Adding defensive depth was also a
priority as was getting a left tackle. The Jaguars found a way to accomplish
all these goals, getting value at positions of
primary importance.
Former Arkansas quarterback Matt Jones,
who must make the switch to receiver
and possibly tight end in the NFL, was the Jags first choice. Thus far
Jones made the transition looks seamless in the months leading up to the draft. An
offensive prospect who can produce catching the ball,
throwing it on the option pass or running it on reverses, expect Jones to get
plenty of opportunities as a rookie. Washington tackle Khalif Barnes fell further than most expected
due to the belief he practices better then he plays. Barnes has all of the tools
needed to be a successful left tackle in the NFL and was terrific value in round
two. Scott Starks offers the
Jaguars a quick cover man who will start off as a nickel back. Though smallish,
the Wisconsin product has excellent cover skills and can stay with receivers
all over the field. Virginia tailback Alvin Pearman could provide the team with
a third down back. Though lacking top size/speed numbers, Pearman is very productive on
the field and comes up during the games important moments. Gerald Sensabaugh will provide depth
at strong safety as well as a future replacement for Donovan Darius. Hawaii wide out Chad Owens provides explosion as a
return specialist and another pair of reliable hands for Leftwich. Pat
Thomas could work out as the teams sixth linebacker. Chris Roberson of
Eastern Michigan will likely be a practice squad player.
Jacksonville did a nice job of mixing long term potential with immediate
production in this draft. While Matt Jones cannot be expected to be a playmaker
in his first year as a wide receiver, his athletic skills mandate that he be
accounted for when on the field. Both Khalif Barnes and Scott Starks could
see significant playing time as rookies. Barnes might enter the season as the starting
left tackle while Starks will almost certainly be the teams nickel back.
The Jaguars did a
nice job if filling out their roster, though one must question the franchise not
answering the need at defensive end, especially in a draft full of speedy edge
rushers.
| RD |
Pick |
Player |
Pos |
School |
| 1 |
21(21) |
Matt Jones |
TE |
Arkansas |
| 2 |
20(52) |
Khalif Barnes |
OT |
Washington |
| 3 |
23(87) |
Scott Starks |
CB |
Wisconsin |
| 4 |
26(127) |
Alvin Pearman |
RB |
Virginia |
| 5 |
21(157) |
Gerald Sensabaugh |
S |
North Carolina |
| 6 |
11(185) |
Chad Owens |
WR |
Hawaii |
| 6 |
20(194) |
Patrick Thomas |
OLB |
North Carolina State |
| 7 |
23(237) |
Chris Roberson |
CB |
Eastern Michigan |
UDFA Signings: LS Andre Economos,
LB Jamar Enzor, LB James Kinney, DE Jim Davis, DE Bernard Thomas, RB Derrick
Wimbush, OT L.V. Hill, WR Jason Mitchell, G Daniel Connolly, RB Lee Webb, OG
Julius Franklin
|