Jalen Ramsey Suffers Knee Injury

A few weeks ago, I talked about how the Jacksonville Jaguars had the best draft after they acquired the most talented player at each stage of the draft. Well, once again, after a tremendous draft, the Jaguars are losing their top prize of the draft. This happens as Jalen Ramsey suffered a small meniscus tear in his right knee.

A few weeks ago it was all smiles, but now there is a lot of worry in Jacksonville.

The fact that the team labels it a small meniscus tear is somewhat good news it seems. Recovery time for this injury is either expected to be 4-6 weeks or 4-6 months depending on the treatment that the team decides on. That timetable is quite a large spread. 4-6 weeks is no big deal at all, but 4-6 months will cut all the way into the regular season. Ramsey will seek a second opinion and then the Jaguars will have a more firm grasp on what they are dealing with. It is just awful luck for the Jaguars.

This injury comes almost a year to the date that last year's 1st round pick suffered a knee injury. Fowler, tore his ACL on the 1st day of mini camps last year. Back to back years of losing your top pick to a knee injury is not going to sit well with the fan base. It won't sit well no matter how good the players are. The fans will start to ask questions. Especially when their 2nd pick, as good as he is, might still need micro-fracture surgery. Myles Jack came into the draft with a knee injury this year which caused him to slip to Jacksonville. I still say the gamble was well worth it, but many fans likely won't see it that way.

With reports now that Jalen Ramsey also had micro-fracture surgery, during his sophomore year of high school, this selection will be further scrutinized if he misses time this season. The Jaguars knew that and saw that he played in every game at FSU, but the average fan did not know about that injury. The Jaguars have less leighway than most because of the other two injured draft picks. Hopefully the timetable for recovery is short on this injury.

I have a feeling that the Jaguars will stay away from any pick with even the slightest hint of a knee injury from now on if this is anything close to major. No matter how good the player is, they just don't seem to catch a good break (no pun intended) on these types of injuries. Here is to hoping that all 3 Jags defensive standouts with knee issues are on the field for the Jaguars this season.

No matter what, the Jaguars made the right decisions. With all 3 of these players that got hurt, they were terrific football players with unfortunate injuries. However, all that being said, they will be more cautious in the future I assume. Either way, I expect all 3 to have a very productive NFL careers. That group will be led by Jalen Ramsey who will still make a major positive impact for this franchise. Ramsey will deliver for Jacksonville. Stay excited about Jalen, Jags fans.

-Noland

Complete NFL Draft Reaction

This was one of the most surprising drafts in recent memory. A lot of memorable selections here. I loved every minute. Here are some of my big reactions.

5 Best Picks of the Draft

5. Christian Westerman   OG   Cincinnati Bengals  5(161)
I thought this guy was really underrated and has a great chance to start for the Bengals. Westerman provides terrific value in the 5th round.

4. Sheldon Day    DT   Jacksonville Jaguars  4(103)
Going into day 3 of the draft, Sheldon Day was the best available player. The Jaguars snatched him up without hesitation and got their 4th starter in this draft. Day will start and contribute this year for Jacksonville.

3. Devontae Booker  RB   Denver Broncos  4(136)
The second rated runningback in round 4. Sign me up for that. Booker will be starting for the Broncos at some point this season. He will be starting and getting a ton of yardage.

2. Kendall Fuller   CB    Washington Redskins  3(84)
Speaking of 2nd rated player at his position, Kendall Fuller was my #2 corner this season. He was an absolute stud and without injury concerns is a bona fide 1st rounder. The Redskins have the starters in place to bring him along slowly and he will make an impact when he is ready. NFL bloodlines don't hurt either and the Fullers have quite a few successful defensive backs in their family. It is quite possible that Kendall ends up the best of that entire bunch.

1. Myles Jack     LB    Jacksonville Jaguars    2(36)
Nobody could have predicted that the Jaguars would receive the best two players in the draft. That is, because even with the injury, it seemed Myles Jack would not be there in Round 2. When Jack was there, the Jaguars scooped him up. This guy has superstar written all over him and the Jaguars got a major steal in this selection.

5 Worst Picks of the Draft

5. Juston Burris     CB    New York Jets    4(118)
Bottom line is that Burris is not even a guarantee to make the roster. He has very little shot at contributing other than special teams. He showed little to no ability to contribute at the next level at NC State. Why the Jets burnt a 4th rounder on a guy that will be solely a special teams player is surprising. Especially, since he likely won't even be good at that.

4. Antonio Morrison   ILB    Indianapolis Colts  4(125)
Many people judge others for how they treat animals. So what do we think of Antonio Morrison? This guy has barked at police dogs and been arrested on multiple occasions. He is a character concern for a team that used to take these types of individuals off the draft board. Oh, and he doesn't really translate into an NFL player skills wise either.
3. Kevin Byard   S    Tennessee Titans     3(64)
I guess this was a hometown pick? I am really struggling to find the rationale on this one. A safety with no cover skills in the 3rd round for a team that needs a lot of holes filled. Really perplexing.

2. Derrick Henry       RB      Tennessee Titans     2(45)
The Titans just traded for DeMarco Murray in the offseason. They acquired the versatile back and it is surprising for them to go runningback here again. Especially one with a lot of wear and tear that got the majority of his yardage behind a tremendous offensive line. This team has so many needs that this pick was surprising. They went RB here when the second best RB stayed on the board until late in Round 4. They reached for Henry just because of the Heisman.

1. Christian Hackenburg   QB   New York Jets   2(51)
Out of the last 4 drafts, the Jets have twice taken a QB in Round 2 and took one in Round 4 last year. These guys stay drafting terrible quarterbacks with little to no chance of success in the pros. This selection was no different. I do not see any chance of Christian Hackenburg being a successful starting QB in the NFL. This selection of Hackenburg here is mind boggling. If you are going to take a QB early, at least take a good QB. The thing here is the Jets have solid players in place and blowing this pick could be the difference in this team missing the playoffs. Just a poor selection.

5 Best Team Drafts

5. Minnesota Vikings

I believe that Laquon Treadwell was the best receiver in this draft and the Vikings got him at 26. They then picked up a corner capable of starting right away in round 2. Every selection this team made had purpose and meaning. I really loved the Kentrell Brothers pick.

4. Cincinnatti Bengals
All 5 of their top picks in this draft will compete for starting jobs. When you think about that, it is pretty incredible. A playoff team that drafted well enough to have 5 players openly competing for starting jobs. I really like the William Jackson pick he was the 2nd best healthy corner in this draft. Tyler Boyd will help in the return game in addition to his receiving skills. I quite admired his receiving skills while he was at Pittsburgh.

3. Washington Redskins
The Redskins had the 2nd best pick of the draft when they drafted Kendall Fuller in the 3rd round. Getting the 2nd best corner in the draft at that point is a major coup for the Skins. I am not very concerned about Fuller's injury. Sua Cravens and Josh Doctson were also very strong selections for DC. Not as fond of the rest of their draft, but the top 3 selections they made are far better than any outside of Jacksonville. Those 3 will be major contributors for the Burgandy and Gold and give the Skins a ton of flexibility. Each player will be loved in Washington!
Washington also had a strong selection late in QB Nate Sudfeld out of Indiana. While they didn't need a QB at that point, I thought he posed tremendous value in Round 6. He was my 4th rated QB in this draft.

2. Cleveland Browns
The Browns accumulated a ton of picks and did not waste them. They got 4 starters with their first four picks. More importantly though, they didn't reach for anyone and let the draft come to them for the 1st time ever. With each pick, it seems the Browns finally took the top player on their board each time.The best news of this draft though is that they got more extra picks in the future. The Browns finally seem to be on the right path.

1. Jacksonville Jaguars
Hands down the best draft and it is not even close. The Jaguars managed to get the top player at each stage of the draft. With their first pick, they got the best player in the draft in Jaylen Ramsey. Day 2 comes along and they nab the 2nd best player in the entire draft in Myles Jack. Heading into Day 3, the best available player is Sheldon Day and the Jaguars get him. They got 4 bona-fide major contributors. At least two of them are all-pro level guys. This draft could not have gone any better for the Jaguars.

5 Worst Team Drafts

The Miami Dolphins could easily top this list if any drama continues with Laremy Tunsil, but the drama seems to have worked in their favor. They got easily the best tackle in the draft at 13 because of it. Now, they just need to hope he keeps his nose clean.

5. Houston Texans
The Texans reached on Fuller and didn't do much else. Not a player I love in their entire draft. Just very unspectacular.
4. Tennessee Titans
They get some points for acquiring so many picks, but have very little to show for that. Add in that they had my second and third worst picks of the entire draft and it is easy to see why I think these guys had a hard time. Tennessee got at least one starter though in the tackle, Conklin. The selection irratated a better tackle though in Taylor Lewan. This organization is just a dumpster fire.

3. Philadelphia Eagles
Like the Rams, the Eagles gave up too much to move up to #2 to get Wentz. The plus side for Philadelphia is that I think Wentz will be a better pro than Goff. The issue with Wentz is that he will take some time. Not the fanbase to be patient on their players. These characters booed Wentz when he arrived at the airport. Hahahaha, you stay classy Philly fans.

2. New York Jets
The Jets could easily be a playoff contender this year. They had some solid pieces. You would think the Jets would pick players that could help them win right now! The only player they got that will immediately contribute was linebacker Darron Lee and there were better players than him on the board still when he was selected in Round 1. Their biggest need was at offensive tackle and that was not upgraded through this draft. Hackenburg was about as stupid a pick as I can imagine given the circumstances of the selection.

1. Los Angeles Rams
Simply gave up too much to go to 1 and move up for Goff who I personally am not a big believer in. If Goff pans out than this draft will look much better. Right now it looks awful as this team got nothing else of value.

Grading the Buccaneers Draft

Round 1(11) Vernon Hargreaves   CB            C-

Round 2 (39) Noah Spence             DE            A      

Round 2 (59) Roberto Aguayo       PK            C
Round 4 (108) Ryan Smith             DB            B
Round 5 (148) Caleb Benenoch      OT           A-
Round 6 (183) Devante Bond         OLB         C-
Round 6 (197) Dan Vitale                FB           A

Overall Grade B+
This was never meant to be as great as last year's draft. Last year the Buccaneers got 4 quality starters with their first 4 picks. Two of those 4 had Pro Bowl level seasons. This year though, the Buccaneers can once again claim 4 quality players that will likely start in some fashion. Given, one of those players is a kicker. Their 5th selection could also be a starter though, potentially bumping that number up to 5 and greatly increasing the rating of this draft. I think this is especially true if they kick him inside. Add in a starting fullback and the numbers go from 4 potential starters to 6. A great draft in anyones book.
People will slam the Aguayo trade up, but I don't mind it and it is not just the homer in me. When you get a chance to select the best kicker in college football history, it is hard to place a value on that. Especially for a team that struggled mightily in the kicking game last year. Connor Barth was fine when he took over for Brindza, but management clearly doesn't think he has "it" because they have cut him multiple times already. Now, they had a chance to eliminate the kicking issue forever and they did it. Was it too early? Probably, but this team wanted the issue solved and they did it. The problem is that there was a lot of quality still on the board in spots of need.
I dislike the Hargreaves pick the more I see it, especially seeing that Kendall Fuller went in Round 3. That being said, he should be fine when not matched up with bigger, more physical receivers. He has all the tools, so hopefully he can justify the high selection.

Most Surprising Undrafted Player

Nile Lawrence-Stample    DT    Florida State

Stample had he come out early last year would have been selected. It was still incredibly surprising to see him go undrafted because of the time of player he was. The thing working against Stample is that he is a 2 down player and teams seem to be moving away from that. Several other players in that boat slipped very far in this draft. Still, even with those factors and with him being in a very deep draft at his position, I thought for sure he would be selected. He ended up signing as an undrafted free agent with the Browns.

Analyzing Where the Seminoles Ended Up

There were only two Seminoles selected. This was the lowest total since 2009 and quite different from the mass selections the past few years. The three years prior to this current season, FSU had 29 players selected to the NFL draft.

Jalen Ramsey to Jacksonville Round 1 (5)
The Jaguars will be a trendy pick to make the playoffs this season and Jalen Ramsey is a big part of that. Ramsey is a freak athlete and was the best player in the draft. He enters a great situation and will be an immediate starter for Jacksonville.

Roberto Aguayo to Tampa Round 2 (59)
The scrutiny will be high for this one, but it was expected that Aguayo would be the highest selection for a kicker in quite some time. The most accurate kicker in college football history does not come along very often. In this case he goes to Tampa who is desperate for help in the kicking game. He is also reunited with Jameis Winston.

Several Noles signed as undrafted free agents which we will get into closer to training camp.

Stay tuned for my breakdown of my own stories from last football season

-Noland

Reaction to Round 1 of the 2016 NFL Draft

Round One of the 2016 NFL Draft is in the books and as always there are some winners and some losers. Well what we think are winners and losers anyway, it is hard to truly evaluate a draft until we are three years out. Regardless, I will break down what I saw last night and what to look forward to tonight....

Winners

Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars were able to sit there at 5 and still end up with the best player in the draft. Jalen Ramsey is a rare talent that few teams get to employ. He is an All-American sprinter and long jumper in addition to his incredible football skills and IQ. If you want to see perhaps the greatest defensive tape of one athlete one game in 20 years, put on the tape of the 2014 Miami game. Ramsey willed the Seminoles to victory that night. He also completely leaped an offensive line to get to a field goal kick on multiple occasions. The dude is just an incredible athlete.

Cleveland Browns

The Browns showed tremendous patience for once and that perhaps they finally are on the right track. They did not take a QB they did not like. Instead this team got numerous draft picks with which they can rebuild their team the right way. They can now, at least in theory, have the proper infrastructure in place for a new QB when that pick does happen. The Browns traded down to 15 and still got the guy that they wanted at WR.

San Francisco 49ers

This team lucked out even more than the Jaguars. They sat at 7 and were able to get a guy who I believe is the 2nd best healthy prospect in this draft. DeForest Buckner is just massive and will create havoc at the next level. The 49ers instantly upgraded their pass rush with this selection.

Losers

Ole Miss Rebels

How can a team with 3 first round draft picks have been the losers of the draft?

Well, two of those players fell several spots because of questionable behavior off the field. Nkemdiche's issues are well documented and old news, but Laremy Tunsil was the story of draft night and not in a good way. Tunsil slipped several spots due to a video surfacing of him taking a bong hit leaking minutes before the draft. The video came from Tunsil's own Twitter account, which he claimed was hacked. However, he did not dispute the video that was clearly him, instead saying that it is an old video and that it was not him. Now we know that at least in the past, he clearly enjoyed the wacky weed like his former teammate

Later in the night, on Tunsil's instagram was evidence of Tunsil receiving improper benefits from the school. This could and should add a lot of fuel to the fire of those saying that Ole Miss is paying players. The program that suddenly came from nowhere to get top 5 recruiting classes consistently. Something stunk and Tunsil's social media hacks seem to be shining a big spotlight on the stench.

Oh, and uh, Laremy you might want to delete all social media from "hacks."

Myles Jack

This one breaks my heart because Myles Jack is an absolutely terrific football player that busted his butt for this opportunity. He did not get drafted in Round 1 though over concerns over his medical and potential issues with his knee that might require reconstructive surgery. This is truly a sad tale for Jack whom if healthy is my #2 player behind only Ramsey. Hopefully, the medical reports are a false alarm and he ends up in the best possible situation for him. This guy really seems like a class act.

Green Bay Packers

This was a draft that was rich in interior line depth. It makes very little sense to me why the Packers reached on a guy with short arms that has a high amount of broken tackles when the position of need was inside linebacker. They needed a inside linebacker to move Matthews outside and there is more value in this spot taking that position in this draft. Clark has the potential to be an inside force and BJ Raji did just retire, but there were better players and even better tackles available.

How did the Bucs do?

The Buccaneers did indeed trade down from 9 to accumulate a pick and make a selection. I had prepared myself for the Bucs taking Hargreaves, because the writing did appear to be on the wall for this pick. At least they got another pick in the process by moving down two slots. I don't feel great about the pick because Hargreaves seemed to struggle against bigger, more physical receivers (Kelvin Benjamin torched him in 2013). However, I'm okay with it and think he will be a decent professional. I am terrified for him when Tampa faces Julio Jones and Kelvin Benjamin though. Hopefully, they will be matched up against Grimes and not Hargreaves.

What is left for the Seminoles?

Multiple possible picks in the later rounds and a sure thing at kicker that will go sometime between rounds 2-4. I like the two linebackers as special team players and depth moves. Terrance Smith and Reggie Northrup show capability to be good special teams guys. I also really like Nile Lawrence-Stample in the later rounds. Unfortunately, for Stample he plays the most loaded position in the draft. Should be interesting to see what happens...I will let you know how I feel about each players landing spots next week!

What is to follow should be quite interesting....

Stay tuned for my complete reaction to the entire draft and for my recap of predictions from last football season....

-Noland

AFC South Draft Grades

Part 3 of my draft series, the AFC South.

Houston Texans

1(1) Jadeavon Clowney (DE, South Carolina)

2(33) Xavier Su’a-Filo (OG, UCLA)

3(65) CJ Fiedorowicz (TE, Iowa)

3(83) Louis Nix (DT, Notre Dame)

4(135) Tom Savage (QB, Pittsburgh)

6(177) Jeoffrey Pagan (DE, Alabama)

6(181) Alfred Blue (RB, LSU)

6(211) Jay Prosch (FB, Auburn)

7(216) Andre Hal (DB, Vanderbilt)

7(256) Lonnie Ballentine (DB, Memphis)

Best Pick: Louis Nix

To get a round 1 value at the second half of Round 3 is incredible. Yes, this draft was loaded, but this was probably the second best pick of the entire draft. The only pick I have better than this was the Jernigan pick. The Texans could no longer pass up the value that Nix provided in the 3rd Round. This team now has a loaded defensive line in their move to the 3-4. Fantastic pick of an impact player here.

Summary: The Texans were another team that had one of the best three drafts I thought. If the Ravens draft was #1 as I suggested than this one was 1a. I have this draft as very slightly behind the Ravens, but the Texans are the closest number 2 in draft history. This draft was incredible and every pick was a quality player right down to Mr. Irrelevant at 256. These guys all have a tremendous chance to make the team. To get the QB with perhaps the best arm talent in this draft on Day 3 is unbelievable. They plugged holes, they picked the best player available, they got their QB, and most importantly they got 3 players with round 1 talent. Absolutely fantastic draft for the Texans and right there with Baltimore in terms of quality.

Draft Grade: A

Undrafted Free Agents

Chris Boswell (K, Rice)
Max Bullough (LB, Michigan State)
Chris Martin (OT, Central Florida)
Anthony McClung (WR, Cincinnati)
Kevin Forsch (OG, Houston)
Chris McCallister (DE, Baylor)
Terrance Lloyd (LB, Baylor)
Bryan Witzman (OT, South Dakota State)

McClung needs to get more physical, but I really like that pickup because Houston could use some WR depth. He can make it in this league if he gets stronger.
The Texans need some inside linebackers for their move to the 3-4 and Bullough gives them depth there. Most thought he'd be picked in the 4th or 5th round and doubted he'd be undrafted. This is one of the better pickups after the draft.
There isn't really a group of undrafted free agents that will impress you more coming in than this group. In addition to McClung and Bullough the Texans got a new kicker and several other guys that will compete for spots. With the draft and these undrafted FA signings the Texans next year will be much younger, improved and have a lot of roster turnover.

Indianapolis Colts

2(59) Jack Mewhort  (OT, Ohio State)

3(90) Donte Moncrief (WR, Mississippi)

5(166) Jonathan Newsome (DE, Ball State)

6(203) Andrew Jackson (LB, Western Kentucky)

7(232) John Ulrick (OT, Georgia State)

Best Pick: Donte Moncrief

Moncrief was the one pick I liked for the Colts. He was at one point projected as a 1st or 2nd round pick and he fell to the Colts in the 3rd Round. I always had him as a third rounder in this draft, but he was good value and can contribute to Indy. His leaping ability is awesome. The one combine test that correlates well to NFL production is the vertical jump and Moncrief jumped 39.5 inches. He also had the longest broad jump at the combine. An absolutely terrific athlete. The biggest reason Moncrief had a round 3 grade instead of higher is his route running. The route running must improve in the pros. He will make an impact in Indy, but probably not until year 2 because of his poor route running.

Summary: The Colts draft has to be graded on the entirety of their draft. This team managed to get only 5 players out of the deepest draft in 30 years. They managed to trade their 1st rounder for a guy who is now a backup RB. Trent Richardson is not a good investment of a 1st round pick. If a 1st rounder is used on a RB in today's NFL, he better be a starter. The Colts had good intentions trading for Richardson during the season, but they helped the Browns out tremendously. That move was the draft blunder of the year, eventhough it happened before the draft. Add in the fact that they didn't pick up one player that I project to make a major impact and I hate this draft. The only player I like in this class in Moncrief and he is not a good route runner. This was the worst draft out of all of the NFL teams.

Draft Grade: F

Undrafted Free Agents
Qua Cox (CB, Jackson State)
Marcus Hall (OG, Ohio State)
Jonotthan Harrison (C, Florida)
Tyler Hoover (DE, Michigan State)
Kameron Jackson (CB, California)
Zach Kerr (NT, Delaware)
Seth Lobato (QB, Northern Colorado)
Keon Lyn (CB, Syracuse)
Dewey McDonald (S, California University of Pennsylvania)
Gregory Moore (WR, Lane College)
Nnamdi Obukwelu (DE, Harvard)
Cody Parkey (K, Auburn)
Eric Pike (OT, Towson)
Darius Polk (CB, Kent State)
Erik Swoope (TE, Miami)
Eric Thomas (WR, Florida International)
Zurlon Tipton (RB, Central Michigan)
Josh Walker (OG, Middle Tennessee State)
Tony Washington (WR, Appalachian State)

I like the Hoover pickup. In a head-to-head matchup with the Buckeyes and Mewhort, Hoover was fantastic. This guy has a relentless motor and player incredibly well for Sparty last year.
I like that the Colts gave Eric Pike a shot, he really impressed me in the division 1AA playoffs and seems to be a solid run blocker.
Erik Swoope is another one of those basketball tight ends and should be interesting to watch. He has never played football and will be a project, buy a very intriguing one.
Other than that I don't see any of these guys making an NFL roster, other than maybe Parkey.

Jacksonville Jaguars

1(3) Blake Bortles (QB, Central Florida)

2(39) Marqise Lee (WR, USC)

2(61) Allen Robinson (WR, Penn State)

3(93) Brandon Linder (OG, Miami)

4(114) Aaron Colvin (CB, Oklahoma)

5(144) Telvin Smith (LB, Florida State)

5(159) Chris Smith (LB, Arkansas)

6(205) Luke Bowanko  (C, Virginia)

7(222) Storm Johnson (RB, Central Florida)

Best Pick: Telvin Smith

Telvin Smith was the leader of FSU's National Championship defense and very underrated going into this draft. Smith has incredible speed, tackling ability, and range. Some said this undersized linebacker should move to safety (similar to Derrick Brooks). While he isn't in Brooks' league, he is a tremendous talent, leader, and football player. He will be a solid football player for Jacksonville for years to come. In Round 5 he is an absolute steal. Coaching him in the Senior Bowl and seeing his ability there was a huge benefit for the Jaguars staff. This pick should really excite their fanbase. Jacksonville picks up a lot of new fans from FSU with the pick.

Summary: This is another draft right below the top 3. Every single pick here with the exception of 1 I really liked. The Jaguars got solid value and look like they are actually building a football team. Maybe they can make the NFL's worst division a little more competitive. They did a very good job. The one negative I will say about this draft is that I believe they reached a bit on Bortles. He was the best QB in this draft and he might be able to succeed, but I am not sold. That being said, eventually you have to take a shot on a QB. Jaguars fans have been waiting for the guy for long enough. Maybe this is when they finally get a quality signal caller.If Bortles hits this may end up being the top draft 5 years from now. Very good job by Jacksonville. Also, while selling tickets is always secondary to winning while picking a team (winning sells the best) this team picked up a lot more fans from within the state with this draft. Drafting two of UCF's most popular players and one of FSU's cannot hurt ticket sales or the popularity of the franchise.

Draft Grade: A-

Undrafted Free Agents
Jeff Budzien (K, Northwestern)
Terrance Cobb (RB, Cumberland)
Deandre Coleman (DT, California)
Damian Copeland (WR, Louisville)
Ricky Havili-Heimuli (DT, Oregon)
Allen Hurns (WR, Miami)
Marcel Jensen (TE, Fresno State)
Reggie Jordan (TE, Missouri-Western State)
Craig Loston (S, LSU)
Stephen Morris (QB, Miami)
Rashaad Reynolds (DB, Oregon State)
Tyler Shatley (OG, Clemson)
DJ Tialavea (TE, Utah State)
Josh Wells (OT, James Madison)
Marcus Whitfield (DE, Maryland)
Chad Zinchini (P, Tennessee Tech)

The Jaguars group of undrafted free agents will all put up strong battles for spots on the roster and they will make it interesting. The only one I am pretty sure will not make it is Damian Copeland and he can certainly stick elsewhere if he is cut. I say he won't make it because this is the deepest the Jaguars have ever been at WR and I see them taking three rookies on the roster already. They will have the two guys they drafted in addition, to Allen Hurns. Since, he worked with the offensive coordinator already Hurns has a jump start on the other rookies in this offense. This also is a benefit for Stephen Morris who had his best season in college under the current Jaguars OC. Morris at one point coming into the season was mentioned as a possibility in Round 1. If he can be fixed it is here, and it was a brilliant move by Morris to sign with Jacksonville.
Tyler Shatley is the second strongest offensive lineman in this draft, behind only Russell Bodine. That strength has to count for something. He is raw as a player and played defense the majority of his time at Clemson, but could be quite good once he develops. Again, great group that will compete for spots.

Tennessee Titans

1(11) Taylor Lewan (OT, Michigan)

2(54) Bishop Sankey (RB, Washington)

4(112) DaQuan Jones (DT, Penn State)

4(122) Marqueston Huff  (DB, Wyoming)

5(151) Avery Williamson  (LB, Kentucky)

6(178) Zach Mettenburger (QB,  LSU)

Best Pick: Taylor Lewan

I had every pick by the Titans graded at a lower spot than they were selected, besides Lewan. Taylor Lewan is one of the ten best players in this draft, so to get him at 11 had to be thrilling for Tennessee. He has great 1 on 1 blocking ability. Lewan will be the leader of this offensive line for years to come. He will block the blindside of whatever legitimate QB eventually comes in here. Btw, that is Lewan against top pick, Jadeavon Clowney. Lewan was pretty good against Clowney in the Outback Bowl if you check the whole tape and not just the one hit.

Summary: The Titans reached slightly on each pick (besides Lewan) in my opinion, but it wasn't terrible. They didn't absolutely blow their picks and people can compete for spots. Bishop Sankey and Taylor Lewan will start immediately and could help Tennessee win some games. Sankey was one of the best backs in this class, but I wouldn't have taken a back until round 3 this year. That is especially true for the Titans who have several other holes. Quality player though and not a reach by most people's standards.

Draft Grade: C

Undrafted Free Agents:
Ri'Shard Anderson (CB, Syracuse)
Antonio Andrews (RB, Western Kentucky)
Travis Coons (K, Washington)
James Gayle (LB, Virginia Tech)
Gabe Ikard (C, Oklahoma)
Justin McCray (OG, Central Florida)
James Merrell (LB, Rutgers)
Jaz Reynolds (WR, Oklahoma)
Hakeem Smith (S, Louisville)
Josh Stewart (WR, Oklahoma State)
Derel Walker (WR, Texas A & M)
Eric Ward (WR, Texas Tech)
David Wright (TE, Westminster)

I like that the Titans saw their deficiencies at wide receiver. While I am not a huge fan of the three guys they signed they recognized a need which is a step in the right direction. They also got a pretty good runningback for an undrafted free agent. The Titans should have signed my big boys on the offensive line as their o-line could still use some help. I like Ikard and McCray though for the depth they provide. James Gayle is the best player of this group. He should make the squad and be a good special teams player. Down the road, he could make an impact.

-Noland

A Reason To Love A Sprinter And the Jaguars

Usually, I do not have much positive to say about the Jacksonville Jaguars. They are a weak team with a weak fanbase and have to blackout the majority of their games. However, they did something recently that makes me applaud their organization. The Jags let their cornerback Aaron Ross go to London to support his lovely wife Sonya Richards-Ross. I love the move because so many celebrities have such little respect for women. By allowing Ross to watch and support his wife, the Jaguars have tried to buck that trend. A man that loves his wife and respects her deserves acknowledgement in today's culture. It is sad that this is not the case very often, but I am happy to see Aaron Ross doing this for his wife. He absolutely won me as a fan. I now admire what this guy stands for. Classy move by the Jaguars in letting him go. Just a good job all around.

Here is the lovely couple after Sonya Richards-Ross won the gold. Now that is a golden moment.

-Noland

Mike Harris to the Jaguars

The Jacksonville Jaguars have just picked my favorite Florida State player in this draft. Mike Harris worked his tail off while he was at FSU. He did not call attention to himself. Harris was a good teammate. This guy did his job, did it well, kept quiet, was a team player, was a good leader, and was somebody you could rely on. Good luck in Jacksonville Mike, you will be missed here at FSU. Great value for the Jags in round 6. This photo of Harris is obviously compliments of warchant.com.

-Noland

Jaguars Sign Lee Evans

As many of you know I like the Baltimore Ravens. So I was not happy with Lee Evans this season. He especially frustrated me in that New England game, costing the Ravens a chance to go to the Super Bowl. I can't imagine that anyone would want him as he is finished, but good luck in Jacksonville man. I'm sure you might catch 5 passes with them.

- Noland