JACKSONVILLE – Let's get to it …
William from Jacksonville Beach, FL
What's your way-too-early prediction for the Jaguars' running game next season? Who starts? How many yards do they get? I hope they don't suck again.
The Jaguars' running game is a major offseason focus, and I therefore expect it to improve next season – and I expect Tank Bigsby to be the starting running back with he and Travis Etienne Jr. playing extensively. I wouldn't be surprised if the Jaguars select a running back in the 2025 NFL Draft who can contribute as a rookie. I'm not good at predicting yardage totals. But an improved running game would look something like this: A few really productive games with impressive rushing totals in which the Jaguars run effectively and extend a second-half lead. Multiple games in which the Jaguars drain clock by running for a first down or two late. Better reliability in short-yardage situations. If the Jaguars become that sort of running offense, they'll also become a better play-action team. And a much better offense overall.
Rick from Duval
Can ball security be taught? I don't have the same opinion as you regarding Tank. Last year he just got lucky but was still putting the ball on the ground. Between ETN contract and ball security, would it surprise you if we take a 3-4 round running back?
I don't recall expressing a particular opinion regarding Bigsby recently. I do recall saying I expect him to start in 2025 with Etienne also playing extensively – though I forget just where and when I said that. Yes, ball security can be taught – and players can improve in this area. No, it would not surprise me to see the Jaguars select a running back in the third or fourth round-ish.
Gator from Gainesville, FL
One answer, one questun…. Anser-Under rated band Blind Melon. Questun - do you ever sit round and think bout how cool I am?
On occasion.
JK from NY and Fernandina Beach, FL
John. As the Jags' "Top-30" visits get underway, how does the process contribute to identifying intangibly rich components which are crucial for maintaining ecosystem stability and resilience?
It's my understanding that the Jaguars won't be doing many – if any – "Top 30" visits this offseason. Some teams emphasize these more than others. The Los Angeles Rams weren't a big "Top 30" visit team, and Jaguars General Manager James Gladstone – who worked for the Rams the past nine years – may be following that lead.
Adam from Round Here
Be honest, John. When you heard being nothing more than yourself betters the Ecosystem, weren't you and aren't you a bit nervous for your future employment? Or was it you that inspired that sentiment?
Gladstone indeed likes to say someone simply being themselves betters the ecosystem. We just met. I may prompt some "rethinking" on this front.
Steve from Nocatee
Help, John. I'm very confused. I probably have my facts all messed up, but here's the question. I thought that we drafted two defensive linemen to play tackle last year. Not only that, I also believe that we supposedly paid another defensive tackle a lot of money to play out of his normal position. I always thought that a second-round drafted player was pretty darn good and should be able to plug and play his position. It sounds like either we have enough talent at defensive tackle not to draft a defensive tackle No. 5 overall or did we just draft and pay three guys who couldn't get the job done. Thanks for the help!
I'm sorry you're confused. Confusion can be, well … confusing. But you don't have your facts "all messed up" as much as you're perhaps just not considering a couple of important factors. One is that the decision-makers who selected defensive tackles Jordan Jefferson and Maason Smith in the fourth and second rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft – and signed defensive tackle Arik Armstead as a free agent – are not the same people making decisions moving forward. When that's the case, things often get rethought. The other is that you don't want to draft solely based on need – particularly at No. 5 overall. The Jaguars like Jefferson, Smith and Armstead. Their presence along with ends Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen is a reason the Jaguars like their defensive front and didn't feel compelled to address it in free agency. But there's a decent chance Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham will be the best player available at No. 5. If that's the case, the Jaguars may select him even if there's not a glaring need there. This is because you draft for talent and the future. You sign free agents to fill needs.
Longtime Florida Times-Union sports columnist and Northeast Florida cultural icon/thought leader Eugene P. "Gene" Frenette from Jacksonville
When does it end?
Be patient.
Scott from Orlando, FL
Do you see similarities between University of Missouri left tackle Armand Membou and Leon Searcy coming out of college?
Former Jaguars right tackle Leon Searcy entered the NFL as a first-round selection by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1992 NFL Draft. I was covering high school sports for the Florida Times-Union in 1992 and therefore have little-to-no expertise in this area. I could do what a lot of "experts" do in that situation and make something up to hear my own thoughts, but I won't insult you or the other person reading this by doing that.
Ray from Jax
John: Assuming Penn State edge Abdul Carter is gone by the fifth pick, here's hoping Travis Hunter is available. Isn't he Jalen Ramsey with a healthy back?
Ray's got jokes.
Brendan from The Moral High Ground
Let's be honest here, KOAF. The level of competition that Colorado played against wasn't that great. I believe that Colorado wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter is decent yes, but part of this two-way BS is just Missouri quarterback Shedeur Sanders force-feeding him the ball. Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson sucks and I was right about him, I really hope the Jags don't fall for this "trendy pick" distraction. Go Jaguars!
I wasn't necessarily big on Richardson when he entered the 2023 NFL Draft from the University of Florida, but I can't say there's much of a comparison between his situation and that of Hunter. Pretty much every analyst acknowledged that Richardson had high risk because he was far more athlete than quarterback entering the draft – and because there was concern about his ability to remain healthy. There is much more of a consensus around Hunter, with most analysts agreeing he is one of two "special" players in the draft along with Carter. That doesn't mean you're not right. But I don't know that it's right to dismiss Hunter as a "trendy pick."
Stokes from Orange Park, FL
How far off do you think I am to assume Gladstone's "intangibly rich" means "DAWG"?
Not very.
Tony from Johns Creek, GA
O, you had me at "The Philters." I followed them from the beginning and became friends. Great band full of good guys.
My Philters connection was their longtime drummer Steve Bauknecht, a lifelong friend. He and one of my best friends – the late, great Chris McFall (bass) – played together in the Blaine Crews Band beginning shortly after Steve and Chris met at a party at my parent's house in Arlington. My memory is fuzzy around further details, but Chris and Steve were well-known by Jacksonville musicians of a certain time – and two of the best people I know. By the way … What's Wrong with Willie?
Cliff from Everywhere with helicopter
I know it's the "Dead Zone" and all, but you just printed a question from overcooked holiday poultry.
It's not the dead zone. It's the almost dead zone. And you're suggesting I may have answered a question a looooong time after it was submitted. I may be guilty of this. I've committed worse crimes. Probably the night Chris and Steve met, if I recall correctly.
Hooks from Orange Park, FL
Fred Willard is awesome. Always had a smile on his face. So good at improv. Is there a certain Mockumentary you liked best? I loved "A Mighty Wind." Perfection. Whaaa Happened!?
A Mighty Wind was good. Damned good. For pure comedic excellence, it's also hard to beat Willard in Best in Show.
Anita from Springfield
Bucky has joined me and MJD as full-stans for Cam Skattebo. That dude can flat out ball.
Three for Skattebo, apparently.
Coach Beasley from Bayou, Louisiana
If you were in Jax in the mid-70s, you would have been able to see the talented and underrated Fred Willard when he performed at JU's Swisher Gym with the comedy group the Ace Trucking Company.
I was in Jacksonville in the mid-1970s, but I was 9 or 10 and therefore not old enough to be smart enough to seek out Fred Willard. I'm worse for it.
Some guy on the street
Don't I know you? Are you the O-Zone?
No.
