NFL teams can change their uniforms every five years except in the event of new ownership. The Jaguars last unveiled new uniforms in 2018.
Reuben from Pikesville
On Sunday, you had two questions from Maryland. I also live in Maryland. The team we have here isn't too shabby and yet people from this state and others follow a team that hasn't been too good for most of its existence. I can tell you, without being a fan — I am a Baltimore Colts fan — I hope the team does well and stays in Jacksonville for the sake of its loyal fan base. Losing your home team really hurts when it actually occurs.
Indeed.
William from Jacksonville
Who designed the O-Zone logo? Did you bring it with you from Indy? If it was designed locally, I think it was great job! I look in on other teams' websites, such as the New Orleans Saints and Pittsburgh Steelers but they got nothing on Jaguars.com. Keep up the good work!!!! One for "O". JP, Brian and for Ashlyn."
The Jaguars' graphics team designed the "O-Zone" logo, and the team did do a nice job. You're correct that jaguars.com is as good as any site in the NFL – and sure, one fer for Brian Sexton, Ashlyn Sullivan and even J.P. Shadrick. I deserve most of the credit, obviously. Maybe all of it. But they show up to work every day. It's fine to throw them a bone on occasion.
William from Jacksonville
_Bucky Brooks is a great addition to Jaguars.com. Glad he's here. One for Bucky!!!!!. _
True.
Aqeel from Toronto, Canada
I don't understand why people find Coach Urban standing in front of Trevor while he throws so strange. It shows his ability to think outside the box. In a year where there is no real combine and limited ability to meet with prospects etc., what better way to make a potential future employee feel "some kind of pressure" than having your potential future boss stand 10 feet away from you... looking you in the eye... as you do your job? Especially with all the hoopla around Urban it was the closest thing to "pressure or stress" he could simulate in such a limited environment. I thought it was great and I thought it was another thing Trevor handled well where many others would have felt super intimated don't you think Mr. O? I mean I'm sure you could handle it if Jaguars Owner Shad Khan suddenly walked into your office and sat down beside you to watch you work ... but guys like Sexton and Shadrick would fold in five minutes.
I didn't find it strange that Jaguars Head Coach Urban Meyer stood near Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence Meyer on his Pro Day Friday – and yes, I suppose it was a way for Meyer to simulate some level of stress for Lawrence in the situation. But I get the idea from listening to Meyer discuss Lawrence that he wasn't surprised Lawrence handled the situation well, and I get the idea from reading about – and observing Lawrence – that he typically handles pressure pretty well. He doesn't strike me as someone who is easily intimidated or shaken. As for how I would handle it if Khan suddenly walked into my office and sat beside me while I worked … no, I would not handle it well. I would likely wilt like a banana in the sun and begin weeping uncontrollably. Like most Tuesdays.
The Other Michael from Middleburg, FL
Welcome to the Urban Meyer era of Jaguars football, where we will be riding a constant roller coaster of controversy. But hey, at least we made a splash, right? This franchise will regret not hiring Eric Bieniemy.
OK.
Bradley from Sparks, NV
An average fan can see Trevor Lawrence is perhaps the top quarterback prospect of all time when it comes to physical traits. Things like composure, toughness, intelligence, work ethic, competitiveness and leadership are more speculative. Do you and other experts see any big question marks in these intangible categories?
I'm not a draft "expert," but few such experts/analysts have any question about anything about Lawrence. That doesn't mean he's a guarantee. There's no such thing as a guarantee – in life, love or the NFL Draft. Drafting players is a speculative, percentage game. But Lawrence is an incredibly safe prospect, and it would be very surprising if he's not very good.
Steve from Nashville, TN
The Jaguars are attracting media attention like never before. Is that good for you?
It's whatever, honestly.
Bradley from Sparks, NV
I'm all for focusing on defense in the draft and free agency but if Alabama running back Najee Harris is available at 25, don't you grab him? He seems good.
It wouldn't shock me to see the Jaguars take a dynamic playmaker in the first few rounds of the draft. That could mean running back, tight end or wide receiver. So, no … your scenario wouldn't shock me. The Jaguars need special players regardless of position and they need players who can score. Harris is both of those.
Kevin from Jacksonville Beach
John, if they do not include a Sbarro in any stadium upgrade, will you force a trade? If so, do you have a team at the top of your list? I know this is just in fun, but this is how it looks when a player thinks he should be included in how the organization decides who's going to run it. Go Jags!!
Ha. Fair.
Nick from Palatka, FL
Hey Zone, I was just wondering that since one of the concerns with TL's Pro Day was his being 10 pounds underweight, is he going to have enough time to bulk up by July if he won't be healed form surgery until April?
This could be a small factor and it will be a storyline because everything about Lawrence figures to be a storyline in the coming few months. I don't expect it to be a major issue, and I don't expect it will set him back on the field early in his career.
Scott from Gilbert, AZ
Zone, next time you pass Urban in the hallway, please let him know that I would be amenable to sending the Eagles our second fifth-round pick and assuming the two remaining years of Zach Ertz' contract.
OK. Or I could have him text you. Digits?
