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Blaine Gabbert finished last year throwing to Mike Thomas, Jarett Dillard, Chastin West and Cecil Shorts.

General manager Gene Smith was charged with giving a quarterback he traded up for last season better people to aim for.

And Smith has come through, trading up from seventh to fifth and nabbing Oklahoma State receiver Justin Blackmon. He’ll join free agent additions Laurent Robinson and Lee Evans, a reclamation project, in trying to transform the Jacksonville passing offense.

Blackmon stands to be the team’s best receiving option since Jimmy Smith and Keenan McCardell.

The Jags gave up No. 7 and No. 101 in the fourth round to Tampa Bay for No. 5 and the right to add Blackmon.

Hard to find any issue at all with that.

If they find a pass-rusher next, this will be a rousing success.

Reading the coverage ...

Houston Texans

Rashad Butler and Antoine Caldwell are getting starting offensive line jobs by default, but both intend to justify the team’s faith that they can step up, writes Dale Robertson of the Houston Chronicle.

Considering Pythagorean wins and the Texans, with Nate Dunlevy of Bleacher report.

Indianapolis Colts

General manager Ryan Grigson said in the firmest terms possible that defensive end Dwight Freeney isn’t going to be traded or released despite his big cap number, says Phil Richards of the Indianapolis Star.

Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars are 20-28 since Gene Smith became general manager, but Gene Frenette of the Florida Times-Union gives Smith through 2013 to see if he’s got this team on the right course.

It’s not fair to expect Laurent Robinson to be Jimmy Smith, says John Oehser of the Jaguars' website.

Tennessee Titans

A rundown of the Titans' draft picks after they didn’t get any compensatory draft selections, from Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean.

Rivers McCown of Football Outsiders runs through the primary need of each AFC South team in this Insider piece . Here’s a peek at what he has to say with my reflections.

Houston Texans: Wide receiver

McCown: “The Texans enter free agency as a team with a promising amount of depth at many key areas, but Andre Johnson's injury last season exposed the fact that Houston's wide receivers simply aren't up to snuff without him ...

“The Texans will look hard at receivers in free agency and the draft. It's unlikely that they'll land a top-tier wideout like Marques Colston or Vincent Jackson because they still need to budget money carefully for players like Mario Williams, Arian Foster and Chris Myers. But a mid-level receiver like Steve Johnson, Reggie Wayne or Robert Meachem could potentially be brought in.

“More likely, however, the path for improvement will come through the draft.”

Paul Kuharsky: I think the Texans like Kevin Walter and Jacoby Jones better than most analysts, but the long stretches without Johnson made them overly reliant on Foster as a target showed they don’t have enough at wideout.

Indianapolis Colts: Wide receiver

McCown: “Of the top five receivers on the Colts' depth chart going into last season, only Austin Collie and Blair White are under contract for 2012. Reggie Wayne, who will turn 34 during the 2012 season, is likely on the outs as this team begins a rebuilding phase. The Colts have expressed interest in re-signing free agent Pierre Garcon, who has generally fared very poorly in our receiving numbers. Garcon came out as below-replacement value last year, but he has ideal deep speed, and playing with Dan Orlovsky or Curtis Painter will make any speed receiver look worse than he really is. Anthony Gonzalez is also finally out the door after a disappointing, injury-plagued career in Colts blue.

“Again, given the direction of the team, it's rather unlikely that the Colts will be players for an elite free-agent receiver, but they could probably be in on the mid-tier targets with an eye toward youth. Players like Laurent Robinson, Harry Douglas or Andre Caldwell could make sense here. The Colts could also spend their second- or third-round picks on a receiver who could compete for snaps.”

Kuharsky: McCown writes he skipped past quarterback knowing it will be addressed with the No. 1 pick. Receiver is certainly a concern, but I think cornerback may rate as even bigger for a team that hired a defensive head coach in Chuck Pagano. If the new regime likes Jerraud Powers, the team still ranks as thin in coverage guys after him.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Wide receiver

McCown: "Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dunta Robinson summed it up best when he said: 'Those guys couldn't get a [expletive] receiver if it hit them in the head. They haven't had anyone since Jimmy Smith. ...'

“There are two ways to (upgrade). The Jaguars could make a play for Marques Colston, Vincent Jackson or DeSean Jackson. They certainly have the cap space to accomplish such a goal and could even bowl over someone who is iffy about Jacksonville with extra money. Or they could see if Oklahoma State receiver Justin Blackmon falls into their laps at No. 7 overall, which would certainly be a more cost-conscious, if risky, move.”

Kuharsky: We are certainly talking about more than one guy. The Jaguars could aggressively shop in free agency and get a first-tier and second-tier guy. Or they could grab one veteran and spend a premium pick on another receiver. Upgrading the weapons for Blaine Gabbert is definitely priority No. 1.

Tennessee Titans: Defensive end

McCown: “Assuming that the Titans continue to handcuff themselves to the declining Chris Johnson, the biggest need in Nashville is an elite pass-rusher. When Jason Babin joined former Titans defensive line coach Jim Washburn in defecting to the Eagles, the Titans' adjusted sack rate fell from 13th in the NFL in 2010 to second-to-last in 2011. Moreover, only two teams generated fewer quarterback hits from their top pass-rushers than the six the Titans had from Dave Ball: the San Diego Chargers and Buffalo Bills ...

“If they can't address defensive end in free agency, then a pass rusher will likely be a top priority for the Titans with their first-round pick. If they do pick up a premier sack artist, then it would give them an opportunity to spend the pick on a safety or wide receiver, which are also positions that could use reinforcement in Nashville.”

Kuharsky: The Titans need immediate impact at the spot. I don’t expect them to overpay Williams if he's free. The free-agent crop behind him could be thin if guys get franchised. Can they find a reclamation type like Babin who will be an upgrade on opening day? Will a guy who can consistently get into the backfield still be on the draft board at No. 20?

We know you’ve been mocked and mocked. We all give you divisional takes on Todd McShay and Mel Kiper. We often link to other mocks. Maybe you’re to your breaking point. Maybe you need one more.

We spent three days last week emailing back and forth and compiling a mock put together by eight divisional bloggers. John Clayton stood in for the NFC East.

Perhaps we add some different insight to the speculation. Perhaps we echoed prevailing wisdom. (I can raise my hand on that, as you will see.)

At any rate, we know we’re mostly wrong, and we’re eager to write names in draft slots in ink instead of pencil when things kick off Thursday evening. Here’s hoping this helps tide you over.

You may not be an Insider, but I am. So here’s a sneak, AFC-South-centric peek at Todd McShay’s most recent mock draft :

No. 8, Tennessee Titans

Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska

McShay says: "Quarterback is obviously the biggest need, but the Titans can't afford to gamble on Cam Newton or Jake Locker here. Look for them to bring in a veteran signal-caller and use a Day 2 pick on a quarterback to develop such as Arkansas' Ryan Mallett or TCU's Andy Dalton. This franchise has had too many disappointing first-rounders over the years, and taking Amukamara -- the top athlete on the board and one of the hardest workers in the 2011 class -- would be a strong building block for new head coach Mike Munchak."

Kuharsky’s thoughts: From what we know of the quarterbacks so far, I like the idea of steering away from the position here. If they can get the top athlete on the board at eight, they should jump. In this scenario, maybe they can fake someone into thinking they want Newton and move down a slot or two.

No. 11, Houston Texans

Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado

McShay says: "Kareem Jackson should make big strides in his second season, and Glover Quin should improve in his third season. It would be nice to bring in a veteran cornerback to provide depth and stability, but if the Texans are unable to do so, Smith would be a good pick for them at No. 11. A big, smooth cornerback with the strength, confidence and balance to hold up in press-man coverage, Smith could emerge as one of the most underrated players from the 2011 class."

Kuharsky’s thoughts: I’m a bit skeptical about another kid at cornerback. But the right kid with the right confidence can still help transform a group, and I could be on board with Smith if they address safety with a veteran or veterans.

No. 16, Jacksonville Jaguars

Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa

McShay says: "The Jaguars have more pressing needs at quarterback and in the secondary. They also could use a speedster at wide receiver. But drafting a good value at defensive end is never a bad idea, and Clayborn could learn a lot early in his career from Jags right defensive end Aaron Kampman, who will return from injury in 2011."

Kuharsky’s thoughts: They went defensive line with their first four picks last year. Still, if he’s the best guy and they take him, the boost in pass rush helps offset other deficiencies and they could steer clear of a lineman again for some time. So long as they promise to go heavy at safety as soon as they can after this.

No. 21, Indianapolis Colts

Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College

McShay says: "The Colts rarely draft offensive linemen this high, but they have a major need when it comes to protecting Peyton Manning. Castonzo could add some bulk to his frame, but pass-blocking is his strength and his run-blocking should improve with time in the weight room. Indianapolis also could consider a defensive tackle with this pick."

Kuharsky’s thoughts: A pass-blocking offensive tackle may be too obvious, but if Castonzo fits what they do, I hope they won’t over think it. A.J. Green and Julio Jones are long gone here, and so is the hope of a No. 1 receiver in this mock.

Notable Players: WR Jimmy Smith, OT Tony Boselli, RB Fred Taylor, QB Mark Brunell, DE Tony Brackens, LB Kevin Hardy, S Donovin Darius

Analysis: The Jaguars have only 15 years of history, and choosing their best edition isn’t difficult. The 1999 club lost three games all season, all to the Tennessee Titans, with the third in the AFC Championship Game in Jacksonville.

Their ace running back was Taylor, who missed six regular-season games because of injury. He returned to turn in two 100-yard rushing games in the postseason.

Jacksonville had seven Pro Bowlers that season. After earning a bye with its 14-2 regular season, it waltzed to a 62-7 win over Miami in its first playoff game. James Stewart, who started seven games with Taylor hurt, scored 13 rushing touchdowns and Jimmy Smith pulled in 116 balls for 1,636 yards -- both still franchise records.

Brackens’ 12 sacks remain in place as the team’s single-season record. The 2009 Jaguars had 14 sacks total.

Most impressive win: Of the teams the Jaguars beat, only the Dolphins had a winning record. Only Carolina, the Jets, and Baltimore finished 8-8. Can you pick?

Research room: The 1999 Jaguars are one of four teams since 1999 to win at least 14 regular-season games and not reach the Super Bowl -- along with San Diego in 2006 (14-2), Indianapolis in 2005 (14-2), and Pittsburgh (15-1) in 2004.

Honorable mentions:

2007: A 11-5 record with an upset playoff win at nemesis Pittsburgh before a loss at eventual AFC Champion New England made for a surprisingly successful year.

1998: The AFC Central champions wound up 11-5, with a playoff win over New England before a road loss to the Jets.

1996: In only their second season on the field, the Jaguars got into the playoffs at 9-7 as the fifth seed thanks to tiebreakers with Indianapolis and Kansas City. They pulled upsets at Buffalo and at Denver before losing at New England in the AFC Championship Game.

Andre Johnson's big Sunday -- 11 catches for 193 yards and two touchdowns -- in the Texans’ 34-7 win over Seattle was notable for a few reasons.

• According to ESPN Stats & Information, Johnson moved into a third-place tie on the all-time list of 10-reception, 100-yard games since the 1970 merger: Jerry Rice did it 15 times, Marvin Harrison 14 and Johnson and Tim Brown 13 times.
• The NFL pointed out that his 10 receptions for 184 yards and two touchdowns in the first half of the Texans’ 34-7 win over Seattle made him the first player to record at least 10 catches, 180 yards and two touchdowns in the first half of a game since Jacksonville’s Jimmy Smith on Sept. 10, 2000, against Baltimore.
• The Texans said Johnson’s 184 first-half receiving yards were the seventh-most in a first half since 1991. He trailed Philadelphia’s Kevin Curtis (205 vs. Detroit, 9/23/07), Buffalo’s Lee Evans (205 vs. Houston, 11/19/06), Smith (194 vs. Baltimore, 9/10/00), St. Louis’s Isaac Bruce (193 vs. Atlanta, 11/2/07), Tennessee’s Drew Bennett (192 vs. Kansas City, 12/13/04) and Atlanta’s Roddy White (185 vs. San Francisco, 10/11/09).

To think, Brandon Marshall had 10 catches more Sunday against the Colts than Johnson had against the Seahawks.

Houston Texans

The spotlight beckons Mario Williams again, says Richard Justice.

Matt Schaub sees Monday night as a chance to showcase the Texans, writes John McClain.

Vince Young is a double threat for the Texans, says McClain.

A replay of McClain’s chat.

Indianapolis Colts

Surpassing John Mackey humbles Dallas Clark, says Mike Chappell.

Gary Brackett is quite familiar with Ray Rice, says Phil Richards.

A knee injury means Terrell Suggs won’t play against the Colts on Sunday.

The Colts are missing Anthony Gonzalez, are watching Jerraud Powers gain confidence and are relentless on defense, says John Oehser.

The standard is high for Clark, there’s accountability on the offensive line and Reggie Wayne is as good as there is, says Oehser.

Thirteen players missed practice Wednesday, writes Oehser.

The league is looking into a postgame incident where Bill Belichick’s security guy and a cameraman came into contact, says Tom Spalding.

Yes, the failures of Tony Ugoh and Mike Pollak are bad, but the Colts have been able to replace them, says Stampede Blue.

The Colts and Saints are the league’s two best teams, but one of them probably won’t make the Super Bowl, says Clark Judge.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Perry Fewell will make his head coaching debut against the Jags, a team he used to work for, says Vito Stellino.

Rashean Mathis is out of the Buffalo game with a groin injury, says Michael C. Wright.

Is there a segment of Jaguars fans that spend time searching for signs of disrespect? Vic Ketchman wonders,

Clint Ingram is not what he should be, says big Cat Country.

Jimmy Smith got probation after a guilty plea to a drug possession charge.

Tennessee Titans

With Chris Johnson and Young, the Titans are double trouble running the ball, says Jim Wyatt.

David Letterman saluted Bud Adams, says Jim Wyatt.

Adams is making the weekend a reunion of the original Oilers, says Terry McCormick.

Chase Stuart looks at Johnson’s numbers.

Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky

Houston Texans

• Will the Texans start practicing Friday without their top two draft picks? Megan Manfull examines the possibility.
• Alan Burge reviews the rules of the physically unable to perform list.

Indianapolis Colts

• The Colts signed three draft picks: Terrance Taylor, Pat McAfee and Jaimie Thomas, says Mike Chappell.
• Athlon's preview of the Colts.
• A great examination of the stretch play and the Colts' run-game mentality from Stampede Blue.
  
• A breakdown of Sam Giguere from John Oehser.

Jacksonville Jaguars

• Jack Del Rio told Michael C. Wright the Jaguars are not interested in Michael Vick.
• The Jags still don't have deals with five draft picks, writes Wright.
• The most recent "Ask Vic."
• A look at John Henderson and Reggie Hayward, from Collin Streetman.
• Jimmy Smith was sentenced to probation, says Paul Pinkham.

Tennessee Titans

• The Titans remain hopeful they'll get a deal done with Kenny Britt in time for practice Friday afternoon.
• A camp preview that covers some logistics, from Terry McCormick.
• The Titans cut two to get to their roster limit, says McCormick.
• Steve McNair's agent says everyone will be taken care of as his estate is divided.
• The Tennessean has a new blog for its writers who cover the Titans.

Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky

John P. Lopez says "the rest of the AFC South clearly has caught up to the Colts," and also touches on Vince Young and Albert Haynesworth.

The Sporting News ranks the league in order of interest in/fit with Michael Vick. I don't see Jacksonville, who it has ranked fourth, going in that direction at all.

Houston Texans

• Other signings suggest Connor Barwin's contract will come soon, says Alan Burge.

Indianapolis Colts

• Tony Dungy says Michael Vick would fit well in Indy, except for the part where they don't need a quarterback. Mike Chappell examines.
• The Colts are sold out, in part because of a 95 percent renewal rate among season-ticket holders, writes Chappell.
• How will the Colts do at linebacker, asks John Oehser.
• A look at Jordan Senn, from Oehser.
• Bill Polian's in line to be team MVP, writes Matt Sohn.
• Chappell takes a couple of questions.

Jacksonville Jaguars

• Vinnie Iyer looks at 2008 last-place teams and ranks the Jaguars second in worst-to-first possibilities.
• Rich Jones says the Jaguars are trying some social networking.
• Jimmy Smith is slated for court appearances this week.

Tennessee Titans

• The Titans are counting on big things from Rob Bironas, says Jim Wyatt.
• KC Joyner considers the impact of the loss of Haynesworth.
• A team preview from NFL.com.

	Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images
	Torry Holt is drawing rave reviews from those in the Jacksonville organization.

Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky

Defenses may be able to contain Torry Holt better than they used to.

A 160-character limit on a text message, however, cannot box him in.

"We had a little string a couple weeks ago," Jacksonville offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter said. "He sent me a text and I sent him a text back. [Then] it took seven texts for one response to a question I asked him in response to one of his texts. So, he's into it. Torry is all about ball."

Think Matt Jones, Jerry Porter or Reggie Williams were having a lot of extensive text conversations with their coordinator last May? Me neither.

Is Holt poised to be a hero or a savior? Probably not. Does the Jaguars' new veteran receiver bring the team its best receiver resume since Jimmy Smith, and bring the potential for production from the position the team has craved for years? Absolutely.

The seven-time Pro Bowler, who was an instrumental piece of "The Greatest Show on Turf," was let go by the rebuilding Rams. But his 64 catches, 796 yards, 12.4-yard average and three touchdowns last season hardly amounted to a bad stat line -- certainly not in Jacksonville. Jones had 65 catches in a season cut short by a suspension; Holt's numbers would have led the Jags in the other three departments.

	Cary Edmondson/US Presswire
	In 2008, Torry Holt was held to less than 800 receiving yards for the first time since 1999.

Here are three assessments from those who are now working with him:

Koetter: "A proven entity and a veteran presence. In everything that I've seen, he's the consummate pro. ... Someone said, and I think they were right, 'This guy's got to be the quietest seven-time Pro Bowler that's ever existed.' Just look at the numbers. I think it's eight years over 80 catches and 1,000 yards. We haven't had a guy like that, and that's no knock on anybody, that's just fact. ... We have young guys who can soak up his experience. When you just watch Torry as a route-runner, whether the word is crafty or experienced, Torry knows all the little tricks to get himself open and he's got really good hands on top of that."

GM Gene Smith: "He's come in and given us tremendous veteran presence. He's like a player-coach. He's constantly talking to the other players at his position. He has a strong passion for football and so he's probably not the elite guy he once was in terms of earning his opportunity to go to seven Pro Bowls, but he's certainly got the ability to play at a winning level. We felt like adding him to our group not just as a player but as a person, he'd certainly be an asset. So far, so good."

Quarterback David Garrard: "Just his mind is amazing. Listening to a guy that's been around and been doing the right thing for a long time is a breath of fresh air, really."

And one thought from an outsider whose team will play Holt twice:

Colts president Bill Polian: "I think he's got some good football left and he's a very reliable target for David Garrard. That's a good thing. It helps Garrard."

(Read full post)

Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky

• Rick Gosselin's final mock draft.
• Jay Glazer's final mock draft.
• A 32 questions draft edition from Mike Silver.
• Mike Freeman lists 100 things he'd rather do than watch the draft.

Houston Texans

• Jerome Solomon says Bob McNair and the Texans have gotten better at this.
• Players out of Texas taken high in the first round are hardly a sure thing, writes John McClain.
• Past picks at No. 15 have been more fizzle than sizzle, says McClain.
• McClain's final mock still has the Texans taking Clay Matthews.
• Lance Zierlein makes a couple trades in his mock.

Indianapolis Colts

• Bob Kravitz says this is when Bill Polian earns his money.
• Free-agent corner Keiwan Ratliff signed with the Steelers, says Mike Chappell.
• The Colts will watch a lot of things sort out before they get a sense of their possibilities at No. 27, writes Chappell.
• No. 2 and No. 1 on John Oehser's list of the top 25 picks of the Polian era. This was a great idea that gave us a lot to ponder over the last several weeks.
• Oehser reviews mock prognostications for the Colts.
• Curse insurance. Peyton Manning's not the Madden cover boy.
• June 6 is the day the Colts will hold an open practice at Franklin College. Tickets will be $10, says Oehser.
• Polian can pronounce Peria Jerry's name, points out Oehser.
• Oehser selects the best pick at each first-round spot for the Colts in their history.

Jacksonville Jaguars

• The moment of truth has arrived for Gene Smith, writes Vito Stellino.
• Peter King says the Jaguars turned down No. 23 and No. 47 from New England for No. 8.
• Michael C. Wright is sticking with B.J. Raji for the Jaguars in his final mock draft.
• A judge has been asked to revoke Jimmy Smith's bail, reports Jim Schoettler.
• Gene Frenette says Smith has slowed down the timetable to become part of the Pride of the Jaguars that honors their all-time greats.
• A look at the guy on the other end of the phone in New York, from Ryan Robinson of Jaguars.com.
• Smith won't be unprepared, says Vic Ketchman of Jaguars.com.
• Cole Pepper says it'll be Michael Crabtree at No. 8, and Malcolm Jenkins if the Jaguars trade back.

Tennessee Titans

• The last four first-rounders were immediate contributors. Jim Wyatt asks whether the Titans continue the trend.
• The guys at the Tennessean make their picks and sample the national choices.
• Chuck Cecil isn't worried about the Titans replacing Albert Haynesworth, writes Jonathan Hutton.
• Joe Biddle would like to see the Titans with Anquan Boldin or Braylon Edwards.
• Wyatt runs through a mock draft done by a group of beat writers from around the country.

Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky

The agency that represents former Jaguars star wide receiver Jimmy Smith just sent out this statement from Smith regarding his recent arrest on charges of possession of crack cocaine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

"I am ashamed and humiliated by my actions and I apologize for the embarrassment I have caused my family, friends and everyone in the Jacksonville community who have supported me throughout my career. I realize that I cannot be the husband, father, son and citizen I want to be until I overcome my addiction. It is my highest priority, and will be the toughest challenge of my life, but I am going to get the help that I need to achieve a complete recovery. I understand that I will need to work every day to overcome my addiction and to earn back the trust and respect of all those I have hurt and let down. I sincerely appreciate the outpouring of support during this incredibly difficult time."

Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky

Mike Sando did his magic with Todd McShay's seven-round mock. I had a request for the AFC South picks, but have heard from more people who are mocked out.

John Czarnecki looks at the best and worst draft decision-makers, hitting the Colts and Jaguars on his lists.

Don Banks' notes as the draft nears.

Houston Texans

• John McClain sorts through what Rick Smith had to say at his pre-draft news conference.
• Alan Burge also picks through the news conference.
• McClain's Wednesday chat recapped.
• The AP's Texans draft preview.

Indianapolis Colts

• The top running backs are talented but young, writes Mike Chappell.
• No. 4 on John Oehser's list of the top 25 picks of the Bill Polian era. Lots of suspense building here, right? Maybe for how two and three are ordered, not for who's No. 1.
• Oehser's look at linebackers in the draft.
• The AP's Colts draft preview.

Jacksonville Jaguars

• The Jaguars have checked in with virtually every team about the possibility of trading down from No. 8, says Vito Stellino.
• A rundown of the changes to the uniform by Michael C. Wright. Note the videos on the left.
• In a mock draft by Jags' experts they wind up with Michael Crabtree, says Cole Pepper.
• A Pepper blog entry with video of the uniform unveiling and a shot of the new paint job on the helmet, which I still can't get a feel for.
• Former Jaguars star Jimmy Smith was arrested and charged with possession of crack cocaine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia, reports Matt Coleman.
• The AP's Jaguars draft preview.

Tennessee Titans

• A roundtable discussion with Titans scouts from Terry McCormick.
• Jonathan Hutton talked to Mike Heimerdinger, who says he doesn't know who his third wide receiver is and that Lavelle Hawkins "wasn't ready to play" last year.
• A look at the Titans and linebackers in the draft, from Gary Estwick.

Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky

For all who keep seeing the Jaguars linked to Matthew Stafford or Mark Sanchez with the No. 8 pick in the draft, SIRIUS NFL Radio brings a different angle.

Tuesday on "The SIRIUS Blitz" David Garrard told Adam Schein and Solomon Wilcots he's been told not to expect the Jaguars to draft a quarterback.

The significant excerpts, along with some talk about receivers:

Wilcots: "There's been some scuttlebutt, people saying that the Jaguars could take Matthew Stafford or could draft a QB in the first round."

Garrard: "I've heard the same things but I got a call a couple of days ago from a pretty close source, meaning a coach, saying, 'Please stop worrying about anything that you see on the TV because I haven't heard anything. Nobody around here has talked about anything, so don't lose any sleep over it.'"

Schein: "So the Jags have basically told you that they are not drafting a quarterback?"

Garrard: "I think so, but you know what, this is still the NFL and I told him the same thing. I said, 'I appreciate that but this is still the NFL. Anything can happen but I do appreciate you giving me a call because you know that I hadn't been thinking about it, not thinking about it in a way that I am worried about it.' Because I have always had to deal with competition but just thinking about it that I just signed last year and you would think that I would get a couple more years than just one. But that is just how it is and you have to be ready for everything."

Wilcots: "What would David Garrard like to see in order for this team to continue to improve?"

Garrard: "I see us having a big need for a receiver. Of course, we don't really have very many on the roster right now, especially when you lose your top three guys. You would hope that they would go out and get somebody to come in and be able to make those plays for you. The plays where you can put the ball in somebody's hands five yards down the field and they turn it into 60. Those are the kind of explosive plays that we need to bring in here and I have been told by another close source, which would be another coach, that we are definitely seeking to bring in some big time weapons. So that is exciting for me. I think that I am definitely the most excited I have been in a while going into a season just because we are coming off a tough season and I feel like I will be going into the season with almost like a clean slate, a fresh crop of guys. And being able to bring in somebody like Tra Thomas, somebody that is proven, and then adding some depth with some younger guys and some guys in the draft who kind of solidify the depth and the abilities of our offensive line. I think that's going to be a big key as well. I see nothing but great things for us because once we start bringing in some of those key components, some of those guys that are proven receivers, guys that maybe have somewhat of a big name or a name that you know what they can do, I think that is going to big for this franchise, for this team, for this offense. That is definitely something that has been needed here."

Schein: "Are we talking specifically about Torry Holt?"

Garrard: "Well, you know what? We did a little courting last week. I would love to have Torry Holt here. He is definitely a great mind for this game. He plays the game, just talking to him, all week long so that he can go out and have fun on Sunday. You know that is something that a lot of guys kind of lose sight of or have never been taught that. Win the game during the week. Win it with your preparation after practice with the quarterbacks. Those kinds of things, your study time, so that when game time gets here, you are just reacting. You are just out there having fun, playing ball, doing what God has blessed you with and you are able to play so much more free and just sitting down talking with him just really showed me the level of a receiver. We haven't had somebody on that level, just knowledge-wise of the game since Jimmy Smith has been here and we've had some pretty good receivers but you can tell the difference from just an average receiver to a guy that has been to seven Pro Bowls like Torry Holt. Just a classy guy and he got me excited and hopefully we can do something to lure him in."