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O-Zone: Truly dedicated

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com Follow John on twitter Like The O-Zone on facebook

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Micky from Orange Park, FL:

Do you know where/how Dante is working on his technique? Are there camps for positions other than quarterback?

John: worked much of the offseason in St. Petersburg, Florida. Many players work out each offseason around the country at workout and training facilities. and , for example, trained together in Texas last offseason at the same facility where Denver Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib trained. Most such facilities aren’t as highly-publicized as, say, the facility where and quarterbacks such as Tom Brady, Drew Brees and Aaron Rodgers train because things for quarterbacks are more publicized than things that involve other positions, but players at all positions train around the country every offseason.

Glen from Orange Park, FL:

Do teams talk with players unlikely to be drafted to arrange bringing them to camp before the draft or must they wait until after the draft when they officially become free agents?

John: Teams absolutely talk before the draft to players they believe will be free agents. Establishing those relationships is an important role of the scouts. Teams must wait until after the draft to sign undrafted players, making the immediate aftermath of the draft for those involved some of the most chaotic, stressful hours of the NFL year.

Jags Fan 818 from Jacksonville:

Hi, Zone. … Do you think the Jaguars will take a bye in Week 4 after our London game or do like the Colts did and wait a few more weeks? I hope they choose to wait.

John: I think the Jaguars will take the bye later in the season this year and play the week directly after London. That’s just a gut feeling. We’ll find out in a few weeks when the 2017 NFL schedule is released.

Wallace from Jacksonville:

Many point to Blake Bortles’ poor throwing mechanics as the reason for the poor performance in 2016. But isn’t the bigger issue his lack of progress on the mental side? A “franchise quarterback” consistently goes through his progressions, makes the right reads, and can audible to plays that “make the defense pay.” What can Blake Bortles do in the offseason to improve in this regard?

John: Keep working, keep gaining experience and keep getting more comfortable/confident with what he’s doing. That’s a vague, unsatisfying answer, but there’s no magic formula – and you’re right that by far that is the more important area in which Bortles must improve.

Don from Ponte Vedra Beach, FL:

Dante Fowler Jr. was coming off a serious injury last season. Late in the season he started to make an impact. He is a half-second and a half-step away from being a big-time player. Players do improve and get better with time. If I recall correctly, J.J. Watt had a so-so first year. Fans need to remember not to quit because of what it was, but to think positive for what it can become. Fowler will be a star player soon.

John: This indeed is something that has been overlooked, and I’ll include myself in the group of overlookers. We’ve talked a lot in this forum about Fowler needing to improve his approach and his pass-rushing fundamentals, but there also is a physical element we haven’t discussed as much. Fowler was returning last season from a torn anterior cruciate ligament – and although he had 16 months from the time of his injury until the time of his first game, the reality is still that a first season back after an ACL is a major adjustment. There’s reason to believe Fowler will be more explosive and more athletic this season – i.e., more like the No. 3 overall selection in the 2015 NFL Draft in 2017 – than he was last season. That doesn’t negate the need for him to improve his approach and his pass rush moves, but it does provide another reason to believe it’s far too early to define his career.

Bill from Jacksonville:

John, the Browns have made it clear they will not trade the No. 1 overall pick, and Myles Garrett is as big of a lock to go first overall since Andrew Luck. So why don’t the Browns just announce the pick now and sign Garrett to his slotted contract? Could some of this be about the media attention that comes with having the first pick? Thanks! Go Jags!

John: I don’t know that the Browns will get all that much more attention in the coming weeks by not signing Garrett as opposed to signing him. The more likely explanation is there’s no reason to sign Garrett early because there’s nothing to be gained or lost from waiting to draft him then signing him a few days or weeks after the draft. Draft picks rarely if ever hold out, so from the Browns’ point of view there’s no difference between signing Garrett tomorrow morning as opposed to May 15. It’s pretty much a non-issue.

Eric from Ponte Vedra, FL:

O man, you are a peasant!!

John: #DTWD

Ric from Jacksonville:

I read a lot on here about the defensive line and the need for a good pass rush, who we have signed in free agents, who is available in the draft and how we should be improved by next season. But I don’t hear much about how the secondary affects the pass rush. Who we have in the backside of the defense is going to add a half-to-full second that the quarterback must hold the ball waiting to find an open receiver. A second seems like it would be an eternity standing back there with nowhere to throw. I would imagine that can add 12 to 14 sacks a season to the team. Is this a valid thought or am I off base here?

John: It’s a valid thought. Still, I tend to emphasize pass rush because I’m a believer that disruption at the line of scrimmage is the key to defense in the NFL. Most quarterbacks in the NFL these days throw so accurately that they can find a receiver if a defense can’t generate pressure – no matter how good the coverage. A quarterback under pressure tends to either throw incomplete, lose yardage when sacked or possibly lose possession when forced to fumble. Covering well enough to stifle an offense without the help of pressure is a more difficult path. Still, there’s little question that a quality secondary can help a defense. If a secondary indeed can force a quarterback to hold the ball a second longer, that can have a frustrating effect on the quarterback – so long as the pass rush gets home before that second turns into two and allows the quarterback to throw.

Mike from Atlanta, GA:

I’m 100 percent with you on Barry Sanders. I watched him play a lot in my youth. He is one of those all-time type athletes. He was very dominant. I’ve heard people who aren’t as big on Sanders as we are ask who we would want to run the ball on 4th-and-1 at the goal line. Fine, I’ll take Jerome Bettis on the goal line, but I’ve never seen a running back like Sanders who could dominate no matter who was playing quarterback or offensive line, and Sanders played without a fullback.

John: Different players have different strengths. But between Sanders and Bettis, only one belongs in the conversation of greatest running backs of all-time and it’s not Bettis.

Dalvin from Tallahassee, FL:

Leonard Fournette had his Pro Day on April 5. He didn’t bench press 225 pounds, didn’t broad jump, didn’t run the three-cone or 20-yard shuttle, nor did he attempt to improve on the only two things he did at the combine. He did weigh in 12 pounds lighter than the combine, which arguably says more about how unprepared he was for the combine than anything else. Why would we want to risk a Top 5 pick on a young man with so little desire to compete? How do these measurables stack up against other running backs in this draft and past drafts? Is it a red flag to you that all he seemingly did on his Pro Day was step on a scale?

John: No.

James from Duval:

John. It is a sad day in the short history of the Jaguars. I can’t understand how this happened. Are we being punished? I’m referring to Whitney Cowart not make the 2017-2018 Roar roster. Who is in charge??? I demand answers!!!

John: I have no idea what you’re talking about. Then again, I didn’t have any idea what you were talking about when she wasn’t on the 2016-2017 roster, either.

Mason from Palm Beach, FL:

Where do you have these Jaguars Live interviews at? I’m curious how the NFL allows players to speak to the smartest person in the organization (you) when they aren’t even allowed to report until April 17.

John: They’re actually done in a hidden room behind a trap bookcase at my house. I invested thousands into not only the trap bookcase, but a studio with flat screens, an expensive studio desk and a bunch of cool video cameras. It was a bit pricey, but my job is very important to me.

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Author J32bassPosted on April 7, 2017April 7, 2017Categories Uncategorized518 Comments on O-Zone: Truly dedicated

O-Zone: Nick of time

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com Follow John on twitter Like The O-Zone on facebook

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Rob from Brunswick, GA:

John, of all of the Jaguars’ new free-agent signings, which do you predict will turn out to be the best move looking back four or so years from now?

John: My pick: Calais Campbell. The temptation is to say cornerback A.J. Bouye because Bouye is young enough at 25 he could be a core player for at least half a decade. That’s unusual for a player who signed as an unrestricted free agent – and if it happens, it would make Bouye one of the top four or five free-agent signings in Jaguars history. Still, I chose Campbell because it appears he has a chance to be one of those special players who can not only make a huge impact on the field but be a real leader/example off of it. Campbell has the feel of a player who can be an immediate locker-room presence, and help the franchise far beyond his statistics and his impact at his position. I have higher expectation for Campbell on that front than I have for a Jaguars free agent signing during the last five offseasons; he just has that feel. If the Jaguars make significant strides this season, it’s hard to imagine Campbell not being a huge reason. Considering how long this team has struggled, if a veteran free-agent indeed can have such an impact, that would be a remembered as a phenomenally good move.

Peter from Jacksonville:

Does Josh Scobee’s retirement as a Jaguar provide us with some assurance that he will ultimately make it into The Pride of the Jaguars? (I sure hope so!)

John: No, it does not. I personally hope Scobee someday is in the Pride of the Jaguars. I say this because while Scobee perhaps wasn’t a “Jaguars Great” on the level of those currently in the pride, he provided this franchise with a ton of memorable moments – and he absolutely was a fan favorite who made the Jaguars a lot of fun for a long time for fans. That matters, and there should be a place in the pride for that sort of player. But the fact that Scobee is retiring as a member of the Jaguars does not assure that he is inducted into that group. It simply shows Scobee mattered to this organization and that the team wants to acknowledge his contributions.

Paul from Jacksonville:

I’m still apparently doing this “fan” thing all wrong. I’m looking forward to the season and think we’ll do better than last year – possibly by a wide margin. I’m not saying we’re a playoff team, but if we get hot at the right time, it’s more plausible than some other things I’ve read here. #Let’sSkipTheDraft? #DTWD!

John: #DTWD

Bill from Jacksonville:

I understand we are pretty much set at center. Brandon Linder I think did a good job there last year and I am OK with that move. My question is about Luke Bowanko. Is the skill set of moving from center to guard different than moving guard to center? Does Bowanko have the ability to play guard or is he pretty much set as a backup center?

John: Bowanko has the skill set to play center or guard. The question is whether the Jaguars believe he is one of the two best options to start there when healthy. That has not been the case so far, and I’ve seen nothing to indicate it will be the case this season.

Rob from Brunswick, GA:

John, if you could have just one former Jaguar on today’s team, as good as they were in their prime, who do you take? I personally go with T.B. because Tony…

John: I’ll assume you mean Tony Boselli and not Tony Brackens – and I would agree because I believe Boselli was the best player ever to play for the Jaguars. Considering this current Jaguars’ team’s need for timely reliable pass rush, Brackens couldn’t hurt, though. Nor could Jimmy Smith. Nor Fred Taylor. Nor Mark …

Zac from Gainesville, FL:

How concerning is the significant weight fluctuation seen in Fournette?

John: Minimally.

Micky from Orange Park, FL:

While researching Tom Coughlin’s past first-round drafts, I learned a few things. Of his 10 first-round picks with the Jags, five (Tony Boselli, Fred Taylor, Kevin Hardy, Marcus Stroud and John Henderson) were Pro Bowlers. Since then only Marcedes Lewishas made the Pro Bowl for the Jaguars (Reggie Nelson for the Bengals, I believe) after being selected in the first round by the team. He doesn’t miss often. Twenty-two days!!

John: You must hit relatively consistently in the first round to be successful in the NFL. The Jaguars indeed haven’t done it close to enough since Stroud/Henderson, and it’s not a coincidence that the Jaguars’ last sustained strong stretch came when Stroud/Henderson formed the core of a strong defense. First-rounders need to be the core of your team, and you need Pro Bowlers there. On that front, Coughlin actually only “missed” once in the first round. That was 2000, when he drafted R.J. Soward. Aside from that, Coughlin’s first-round selections were: Boselli, James Stewart, Hardy, Renaldo Wynn, Taylor, Donovin Darius, Fernando Bryant, Stroud and Henderson. That’s five Pro Bowl selections and four other players who played at least nine NFL seasons. That’s 90 percent hits and any general manager would take that.

Travis from St. Louis, MO:

The Texans have a serviceable-at-best-quarterback in Tom Savage. Their defense is great, but I don’t see it lasting all 16 games if the quarterback situation doesn’t get any better. Also, if it weren’t for us playing the spoiler last year, the Titans very well could have won the division over the Texans. With Andrew Luck at the helm of the Colts, and a seemingly better front office, I could see them doing better as well. Is this good enough reasoning to warrant not making the Texans the favorite in the South?

John: No.

Jim from Section 142:

Regarding Dante Fowler Jr. … last year in training camp you (and others) were praising just how explosive he looked. Then, the regular season hits and he was pretty much a dud. I was curious as to why his training-camp dominance never translated to the regular season. I get that it’s a different level going against starters each play, but I think he should have made more of an impact.

John: Fowler’s training-camp dominance didn’t translate because it takes more than effort, speed and athleticism to be effective as an edge rusher. It also usually takes professional-level pass-rush moves and the knowledge of how to use those moves, because starting-level offensive tackles are usually good enough to combat speed, effort and athleticism. But while I understand the tendency to refer to Fowler as a dud, the thought here is that’s extreme. He didn’t have impressive pass-rushing numbers last season – and he struggled with penalties – but was active in pursuit, got better pressure as the season continued and made some impact late in the season. I wouldn’t portray Fowler’s rookie season as successful, but neither would I portray it as so disappointing to make you think he is a lost cause. Not even close.

Mike from Palm Beach, FL:

We hear all the time we need to be able to help Bortles with a good run game. So far almost all free agency pick-ups have been on the defense and special teams. It would seem that we could use some beef in the middle of the offensive line. If you look at some of our best running backs in Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew, they could run through the tackles. These guys I believe both had fullbacks like Greg Jones who could also help them bust through the line. I don’t see this as a big year in the draft for lineman that could step in as a starter.

John: OK.

Chris from Goodnight, TX:

Sleeper pick: Jags take Marshon Lattimore. Aaron Colvin is in a contract year, and he reportedly wants an opportunity to play on the outside. The Jaguars are also unlikely to pay his market price for a nickel corner. Drafting Lattimore should give the Jaguars a great and inexpensive secondary for the next four-to-five years. Thoughts?

John: My thoughts begin with this: I think the odds are relatively low that the Jaguars will take a cornerback No. 4 overall, but I’m on record saying I believe it’s possible. As far as Colvin, I don’t know that it’s particularly a secret that Colvin wants an opportunity to play on the outside if for no other reason than most NFL cornerbacks want to play on the outside. But Colvin also is aware that he is considered a very good nickel corner and there is value to that in today’s NFL. I don’t know that I or anyone else knows Colvin’s “market price yet,” so I don’t know that anyone knows if the Jaguars are likely or unlikely to pay that price next offseason.

Sam from Fruit Cove, FL:

Fear not, Chris from Mandarin, I am just fine. Sam.

John: Whew.

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Author J32bassPosted on April 6, 2017April 6, 2017Categories Uncategorized948 Comments on O-Zone: Nick of time

O-Zone: Viewing pleasure

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com Follow John on twitter Like The O-Zone on facebook

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Richard from Jacksonville:

I simply don’t understand why the Jaguars would not take a look at Tony Romo. Explain.

John: I don’t know that it’s accurate to say the Jaguars didn’t “take a look” at Romo, who on Tuesday announced his retirement from the NFL. I do think it’s accurate to say the Jaguars took the same look at Romo and realized the risk of acquiring Romo was greater than the realistic reward. I wrote often during the 2017 offseason that I would be in favor of the Jaguars acquiring Romo if it made sense from a financial viewpoint, but the reality is it didn’t make sense from that viewpoint or a risk standpoint for not only the Jaguars but the rest of the NFL. The reality is Romo is a 36-year-old quarterback who has played five games in the last two seasons. That biographical line – with the emergence of Dak Prescott – helped the Cowboys to move on from Romo last season. It also apparently trumped all else in his chances of finding a new team.

Travis from St. Louis, MO:

With Romo retiring and not going to the Texans, does this make the AFC South more a two-team race between the Titans and Colts, or does this just make more parity in the division? I still feel like we may be a least one year away from claiming an AFC South title.

John: Romo didn’t play for the Texans last season and they won the AFC South. In what way are they not still a major player – and perhaps the favorite – to win the division?

Steve from Nashville, TN:

Would it be safe to say the schedule-maker has little difficulty finding seven Sundays for the Jaguars to play home games compared to other teams with multi-use stadiums?

John: Perhaps – in some cases. But Jacksonville does present its share of difficulties for the NFL’s schedule-makers. The Jaguars don’t play home games on Florida-Georgia weekend, and it is difficult to play home games on Sundays following college football games such as the one that featured Navy and Notre Dame last season.

Dave from Los Angeles, CA:

Why’d Josh Scobee’s career end so abruptly?

John: Scobee was traded from Jacksonville to Pittsburgh during the 2015 preseason. He struggled early that season, missing field goals of 49 and 41 yards in a Week 4 loss to Baltimore. He was released shortly thereafter. While he signed with New Orleans last offseason, he was released less than two weeks later. Sometimes in the NFL, when it goes, it goes fast.

Gabe from Washington, DC:

Do you think getting drafted to a team other than the Jaguars (or maybe some other combination of different circumstances) could have led to Justin Blackmon still being in the NFL? He absolutely had the talent to be a great receiver in the league, but would you say he would have ended up in the same situation regardless of who his first NFL coach was or what the culture was like?

John: I’ll preface this answer by saying I don’t pretend to know what caused Blackmon to take his path. I don’t pretend to know that because I’m not arrogant enough to believe I know many people that well, particularly those I know on a professional basis. That being said, evidence would suggest that Blackmon’s issues were more about him than his surroundings.

Scott from Jacksonville, FL:

This question may have been asked before, but what happens when you ceremonially sign a player for one day (like Josh Scobee) so that player can retire with the team? Under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, do the Jaguars have to pay Josh Scobee one day’s pay?

John: No. Players are paid salaries during the regular season. Anything they receive in the offseason comes in the form of bonuses or workout pay, the latter of which essentially can be thought of as expenses and per diem.

Robert from Kentucky:

Luke Joeckel is to Lane Johnson as Blake Bortles is to Derek Carr as Dante Fowler is to Vic Beasley as Leonard Fournette will be to Christian McCaffrey or Joe Mixon. Not that the formers are busts, but it will be clearly pretty quickly the best player wasn’t the one picked first.

John: Your boldness is impressive. Time will tell if it translates into being correct, particularly on your last two examples.

Geoff from Jacksonville:

Seriously now, what happened with Sam?

John: I’m worried, too.

Kenny from Rochester, NY:

The big NFL sites keep saying that no quarterback has come from a system like Mahomes from Texas Tech and been successful. They talk about players from Tim Couch to Goff but didn’t Aaron Rodgers come from that same system?

John: Rodgers is most often associated with his head coach at California. That’s Jeff Tedford, another coach who often has been criticized for the failure of his quarterbacks to develop in the NFL – a group that includes Kyle Boller, Trent Dilfer, Akili Smith, Joey Harrington and David Carr. A question about Rodgers before he entered the NFL was whether a quarterback coached by Tedford could make it in the NFL. The lesson: it’s not as much about your college system or your collegiate coach as it is about whether you can make NFL throws, read NFL defenses and adapt to the incredibly quick pace of the NFL game. Over time that has proven to be a phenomenally difficult thing to predict – thus, the remarkably large number of early-drafted quarterbacks who don’t play like early-drafted quarterbacks. The position of NFL quarterback is hard. Only a few people on the planet can do it well at a given time, and you usually don’t know if a guy can do it until he succeeds or fails.

Tom from Jacksonville:

Let’s assume we take Jonathan Allen or O.J. Howard at No. 4. Tim Williams from Alabama (admitted to failing multiple drug tests) and Joe Mixon (hit a lady) are BY FAR the two best players on your draft board and both are a position of need. Who do you draft?

John: Williams because pass rush.

Howard from Loveland, CO:

Do you think that you might feel differently about Joe Mixon if it was your wife or daughter that he hit hard enough to cause death or possible permanent brain damage?

John: Of course. I also imagine I would feel differently about many people in the world I meet and many people I have covered if I knew every detail of their background and if everything questionable they ever had done they had done to a member of my immediate family. I’m not minimizing, advocating, defending, championing or ignoring what did. I have seen the video. It’s repulsive. But he’s going to play in the NFL somewhere because he’s legally allowed to play somewhere and because he happens to be good enough to help an NFL team. That’s the way the NFL works, and it’s pretty much how it always has worked and always will work. Whether I like what he did or not is fine fodder for discussion, but it’s not particularly pertinent to the discussion.

Limo Bob from Neptune Beach, FL:

Does the retirement of Tony Romo change the Texans’ first pick to quarterback?

John: Ya gotta think …

Sedrick from Orange Park, FL:

John, does Carolina using a visit with David Njoku signify teams now valuing tight ends higher in the draft more than years past? It’s unlikely they find a trade partner to move down from eight, and there is no way he gets to them in the second round. …

John: I do believe tight ends and other positions will start being selected slightly earlier than years past. That has started happening since the implementation of the rookie pool in the 2011 CBA, and I expect that trend to continue. But don’t overemphasize the importance of players visiting teams before the draft. Pre-draft visits have become a subject on which breathless reporting runs rampant, but they often mean little more than due diligence and are sometimes even smoke screens. Teams sometimes draft players they bring for visits and other times they draft players they interviewed at the Senior Bowl or the Scouting Combine. It’s fine to follow the pre-draft visits. Just don’t be confused if they don’t mean much come draft day.

Jeremy from Dodge City, KS:

O, If you had to choose only one who would you rather have on your team (if you were a coach or general manager): Barry Sanders or Walter Payton?

John: I’d take Sanders by a shred, because he’s the best pure runner I’ve ever seen when it comes to making people miss and producing even when defenses were completely stacked to take him out of the game. What makes it a tough decision is Payton was perhaps the best all-around back of all-time when considering pass receiving, running and blocking combined. I’ll go with Sanders – probably in part because I saw him play in person. He was otherworldly.

Ed from Ponte Vedra, FL:

Why can’t the viewers call into the NFL officials when we see a game infraction on TV?

John: Because.

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Author J32bassPosted on April 5, 2017April 5, 2017Categories Uncategorized339 Comments on O-Zone: Viewing pleasure

O-Zone: Shipbuilding

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com Follow John on twitter Like The O-Zone on facebook

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Mike from Atlanta, GA:

It seems like this is “supposed to be” a very good defensive line, whatever “supposed to be” means. Calais Campbell and Malik Jackson would start on nearly every team in the league. I think Yannick Ngakoue can be a 10-sack-per-year guy. Abry Jones is definitely a solid, reliable starter. Sheldon Day may be a consistent, disruptive presence. I’m only unsure of Dante Fowler Jr.; he is very athletic, but hasn’t developed much. What do you think about the defensive line?

John: I think the Jaguars’ defensive line should be a good bit better than last season, with the addition of Campbell and the assumed Year 2 improvement of Ngakoue accounting for the “good-bit” part. That’s a good thing for the Jaguars because the defensive line for the most part was good last season. I’m using the word “good” a lot in this answer by design, because you must avoid terms such as great or even “team strength” until this line shows it can rush the passer in big situations. That was the line’s main shortcoming last season and it still appears an elite pass-rusher away from “great.” That’s why the Year 2 improvement of Ngakoue and the question of whether Fowler can begin to make strides toward being elite are such key questions. Can Ngakoue develop into a consistent double-digit-sack guy? Can Fowler? Perhaps. But until those things happen they haven’t happened.

Micky from Orange Park, FL:

O.J. Howard at No. 4; Joe Mixon at No. 35? Both are climbing in the mocks and both would bring game breaking skillz!

John: OK.

Scott from Aurora, IL:

Give me a defensive end in the first round and either Mixon, Alvin Kamara, or DeShone Kizer with what constitutes the Jags’ second pick. Then get me a guard that can run block with the third pick. I care little for what we do after that.

John: That’s plausible. There are billions of combinations, so there are a few other plausible combinations, too – but yours could happen. Sure.

Mark from Jacksonville:

What are your thoughts about the Jags signing center Nick Mangold for a year or two and moving Linder back to guard?

John: My thoughts are that I get a lot of questions about the Jaguars moving Brandon Linder from center to guard and I don’t get the idea that’s something that’s going to happen.

Charles from Midlothian, AL:

So, how many of the guys screaming to get Leonard Fournette will want Dave Caldwell’s head if he gets injured or is any other way a bust?

John: Ninety-nine point nine, nine, nine, nine – or about the same percentage who will want Caldwell’s head if anyone the Jaguars select at No. 4 doesn’t live up to that draft status.

Cliff from Callahan, FL:

I won’t even ask this question since I know you won’t dare answer it because you work for the team and it’s not a popular question. So there …

John: Good choice. I rarely if ever answer questions and have rarely if ever done so every day for more than five years. The exceptions are popular ones. Those I answer. Whatever that means.

Jon from Palm Coast, FL:

I grew up a Chargers fan and remember when the Chargers decided to move past Drew Brees and go with Philip Rivers. Granted, Drew was not a first-round pick, but his first couple years were painful. In his contract year, things changed and it looked like the Chargers would face a difficult decision at the end of the season on what to do with him. The injury in the playoffs made the decision for them. The Saints took the gamble and the Saints, who were a struggling team for many years, changed overnight. I still have faith in Blake Bortles to take the talent we know he has and improve the decision-making, and consistency. A more balanced offense would be a big help. Some players take a couple of years to figure out who they are. Could Blake be one of them?

John: We’ll find out in a few months. It appears he’s going to get one more legitimate go at this with a familiar offensive coordinator, a familiar head coach and what appears to be a decent defense. This likely will be his last chance with the organization that drafted him. It’s a huge year for him. Huge.

Howie from Buford, GA:

It seems like the NFL rule that prevents drafted players from joining their teams for OTAs until after the end of their school year puts those players at a real disadvantage in developing their rookie year. For example, last year Myles Jack couldn’t join the Jaguars until the end of the UCLA school year – and there have been plenty of other examples over the years. How much do you think not being at OTAs impacts these players?

John: You’re referring to a rule that prevents rookies from participating in their NFL teams’ offseason program until their colleges’ spring semester has concluded – and yes, it kept Jack from participating in organized team activities last spring. I’ve said before I believe it’s an antiquated, misguided rule because it won’t have the intended effect. The idea theoretically is to encourage players to finish classes in the spring rather than join teams for OTAs. The reality is many players such as Jack take the spring semester to prepare for the NFL Draft, so they wind up staying away from their teams and falling behind other rookies. I don’t see the rule getting changed, though. It only affects a few players each offseason and I don’t get the idea the league wants the perception of changing a rule that’s (theoretically) designed to promote academics. How much does it impact the players? That depends on the player – how quickly he learns the system, how much is expected of him the first season, etc., etc. It doesn’t have to preclude them from being good as a rookie, but time lost getting acclimated is time lost. It doesn’t help.

Chris from Mandarin:

I’m concerned about Sam. Is he dead or what?

John: TBD.

Gary from Jacksonville:

John, do you ever wonder about how much the culture or situation at a rookie’s first team affects their career? I feel bad for some of the potentially great players drafted early to bad football teams who go down in flames. At the same time I wonder if they would have made it had they been drafted into the right situation. My biggest hope for the new crew at the Jags is that we are no longer a career killer, we coach up everybody to be the best they can be, and the culture becomes that of a winner. We get there, and who we take at No. 4 will matter a lot less. Picking in the Top 10 will be a thing of the past. Go Jags!!!

John: This of course an impossible question because you can’t take a player and allow him to relive his career. But I think for the most part players reach their level of potential based on their work ethic, skill, mental approach and coaching/culture. I believe most truly great players will figure out a way to achieve greatness whatever their environment. Now, can fit/culture/scheme and the like enhance or hurt the career of less-gifted players? Yes, without question.

Hill from Nashville, TN:

A different angle on the whole cornerback discussion: if the Jaguars thought there was a cornerback worthy of a top 5 selection, I don’t think they would have signed A.J. Bouye to a free-agent contract. Amirite?

John: Perhaps, but remember: It’s not an absolute that a position signed in free agency can’t also be addressed in the draft. That’s particularly true at a position such as cornerback, where more than just a team’s “starters” can contribute. The NFL is a pass-first league and teams now play more three-cornerback “nickel” packages than they do base schemes. And signing Bouye isn’t necessarily a reflection on how the Jaguars feel about the cornerback position. The draft is an uncertain process because you must hope a player you want falls to you; free agency is an uncertain process, too, but you can control your fate a bit more. Still, the premise of your question is pretty much spot on in that it seems unlikely the Jaguars would take a cornerback in the Top 5 because of the presence of Jalen Ramsey and A.J. Bouye. It’s not out of the question, but it has to be considered a long shot.

Fred from Naples, FL:

Ships are indeed cool. People do indeed like them. What they may not like is getting duped as that was the biggest April Fools’ joke in quite some time. It was very well played by the Ravens to even include a video form John Harbaugh endorsing the trip.

John: I generally think April Fools’ aren’t that cool and don’t like them. But that was good. Kudos to the Ravens.

Loe from TildonK:

John, are you coming to London again this year?

John: I’m coming on the Ravens’ ship.

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Author J32bassPosted on April 4, 2017April 4, 2017Categories Uncategorized374 Comments on O-Zone: Shipbuilding

O-Zone: Snap out of it

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com Follow John on twitter Like The O-Zone on facebook

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Logan from Wichita, KS:

Last year after we got Jalen Ramsey in the first round and Myles Jack in the second round everyone said we were a playoff team. Prior to the draft, we were a little hyped – but we didn’t get the huge playoff aspirations until after the draft. Thus, I keep saying trade back, skip the draft, quit with the hype! I hate “winning” the offseason when it doesn’t show in the regular-season Ws.

John: I don’t know who “everyone” is, exactly, but I think the record pretty well reflects that I never said the Jaguars were a playoff team last season – and I certainly never said it based on who the Jaguars selected in the draft. Overrating the potential impact of rookies is perhaps the biggest mistake even the most experienced NFL followers make entering each season. In fact, I’m pretty sure I often wrote and said the big theme many were observers were overlooking last offseason was that the drafted players likely wouldn’t have a huge impact on the record and that the key to the season would be whether or not the offense and Blake Bortles made necessary strides. But Logan, seriously: don’t be dim. Don’t skip the draft. Continue to draft well and build the talent base. It’s the only way to long-term success – oh, that and drafting, developing or signing a reliable quarterback.

Rob from Brunswick, GA:

John, last year this time I was getting excited. Borderline pumped after the draft. But I can’t help but feel like no matter what we do in the offseason it won’t translate to wins. Guess I have been burned too many times recently. Talk me off the ledge, Big Guy!

John: Why don’t you talk to Logan? He seems pretty juiced about this season.

Goose Just Goose from North Dakota:

Wondering if you saw what the Ravens are doing for their London game against the Jags? It appears they are taking a ship across the Atlantic. Apparently, it will take around seven days and the ship is equipped with a 100-yard field on it to practice with the biggest benefit being that they can adjust day by day to the time difference.

John: Big ships are cool. Apparently John Harbaugh likes them.

Tucker from Gallatin:

John, would the Jags have selected Myles Jack in the Top 5 last year? We know Jalen Ramsey fell to us, but what if the Cowboys had drafted him at No. 4? I don’t think we would have drafted Ezekiel Elliot.

John: I doubt the Jaguars would have selected Elliott or Jack at No. 5 last year. They already had signed Chris Ivory, and Jack’s knee issue likely would have kept the Jaguars from selecting him so early. My impression is that the Jaguars likely would have selected defensive end DeForest Buckner from Oregon at No. 4 had Ramsey not been available.

Don from Jacksonville:

Have you ever considered the possibility that your personal feelings about a player or coach as a player skew your view on there performance?

John: No, but I have considered the possibility that my feelings about there, their and they’re might skew my feelings on which questions I answer and which I don’t.

Dave from Duval:

What evidence do you have at that makes you think Chad Henne could go .500 in fill-in duty? Or is it faith?

John: How good is his team? Or does that not matter?

J Trimm from Jacksonville:

Oh Great Wizard of Guessing, I’m wondering why you never responded to my comment and question about why we should be looking for a running back??? With good blocking do you think T.J. Yeldon and Chris Ivory could be a potent duo? Also, there is no back short of Barry Sanders who could possibly be effective with the type and quality of blocking our O line provided last year is there? And here’s to guessing you won’t address this question either. Seems like you enjoy only commenting on the popular topics.

John: This is disappointing and frustrating because I took a lot of time with this answer. I had some well thought-out theories about the running-back position, and the Jaguars’ offensive line. I also discovered what I truly believe is a ground-breaking theory on why teams should draft running backs No. 4 overall, and while doing so I unlocked the key to what’s needed for Yeldon and Ivory to reach their potential. I actually had the whole answer written out and ready to publish … then I read your last two sentences again about me not addressing the question and only enjoying commenting on popular topics and I realized, “Hey, I don’t particularly feel like responding to this. It’s not popular enough.” Too bad. The world is a lesser place now. Thanks, J Trimm. Thanks a lot.

Dave from Duval:

Why do so many people think that Aaron Colvin is a really good corner? He doesn’t even have a career interception. That’s hard to do for a defensive back who has seen as much playing time as he has.

John: Not if the defensive front doesn’t get significant pressure, it’s not.

Greg from Jacksonville:

Tom Coughlin won rings with fourth-rounder Brandon Jacobs and seventh-rounder Ahmad Bradshaw, not first-rounders James Stewart, Fred Taylor, or David Wilson. Hopefully he learned from that lesson. If the last generation of the NFL has told us anything, it’s that even when you do “hit” greatly on a first-round running back you still aren’t winning a Super Bowl.

John: As with anything, this running-back-in-the-Top-10 debate isn’t a cut-and-dry issue. Were that the case, you never would see a running back in the Top 10 – and there would be no success stories for such players. But there are such success stories: Adrian Peterson and Elliott come to mind, and whatever your thoughts on the players, the teams that selected them never regretted the selections. If the Jaguars draft Leonard Fournette or Dalvin Cook early in the first round and either player has a career on par with Peterson, no one would regret the selection. But are the pieces in place for the Jaguars for a back to have that kind of success? That is the question.

Tom from Orlando, FL:

Do you think Cleveland’s “purchase” of a second-round pick sets a dangerous precedent? Large market, wealthy teams could get very creative and find ways around the salary cap if there are struggling franchises willing to take cap hits in exchange for draft picks. Do you think the NFL will look into ways of restricting or preventing such “trades” in the future?

John: I doubt it. First off, it’s not likely to happen with enough frequency to cause a major issue, and there’s really not a lot of harm in it. Cleveland gained a draft selection because it had cap space it could use. Houston gave up a valuable draft selection in exchange for being able to maneuver around the salary cap after a bold move gone wrong.

Ray from Vernon, FL:

Is there any chance of selecting Joe Mixon with a late pick, if he’s not taken before? And giving him a second chance in life if he would agree to be an advocate for stopping domestic violence? From everything I’ve read he is one of the most talented if not the best running back in the draft, and if given the chance would answer our running back issue. Your thoughts, O-man.

John: Sure, there’s a chance of that – but I doubt Mixon is available very late in the draft. He’s a significant talent and I have an idea that some team will give him that second chance late in the second round or shortly thereafter. It wouldn’t shock me if that franchise was the Jaguars – and as I’ve said before, I typically don’t have a problem with players getting second and even third chances in the NFL. It’s professional sports. If a guy is a good teammate who can help your team and is legally allowed to work then I’m fine with signing the player.

Chaun from St. Louis, MO:

Who do you think was the Jaguars’ best player at each position? (I think running back will be a toss-up)

John: Blake Bortles (quarterback), Toss Up (running back), Marcedes Lewis (tight end), Allen Robinson (wide receiver), Branden Albert (offensive tackle), A.J. Cann (guard), Brandon Linder (center), Calais Campbell (defensive end), Malik Jackson (defensive tackle), Paul Posluszny (linebacker), Jalen Ramsey (cornerback), Barry Church (safety).

Sam from Jacksonville:

O, I was a season-ticket holder for 11 years. The deadline has passed and I did not renew. I was in my teenage years when Tom Coughlin was the head coach. That was an exciting time. I want to feel excited and passionate about the Jags, but I can’t. I can’t help but feel that as long as Blake Bortles is our quarterback, it would take a miracle on the level of the parting of the Red Sea for the Jags to have a winning record. It’s really disheartening because before last season I

John: Sam … Sam? Sam?

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Author J32bassPosted on April 3, 2017April 3, 2017Categories Uncategorized421 Comments on O-Zone: Snap out of it

O-Zone: Little fool

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com Follow John on twitter Like The O-Zone on facebook

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

CTJags from Connecticut:

With Tom Coughlin preaching about toughness and winning matters, wouldn’t Leonard Fournette at No. 4 be a mere pipe-dream being he sat out his last bowl game? And what kind of mixed message would that bring to the locker room?

John: I have no idea if the Jaguars will draft Fournette No. 4 overall or not, and there are arguments both ways. But those arguments very much center around whether or not you believe Fournette is worthy of the selection and perhaps around whether or not you philosophically believe in selecting running back at No. 4. What they should not and most likely will not center around is Fournette’s toughness or whether he cares about winning. Fournette reportedly played through a bad ankle much of the season regular season last season, then made a decision to not play in LSU’s bowl game. And you know what? There was absolutely nothing wrong with Fournette making that decision. LSU was not playing for a national title, so in that sense the bowl game was very much a recruiting tool and for show. Fournette probably could have skipped his entire final season and still been a Top 10 selection; in fact, an argument can be made that playing on the bad ankle might have hurt his draft stock a bit. He chose to play last season at the risk of his draft status. So, he made a decision not to play in the bowl game in order to avoid injury and ensure his financial future and that of his family? I think most players in the Jaguars’ locker room would either make the same decision or at the very least absolutely understand why Fournette made the one he made. There would be no message sent with the selection except that the Jaguars believed Fournette was the best option at No. 4 – and that they think he would have a chance to be a dominant player. Anything else would just be so much outside noise.

Davy from Jacksonville:

I also remember the Coughlin days and how out of touch the fan base was then, too. I used to love reading the Monday Morning QB section to get fan reaction after games. I distinctly remember several fans complaining after a certain Ravens game that Brunell and Co. hung 43 or so points on. They were complaining how boring the game was because it wasn’t competitive because the Jags whipped the pants off the Ravens. Really? Really? No, Really? These same people are the ones who say Coughlin was boring. Some people just like to complain and others just enjoy their lives. I’ll take that boring any day of the week.

John: Be it the 2010s, the 2000s or the 1990s, fans gonna fan. It’s what they do.

Andrew from Bloomington, IN:

John, any word on Luke Bowanko and how he could impact our offensive line this year? I know he was injured most of last year. If he comes in and plays well at center, this would allow Brandon Linder to move back to guard and really set us up for better success.

John: This indeed would be a positive for the Jaguars, because it would mean Bowanko playing well enough to justify moving the Jaguars’ best interior offensive lineman – Linder – away from the most important interior offensive-line position: center. This isn’t likely, but it would represent a pleasant surprise.

Chris from Los Angeles, CA:

O-Man, here’s a scenario: Coughlin and Dave Caldwell decide to trade out of the Top 5 to say, Cleveland. They pick up the 12th and the 30-something and grab Forrest Lamp and come back in the first for Joe Mixon. Then at pick No. 35 we could go for a tight end. What say you?

John: I say draft scenarios are cool. People like them.

Sam from Akel:

Maybe Jalen Ramsey adjusted well to the NFL because of the level of wide receivers he goes up against in practice on a daily basis. Just sayin’.

John: Perhaps, but a lot of young NFL corners get a chance to practice against very good wide receivers. Not all adapt to the NFL as quickly or as ably as Ramsey did last season.

Yogi from Billings, MN:

Did you REALLY state that if you could make Bartles look like any quarterback, you’d turn him into that Joe Mantana guy? Why not Steve Yaung, Dan Marina or Aaron Radgers?

John: I’d throw out a line about John Alway and Brett Favra here, but it wouldn’t be too funny.

Rob from Brunswick, GA:

John, what would be your way-too-early prediction for “Biggest Surprise of 2017” that we’ll be talking about after the season?

John: I think it could surprise people first when Paul Posluszny plays strong-side linebacker to start the season and it could surprise them more when the Jaguars put him back in the middle at some point because they realize he’s really, really valuable there.

Bon from Hilliard, FL:

Let’s not forget that Tom Coughlin wanted to draft Curtis Enis instead of Fred Taylor in 1998.

John: OK.

Malcolm from Boston, MA:

How does a player become a “restricted” free agent and can a first-round tender be placed on all restricted free agents? Why don’t we see more restricted FAs and first-round tenders placed on them?

John: A player becomes a restricted free agent when he has three accrued NFL seasons and his contract is scheduled to run out – and his current team extends a tender offer. A team can offer as many potential free agents first-round tenders as they choose, but it’s dangerous in terms of the salary cap. The reason you don’t see more restricted free agents is drafted rookies sign four-year contracts, so if a drafted players accrues a season in each of his first four seasons – and most do – then he never becomes a restricted free agent. It takes something comparatively unusual – such as Dallas’ second-round selection last offseason, Jaylon Smith, not playing the entire season because he was on the reserve/non-football list – for a drafted player to become a restricted free agent. A player placed on injured reserve such as happened with Dante Fowler Jr. missing his entire rookie season after a minicamp injury typically accrues a season toward free agency.

Herbert MidState Office Supply Accountz Receevablez:

With Scobes back in the fold, can we look forward to a few more “Kickin it w/ Scobes” segments in the future? No offense, but he was really the only reason to watch that trainwreck of a season a few years ago. I look forward to your witty repartee with one of Actionville’s favored sons.

John: Who’s “Scobes?”

Ed from Jacksonville:

Will Josh Scobee live in Jax in retirement? Can you please make sure that he starts posting videos that make fun of you?

John: Seriously, who are you talking about? Wait. What?

Gary from Wesley Chapel:

I’m glad to see that Josh Scobee will retire as a Jaguar. He got off to a rocky start in Jax, but persevered and became a very reliable part of the team. Hopefully Jason Myers will have the same kind of success after his rocky start as well. Who did the Jaguars acquire with the draft pick they received in the trade with Pittsburgh?

John: Brandon Allen.

Bruce from Green Cove Springs, FL:

Over the last three seasons, the Jaguars have ranked Np. 2 in the number of penalties per game. Only Oakland commits more penalties. Is it due to youth? Coaching? Something else? And do you think that will change in 2017?

John: Yes. Perhaps. Maybe. We’ll see.

Bill from Jacksonville:

John, I know how much you love hypothetical questions, so here we go. Your current young quarterback will never be better than the 16th-best quarterback in the NFL, but will also never be worse than the 24th best quarterback in the NFL. Are you looking to draft and develop a quarterback to replace him, or are you going to build around him and try to make a run at the playoffs/Super Bowl? Thanks! Go Jags!

John: This is a very good hypothetical, though you wouldn’t in the real world of course ever know for absolute certain that the 17th-best quarterback in the NFL could never ascend and develop into a Top 10 quarterback. If you did know that, you would respond to the information by continuing to try to find a Super Bowl-level quarterback. In other words, you would do what most teams do and have done for years: search and do whatever you can to find an elite quarterback and then build around that quarterback as well as you can for as long as you can.

SeriouslyDude from Jacksonville:

Seriously, Oehser? Ya can’t even do something for April Fools’? It’s all about YOU. You can’t even have your wife, Shadrick, or Jr. do a post on April Fools’ Day for once. This is why you should get fired! Don’t post if you agree.

John: I’m a fool 364 days a year. I’ll leave April 1 to the amateurs.

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Author J32bassPosted on April 2, 2017April 2, 2017Categories Uncategorized445 Comments on O-Zone: Little fool

O-Zone: 4/1/17

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com Follow John on twitter Like The O-Zone on facebook

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Cliff from Jags4life:

This site Stinks.

John: Get the hell outta here!

Scott&Charlie from the Litter Box:

Wanna have sex?

John: Get Bent!

Sour Grapes from Spaceville:

I didn’t wanna marry Kimi anyway. She was a Bitch.

John: LOL.

Mormon from Mormonville:

I belong to the church of Jesus Christ…

John: lol. me too.

Charlie from the Litter Box:

Oh, joy. Feels like a two hamster day!

John: I’m not sure what that means, but it sounds perverse.

Dude from Jacksonville:

Is it true you’re an abusive raging alcoholic?

John: So what’s wrong with that?

Tori from Amosville:

Silent all these years…I was raped.

John: LOL.

Anti-evil from Jacksonville:

So I hear you had sex with Mick Jagger, Marilyn Manson, and the lead singer of Ugly Kid Joe.

John: Shut the Fuck up.

Jason from next door:

YOU’RE FUCKING CRAZY!

John: If your stupid dog hadn’t shit all over my lawn, I wouldn’t have ran him over.

Homerfan from Homerville:

How do you feel Doug will do as a coach, long-term?

John: Then there was that time I took a dump on my neighbor’s lawn. And his dumb dog ate it. ROFL

Straightguy from Jacksonville:

So I hear you made love to Richard Kind, and the lead singer of your grandma.

John: Stahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhp. Just Stop.

Charlie from the Litterbox:

Oehser, do you know why I can’t stop smiling? I just made love to a supermodel!

John: And then you woke up.

Cory Snethen from Pornville:

CUMputer.

John: LOL. SHOOTS ONE OFF.

Jags4life gang from Jags4life.com:

Is it true you killed your wife?

John: Shhhh. That’s between me and my dead wife.

Charlie from Kiddie Pornville:

I just came!

John: Confuckoffulations.

Disgusted from Jacksonville:

So I hear you offended your wife when you passed gas during sex.

John: Shit happens.

Yikes from Yikesonville:

Cumming on a drum. #ShadrickSighting

John: He’s a horny bastard. Almost anything gets him off.

Charlie from Point Verde, FL:

Will you marry me?

John: WHAT A GAY JACKASS! ROFL

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Author J32bassPosted on April 1, 2017Categories Uncategorized421 Comments on O-Zone: 4/1/17

O-Zone: And into eternity…

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com Follow John on twitter Like The O-Zone on facebook

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Logan from Wichita, KS:

We won the offseason again … big whhoooppdeeedooo. Everyone is projecting us to go worse than 3-13 this year and players around the league already say we lose every game by 50 and have no respect for us. Why even bother drafting players this year? Not like anyone we draft can change our destiny of yet ANOTHER Top 5 pick next year.

John: You’re absolutely right that the draft probably won’t dramatically change the record next season, Logan. That’s because the draft usually doesn’t have a dramatic effect on the following season’s record – contrary to all of the hype and emphasis we feel compelled to place upon it each season. But “everyone” is not projecting the Jaguars to go worse than 3-13 next season, and the notion that players around the NFL have no respect for the Jaguars is extreme at worst and misguided at best. And you know what? Whether people take your “whhooooppdeedoo” approach of dismissing hope for next season or the unreasonably giddy approach many took last offseason, the Jaguars’ season is going to come down to a few things: the ability of Blake Bortles to improve his accuracy/decision-making, the ability of the team to rush the passer in key situations and the ability of the team overall to begin taking on the professional, tough identity of Doug Marrone and Tom Coughlin. I do believe the team will buy into the approach of Marrone and Coughlin and I’m willing to go with the idea that the tough, professional approach could yield fewer mistakes – and that will give the Jaguars a chance to push for .500 next season. Can that push happen? Is that push about the quarterback? Yeah, a lot of it is that. Because NFL.

Chris from Goodnight, TX:

Drafting Jonathan Allen would result in a logjam at the big end/five-tech defensive-tackle spots, would it not? Reminds me of when the Jets had Muhammad Wilkerson and Sheldon Richardson on the roster, but still drafted Leonard Williams. If it’s even close in terms of talent, I’d rather see the Jaguars draft another position because there are only so many snaps to go around. Any thoughts on my thoughts?

John: I think Leonard Williams looks like he’s going to be really good.

Marc from Oceanway:

What is “college free agency?”

John: College free agency is the term NFL executives use to refer to the signing of players who go undrafted in the NFL Draft. They are players not under contract and are free to sign with any team, so they are therefore correctly referred to as “free agents.”

Mike from Navarre, OH:

Johnny O, I had a dream that the Jaguars won their first game of the season, 21-3. Here’s to hoping it’s true. Do we know who our first opponent will be? I know they haven’t released dates. However, is this something that is known at this point?

John: It’s not released yet, but it should be in the next few weeks. Either way, it sounds as if the season-opening opponent is in a lot of trouble.

Alan from Jacksonville:

Of all the plausible trade scenarios I’ve seen so far, the one that seems the likeliest is for the Jags to trade their No. 4 pick for Cleveland’s No. 12. This would allow Cleveland to get the top defensive player and best quarterback in the draft. The trade chart says this would be worth Cleveland’s No. 33 pick, giving us three picks in the first 35. That would give us the flexibility to get three quality players instead of just two. What say you?

John: I say what I always say when it comes to predicting trading in the draft. I always assume a trade won’t happen until it happens because most pre-draft trades don’t happen. I think it would be great for the Jaguars to trade down this offseason because there’s not likely to be a dazzling, obvious player at No. 4. Because there’s not likely to be a dazzling, obvious player at No. 4, it’s unlikely a team will be dazzled enough to move up. Will the Browns like a quarterback enough to move up? It seems to me there’s not a quarterback worthy of such a move. Here’s hoping for the Jaguars’ sake I’m incorrect.

Jim from Middleburg, FL:

John, Tom Coughlin’s first pick was Boselli. Our defense is looking very good. It has been reported that the Jags’ needs are left tackle, left guard, tight end and quarterback. There are lots of great players in this draft starting in the second round. So let’s repeat Tom C.’s Rule No. 1 and draft Ryan Ramczyk at No. 4.

John: Whoa. Slow down there, Jim. First, I don’t know that Draft Left Tackle At All Costs is really Coughlin’s first rule, and remember: Coughlin selected Boselli 22 years ago. Not only was the NFL a different game then, but college football was, too. Boselli played college football when it was far more similar to the NFL with fewer spread offenses. Now, the rise of such offenses has helped to make it far more difficult to scout the position, and it arguably has caused there to be far fewer premium left tackles available. Perhaps Ramczyk will be a great player, but taking him at No. 4? That’s a tough projection.

Mike from Atlanta, GA:

I realize this will be a rotation-heavy defensive line, but who will be the starters at defensive tackle? Will it be Malik Jackson and Sheldon Day, or Jackson and Abry Jones?

John: The Jaguars’ starting defensive tackles likely will be Jackson and Jones.

Greg from Section 122 and Jacksonville:

I would like to weigh in on the Las Vegas-move thing. I personally think that these moves are going to decrease pretty quickly. Why? I think it is very obvious there are limited cities that can spend $750 million to get a team. Furthermore, I think there are even fewer that are going to be WILLING to do that in the future. Having the public end up paying for a team they have to then pay to go see? That is getting less palatable to the public every day. Especially when the people moving these teams are usually billionaires. In no other business does this happen. Ever. Curious on your thoughts. I think the Oakland, San Diego and other cities losing teams is a sign of the future. People are fed up paying for these stadiums that billionaires use to make money.

John: I think if a city wants an NFL team the city often is going to have to spend a lot of public money to have it, and I think that’s especially true of a city that never has had the NFL. I think that always has been that way, but that the dollar figures are insanely high now. I do believe people are fed up with billionaires getting public money for stadiums, but unless the NFL becomes dramatically less popular I think there are usually going to be cities and areas willing to pay the billionaires because a lot of people think the NFL is cool. They like it.

Roger from Valdosta, GA:

Steve Young was a magical, Great Quarterback in the Sky that served as a backup.

John: Yes, he was.

Antony from Columbia, SC:

Jonathan Woodard is next in line behind our 30-plus-year-old defensive end? I was thinking we should get Leonard Fournette in Round One, but now I think we should get the defensive lineman from Stanford or from Alabama. Need some talented youth at that position. What say you, John?

John: I say I’m always fine with adding defensive line in the draft because you can never be too strong or good or deep there, but I also say it’s not fair to assume that Jonathan Woodard isn’t talented youth.

Mike from Atlanta, GA:

If A.J. Bouye plays as well as he did last year, he, Jalen Ramsey and Aaron Colvin are one of the best cornerback trios in the NFL. Cornerback may be the strongest position on the team. If the Jaguars get even an average pass rush they could have a very good pass defense.

John: Yes.

Chaun from St. Louis, MO:

If Reuben Foster falls to us in the second round, do you think we would draft him? What would be his role?

John: Foster, a linebacker from Alabama, is considered by many an elite, Top 10 level talent. That means he very possibly would be the best player available if he was still available when the Jaguars select early in the second round, so yeah … that selection makes sense. Foster being a linebacker, I imagine he would play … linebacker. He might not start this season if Myles Jack and Paul Posluszny are playing at a high level, but Posluszny isn’t going to play forever and there’s nothing wrong with second-round selections playing special teams and reserve roles for a year. In fact, that ideally would be the norm.

Glen from Orange Park, FL:

O, since we are going to have a 4-3 front seven does that mean we will stay clear of outside linebackers?

John: Ever?

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Author J32bassPosted on March 31, 2017March 31, 2017Categories Uncategorized398 Comments on O-Zone: And into eternity…

O-Zone: All the difference

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com Follow John on twitter Like The O-Zone on facebook

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Jason from North Pole, AK:

They say the NFL is a copycat league. Do you think we will see more teams following the Jaguars’ model by doing significant upgrades to stadiums each year? Do you think it is getting harder for owners to get public money to build brand-new stadiums? If so, why is that the case?

John: The saying that the NFL is a copycat league is more about on the field than off. It’s a copycat league on the field because coaches watch video during the season and offseason – and if a team is having success doing something, most coaches will do what most people would do in that circumstance: take what’s successful and try to use it. That’s infinitely easier than thinking for yourself and inventing something on your own. When it comes to owners copying other owners, that’s trickier because every market is different. I don’t doubt, for example, that Jaguars Owner Shad Khan would love to get a $750 million state-of-the-art stadium from Jacksonville without spending any of his own money. Who wouldn’t? But Khan understands that the best approach in this market is to emphasize a joint private/public partnership and renovate/modernize EverBank Field gradually rather than approach the city with an or-else proposal. As far as whether it’s harder for owners to get public money, that’s hard to say. I’ve been covering the league more than two decades and following it from afar long before that, and it seems getting public money usually has been difficult – and that it often comes down to whether cities/areas prefer the pain of writing big tax-generated checks or losing their NFL franchises. Will other owners/cities execute significant upgrades on an annual basis as Khan and Jacksonville have done and continue to do? Possibly, but remember: Khan is a unique, innovative thinker who’s operating in a unique market. His approach wouldn’t be necessary everywhere and not every owner has Khan’s vision. There’s a reason he’s one of the world’s most successful men of his generation. He is, as I mentioned, unique.

Paul from Jacksonville:

I also remember the Coughlin years, but very differently than Michael from Orange Park. There was nothing boring about the football being played with Mark Brunell under center, and Jimmy Smith and Keenan McCardell on the field. The reason that few of us remember the other receivers from that time is less about talent, and more about not having to check down from those two very often. Damon Jones, Kyle Brady and Pete Mitchell, along with Fred Taylor (and James Stewart before him) filled out a well-rounded offense that was anything but boring. Coughlin wasn’t fired due to fans thinking they ran him out of town, but because Wayne Weaver rightly understood that Coughlin’s push for a ring landed the Jaguars in a very deep hole. If Jaguars football was boring for his last couple of seasons, it had more to do with not being able to replace core players. The perception of Tom being a “3.5-yards-and-a-cloud-of-dust” guy just don’t hold true for anyone who remembers what his teams played like when they were built. Also, is there any kind of football more boring than the kind where longtime fans don’t feel their team has a chance to win?

John: #DTWD

Kyan from Ludwig:

Doug Marrone said he didn’t want to fill a circular hole with a square peg, then proceeded to say he wants Dante Fowler Jr. to be a down-linemen pass rusher. Fowler has expressed that he feels more comfortable being on just two feet rather than in a three-point stance. Isn’t he kind of trying to put a square peg in a circular hole here?

John: Marrone said at the 2017 NFL Annual Meeting this week in Phoenix, Arizona, he believes the Jaguars’ defensive personnel fits best with a 4-3 – and that that’s how the defense is being built and will continue to be built. He did not rule out Fowler ever being able to rush standing up, and he did say the team would have a three down-linemen package to use on occasion. But I don’t know that that’s as much fitting a square peg into a round hole as it is taking a defense that played pretty well in a lot of spots last season and continuing to try to build on the strengths. Fowler has yet to show he’s a player around whom a defense should be reconstructed. Perhaps when he does show he is that kind of a player, the Jaguars will build more of it around him.

Bill from Lakeland, FL:

What do you think about the Jags drafting a local kid, Nate Peterman from Pitt, in the second round?? Most reports say he is the most pro-ready of the draft-eligible quarterbacks and has a good upside potential. I am hoping Bortles fixes his issues, but if he doesn’t it would seem like a kid like Peterman sitting for a year and learning the system and the NFL might be a good Plan B.

John: I like what I have seen from Peterman and wouldn’t mind the selection at all. He’s an impressive kid and he indeed seems to possess an NFL skill set. I’ve said often that it’s possible one or a few NFL-caliber quarterbacks could slip to late in the first round or early in the second in this draft. Any of those players likely will need time and likely wouldn’t start immediately, but the Jaguars could see something in one they like enough to take in Round 2? Peterman certainly fits that description.

William from Orlando, FL:

Do you think Bortles will be the Jaguars’ quarterback of the future?

John: I honestly don’t know. That answer isn’t me evading the question; rather, it’s me saying I believe Bortles must play better in 2017 and I don’t know if he will do that. I think he can. I think he is physically capable. I think I have seen flashes that make me think it’s possible. What I haven’t seen is enough consistency to give me confidence.

Marcus from Jacksonville:

What are your thoughts on the extra practice time teams get when they have a new coach and the fact that teams who promote an interim do not get that extra time? I get the idea behind it, but I still feel like a team in that situation should get the extra time. It’s not as if an interim can install his new system in a couple weeks at the end of a season … he’s basically just there to maintain course, get to the end of the year and maybe make some minor tweaks here and there.

John: This is the scenario the Jaguars face now that the Jaguars rescheduled the start of the offseason program. Teams with returning head coaches will begin their offseason program on April 17 and teams with new head coaches could begin April 3. With Head Coach Doug Marrone serving as interim head coach the last two games of last season, the Jaguars had requested – and been granted – permission to start April 10. The NFLPA challenged this and the Jaguars opted to begin April 17 to avoid further uncertainty. It’s too bad for the Jaguars, and I do believe they should have been able to start April 3. A new head coach is a new head coach whether or not he served on the staff in some capacity the previous season or now. Still, my take is it’s actually much ado about not a whole lot. The two weeks are valuable for install, but the work certainly can get done in the time allotted. And I can actually see the NFLPA’s perspective in this case: the Jaguars are returning their two offensive coordinators and an interim head coach, so it does from the outside have the appearance of being the same staff. And from the league’s point of view – and from the perspective of the players’ association — there is something to be said for preventing teams from promoting an offensive coordinator to head coach in the final six weeks of the season, then getting two extra weeks in the offseason. Either way, remember that figure: two weeks. It would have been nice for the Jaguars to get that time, but not getting it shouldn’t derail the train.

Otto from Ponte Vedra Beach, FL:

John, I do believe Blake Bortles looked like a better quarterback the last two games of the year versus the first 14. I was trying to think why and looked at my recordings of Games 15 and 16. It then clicked: The difference was Bryan Walters. As Julian Edelman was Brady’s “sure thing,” it seemed that Walters was Blake’s “sure thing”. No, he won’t win a footrace. No, he won’t out-leap a defensive back for a 50-50 ball. However, that guy has great hands and always seems to get open. He was a chain-mover in those games. I’m glad Dave and Tom decided to re-sign him. I have no idea if he’ll make the 53-man roster but in my eyes he deserves an honest shot. Any thoughts on this?

John: I think this one’s going to take a while for me to process, that’s what I think.

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Author J32bassPosted on March 30, 2017March 30, 2017Categories Uncategorized542 Comments on O-Zone: All the difference

O-Zone: Walk… or even Uber

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com Follow John on twitter Like The O-Zone on facebook

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Chaun from St. Louis, MO:

Who is our biggest competition in the AFC South? I think it’s the Titans. The Colts are not the same as when they had Peyton and the Texans are a joke.

John: The Jaguars never have won the AFC South and haven’t been to the postseason since 2007. They finished last season 3-13, which was last in the AFC South. Until any of those things change on the field rather than in offseason conversation, the Jaguars’ biggest competition in the AFC South is every other AFC South team, particularly a Texans franchise that “joked” their way to the division title last season. What in the world have the Jaguars done to overlook anyone or assume anything?

Marcus from Jacksonville:

It seems you are confused and possibly frustrated because of all the questions about Chad Henne and I think I know why. I believe you view the backup quarterback in the traditional sense … a solid and dependable player who can come in for short stints when necessary due to an injury to the starter. Henne is indeed a good option in this view because he has experience and he brings other good qualities to the table. I believe fans view the backup quarterback differently. We aren’t as worried about an injury to Bortles as much as we are worried about total implosion that gets him benched. If we start 0-6 or 1-5 and Bortles continues to be inaccurate and turns the ball over at a high rate we could certainly see him benched before midseason. If that is the case, we want someone who maybe, just maybe, could be the guy to take his place as the starter long-term. I know that’s a tall order, but we don’t want 10-plus games of Henne followed by the hunt for the next starter. We’re done with rebuilds. I know that guy may not exist without using the No. 4 pick, but we’re fans. We want what we want, regardless of the feasibility.

John: I’m often confused and confusion indeed is difficult – even confusing. But I’m not confused – or frustrated – in this case. I know what fans want in a backup, and I can’t control they want. I can control answering questions as accurately as I know how, and the accurate answer to why Henne is the backup quarterback is that the team believes he’s the best option considering the circumstance currently facing the organization. The fans’ desire for the backup quarterback to be a magical, unlikely answer from the Great Quarterback Store in the Sky doesn’t change the answer, though it does produce many, many, many questions.

Steven from Duval:

How much responsibility does Gus Bradley deserve for our recent failures? I don’t usually think it’s all coaching but with my limited coaching and playing experience I do know you have to be flexible and it didn’t seem like the Jags ever tried anything different. It was always the same schemes even after they didn’t work and I don’t believe he gave his coordinators enough freedom, so maybe with the new regime but the same coordinators we will see different results. #dtwd

John: It was increasingly vogue the last few seasons to blame all that was wrong with the Jaguars on then-Head Coach Gus Bradley, and it’s an even easier thing to do now that he no longer is the head coach. And it indeed became apparent last season that the energy was gone from Bradley’s tenure – and when that happens, a coaching change becomes both necessary and inevitable. But the Jaguars’ record in the past few seasons never was and never will be all Bradley’s fault. I suppose Bradley could have been more flexible at times with scheme and approach, but when you lose as many games as the Jaguars did in recent seasons, everyone – players, personnel, coaching – has a hand in the process.

Steven from Duval:

Personally not all the way sold on Bouye and the questions about a corner at No. 4 are ridiculous. Aaron Colvin has been very good at nickel and hasn’t seen much time starting with Davon House around. Let’s not forget he was rated as a Top 20 pick and higher before his injury in college and has outperformed his draft position even though he sat out a lot because of the injury. I think Colvin is our No. 2 eventually and deserves a little more credit. Do you think corner is actually a strength nowadays? Thanks.

John: I’m a big believer that Colvin is a very good corner, and that the Jaguars’ nickel-package is stronger when he’s playing the nickel position. But that doesn’t mean House cost Colvin playing time last season at outside corner (Prince Amukamara did that) and it doesn’t mean your view of the cornerback position lines up with the Jaguars’ plans at the position (it does not). While you may not be sold on Bouye, the Jaguars signed him very specifically not only to start opposite Jalen Ramsey but to be a well-above-average player at the spot. It’s not out of the realm of possibility that Colvin eventually ends up being the Jaguars’ No. 2 corner, but it’s far more likely he continues to be a strength at the nickel – and yeah, the presence of Ramsey, Bouye and Colvin makes the position actually a strength. If it’s not, something has gone significantly wrong.

Richard from Callaway, FL:

Can the quarterback of the future already be on the roster? Sure, he struggled last year but Brandon Allen was highly regarded as they didn’t put him on the practice squad. Your take?

John: My take is you never say never, so … no, Brandon Allen shouldn’t be ruled out as a possible quarterback for the Jaguars. But my take also is that it’s unlikely that Allen is the Jaguars’ quarterback next season in the same vein that it’s always unlikely for a sixth-round selection to become a team’s franchise quarterback. It’s rare and would be a surprise. Can Allen change that way of thinking beginning in organized team activities? Perhaps. We’ll see. But it’s a tall task.

Scott from Wichita, KS:

I think Henne is more than capable of getting us through a four-game stretch at 2-2 if Bortles goes down. Any better than that and he’s probably starting somewhere.

John: Yes.

Mikayk from Tampa, FL:

How much of an impact do you think Colin Kaepernick taking a knee is having on his signing right now? If donating tons of food and money to charity while taking a knee is why some people think he has “character issues,” give me those types of character issues any time. I don’t necessarily think he is an amazing quarterback, but at a moderate price wouldn’t he be the perfect guy to compete with Bortles? I personally would have no problem picking up a pair of season tickets with someone of such high character on the team.

John: I think the league executive who addressed this in a recent Monday Morning Quarterback piece was pretty spot on. The Kaepernick Situation feels similar to the Tim Tebow Situation a few years back in the sense that Tebow probably was good enough to be an NFL roster as a reserve, but not anywhere near good enough to be worth the periphery issues that came along with signing him. Another important issue in this is style of play: Tebow and Kaepernick are both unconventional players around which teams must at least partially restructure the offense. That’s something teams can and perhaps should do if a player is a starter. If it’s for a backup, it’s not at all prudent.

Bill from Jacksonville:

John, I’m dreading the day (2021?) that Shad Khan comes to the City of Jacksonville and asks for the same deal the Raiders got. What should other NFL cities learn from the unprecedented public money – $750 million – given to the Raiders?

John: I understand the dread, Bill, because national stories such as the Raiders moving to Las Vegas and big figures such as $750 million cause things such as dread, paranoia and fear and sometimes rioting in the streets. But if people would opt against rioting in the streets and instead drive – or walk, or even Uber – to EverBank Field, they would see noticeably large video boards, swimming pools/cabanas on a FanDuelville deck in the north end zone, a renovated locker room, a state-of-the-art training facility, updated and modernized US Assure Clubs, a Daily’s Place amphitheater that will sit next to a Flex Field … yes, those would-be rioters would see all of that and perhaps they would realize the Jaguars’ plan for the last half-decade has been to not need a $750 million upgrade. The remaking and modernizing of EverBank Field has been ongoing for the past several years and likely will continue. NFL cities should learn from the Raiders’ situation that they must work with franchises to ensure facilities are in place that will allow the franchises to maintain financial pace in a competitive league, but the Jaguars and Jacksonville already know this and have been acting that way for some time now.

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Author J32bassPosted on March 29, 2017March 30, 2017Categories Uncategorized509 Comments on O-Zone: Walk… or even Uber

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