AFC South: Rashean Mathis
First off, here is my unsolicited idea on the NFL’s desire to provide reliable Wi-Fi for fans at all NFL stadiums: Turn goal posts and pylons into antennas.
Moving along and reading the coverage ...
Houston Texans
Punter Brett Hartmann now has league permission to take Ritalin, says Mark Berman of Fox Houston. His suspension was reduced from four games to three. I’m curious about why this case warranted a reduction, when suspensions related to violations of the league’s policies on such matters are usually cut and dried.
Rookie offensive lineman Brandon Brooks is the heaviest Texans player ever, says Dale Robertson of the Houston Chronicle. They’re asking him to drop 15 of his 346 pounds, and heat he’s not used to may help.
Linebackers coach Reggie Herring says the Texans gained back what they lost with the trade of DeMeco Ryans by adding Bradie James, according to Gregg Rosenthal.
Arian Foster says he can get better at everything and knows things are different for the Texans now that they’ve had success, says Robertson.
Indianapolis Colts
Tight end Dallas Clark signed with Tampa Bay after the Bucs got rid of Kellen Winslow.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Aaron Kampman and Rashean Mathis are enduring solitary roads to recovery from knee injuries, says Tania Ganguli of the Florida Times-Union.
Montell Owens isn’t against the idea of leg pads, says Ganguli.
Martellus Bennett thinks Laurent Robinson proved himself as a No. 1 receiver last year in Dallas, says Ganguli.
Tennessee Titans
The Titans have signed all of their draft picks except for first-rounder Kendall Wright, says John Glennon of The Tennessean.
Moving along and reading the coverage ...
Houston Texans
Punter Brett Hartmann now has league permission to take Ritalin, says Mark Berman of Fox Houston. His suspension was reduced from four games to three. I’m curious about why this case warranted a reduction, when suspensions related to violations of the league’s policies on such matters are usually cut and dried.
Rookie offensive lineman Brandon Brooks is the heaviest Texans player ever, says Dale Robertson of the Houston Chronicle. They’re asking him to drop 15 of his 346 pounds, and heat he’s not used to may help.
Linebackers coach Reggie Herring says the Texans gained back what they lost with the trade of DeMeco Ryans by adding Bradie James, according to Gregg Rosenthal.
Arian Foster says he can get better at everything and knows things are different for the Texans now that they’ve had success, says Robertson.
Indianapolis Colts
Tight end Dallas Clark signed with Tampa Bay after the Bucs got rid of Kellen Winslow.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Aaron Kampman and Rashean Mathis are enduring solitary roads to recovery from knee injuries, says Tania Ganguli of the Florida Times-Union.
Montell Owens isn’t against the idea of leg pads, says Ganguli.
Martellus Bennett thinks Laurent Robinson proved himself as a No. 1 receiver last year in Dallas, says Ganguli.
Tennessee Titans
The Titans have signed all of their draft picks except for first-rounder Kendall Wright, says John Glennon of The Tennessean.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- It’s easy to be skeptical about positive injury news in May.
But I am buying the enthusiasm about Rashean Mathis here.
The veteran cornerback who tore the ACL in his left knee on Nov. 13 spoke with reporters on Tuesday.
He said he’s running, cutting and jumping while eagerly looking forward to a June 4 appointment with Dr. James Andrews.
“It’s responding great, I haven’t had any setbacks,” Mathis said. “I’ve never had an ACL injury before, but the guys around me who have had it say that I am way ahead of schedule. They’re surprised what I am doing at this time.”
If that doctor's appointment goes as well as he expects, he believes he’ll be able to participate, at least to some degree, in the team’s June 12-14 minicamp.
“To me, that would be remarkable,” coach Mike Mularkey said after an OTA session Tuesday at the team’s headquarters at EverBank Field.
“As long as they give him the go-ahead -- and really the player, too, feels good about it, that’s important as well -- I’m sure we would let him go. I’m sure he’d probably be limited, too. Since it’s the last, basically, three days of the offseason going into a five-week stretch. ...
“With the time that’s coming where you can’t do anything with the team, so I think it would be outstanding if he could get some work done with the team. I think it would be good with his teammates when it’s all said and done. We’re still on path for that.”
Mathis is heading into his 10th season with the Jaguars. He’s a consummate professional who won a starting spot as a second-round draft pick out of Bethune-Cookman in 2003.
Now he’s in line to compete with newcomer Aaron Ross, a free-agent addition who was part of two Super Bowl wins with the New York Giants.
“You always compete in this league,” Mathis said. “My mentality besides like a couple years, maybe, you always know that a competition is a possibility. And sometimes it’s been made known, whether or not it’s been made publicly known. ...”
“You approach it like you approach any other thing: Handle what you can handle. Stay healthy is the main thing. If I can, the rest will take care of itself.
As for the guy Mathis will need to hold off ...
“Aaron is a very good player; that’s a great pickup for our team, our defense,” Mathis said. “He’s a very good guy. He knows football. He has football savvy. He comes from the Super Bowl champs; he’s used to winning. I was impressed with him the first day I saw him.”
The winner of Mathis versus Ross will start opposite Derek Cox.
The other guy will be slotted as the nickelback. It should be a quality battle.
But I am buying the enthusiasm about Rashean Mathis here.
The veteran cornerback who tore the ACL in his left knee on Nov. 13 spoke with reporters on Tuesday.
[+] Enlarge
Michael Hickey/US PresswireRashean Mathis, who tore the ACL in his left knee last November, hopes to be able to participate in the team's minicamp next month.
Michael Hickey/US PresswireRashean Mathis, who tore the ACL in his left knee last November, hopes to be able to participate in the team's minicamp next month.“It’s responding great, I haven’t had any setbacks,” Mathis said. “I’ve never had an ACL injury before, but the guys around me who have had it say that I am way ahead of schedule. They’re surprised what I am doing at this time.”
If that doctor's appointment goes as well as he expects, he believes he’ll be able to participate, at least to some degree, in the team’s June 12-14 minicamp.
“To me, that would be remarkable,” coach Mike Mularkey said after an OTA session Tuesday at the team’s headquarters at EverBank Field.
“As long as they give him the go-ahead -- and really the player, too, feels good about it, that’s important as well -- I’m sure we would let him go. I’m sure he’d probably be limited, too. Since it’s the last, basically, three days of the offseason going into a five-week stretch. ...
“With the time that’s coming where you can’t do anything with the team, so I think it would be outstanding if he could get some work done with the team. I think it would be good with his teammates when it’s all said and done. We’re still on path for that.”
Mathis is heading into his 10th season with the Jaguars. He’s a consummate professional who won a starting spot as a second-round draft pick out of Bethune-Cookman in 2003.
Now he’s in line to compete with newcomer Aaron Ross, a free-agent addition who was part of two Super Bowl wins with the New York Giants.
“You always compete in this league,” Mathis said. “My mentality besides like a couple years, maybe, you always know that a competition is a possibility. And sometimes it’s been made known, whether or not it’s been made publicly known. ...”
“You approach it like you approach any other thing: Handle what you can handle. Stay healthy is the main thing. If I can, the rest will take care of itself.
As for the guy Mathis will need to hold off ...
“Aaron is a very good player; that’s a great pickup for our team, our defense,” Mathis said. “He’s a very good guy. He knows football. He has football savvy. He comes from the Super Bowl champs; he’s used to winning. I was impressed with him the first day I saw him.”
The winner of Mathis versus Ross will start opposite Derek Cox.
The other guy will be slotted as the nickelback. It should be a quality battle.
A look at what came out of the Jaguars' rookie minicamp:
- Receiver Justin Blackmon didn’t practice Sunday because of a sore right foot, says Vito Stellino of the Florida Times-Union. Coach Mike Mularkey praised Blackmon’s ability as a “natural catcher” and the way he adjusts to the ball.
- Mularkey said the Jaguars will sign two to five of the players who participated on a tryout basis. Stellino reported that fullback Naufahu Tahi will be one of them. He has spent parts of five seasons with the Vikings.
- Like veteran corner Rashean Mathis, rookie defensive end Ryan Davis is trying to make the Jaguars after playing at Bethune-Cookman. Davis feels a connection with defensive line coaches Joe Cullen and Paul Spicer, says Stellino.
- There’s no progress on a new contract for kicker Josh Scobee, who’s not signing his franchise tender, says Tania Ganguli. Scobee’s agent denies that Sebastian Janikowski’s contract is an issue. The team will have to keep another kicker for OTAs while Scobee remains unsigned. Ultimately, they’ll strike a deal or Scobee will sign the tender.
- Controversial draft pick Bryan Anger consistently hung his punts in the air for 5.1 seconds, reports Stellino. Anger had good humor about all the grief the Jaguars have taken for drafting him in the third round. Obviously, he hopes to quiet those critics with his performance.
A year ago, when the Jaguars signed Drew Coleman, his expertise as a nickel corner was his appeal.
And even as the Jaguars lost defensive backs, the team kept Coleman in that narrow role. He lined up across from the receiver in the slot.
Surprisingly, the Jaguars released Coleman today, and it seems the lack of versatility that was just fine before hurt him now.
The team re-signed Rashean Mathis and he’s done very well with his rehab from a torn ACL. They signed veteran Aaron Ross. They tendered William Middleton and drafted Mike Harris.
Ross, Middleton and Harris have all played the nickel role in the past.
I would have let one of them show he’s a better option than Coleman in training camp. And I do generally abide by the thinking that you don’t make a personnel move until you have to. If Ross fell down the stairs and suffered an injury that means he won’t play in 2013, then you’d like to have Coleman back, no?
Coleman signed for three years and $7.5 million. The Jaguars paid him a bonus of just over $3 million. He was due base salaries of just over $1.5 million this year and next.
The Colts should look at Coleman, who will probably have some options with teams that didn’t get what they wanted in the draft and need nickel help.
And even as the Jaguars lost defensive backs, the team kept Coleman in that narrow role. He lined up across from the receiver in the slot.
Surprisingly, the Jaguars released Coleman today, and it seems the lack of versatility that was just fine before hurt him now.
The team re-signed Rashean Mathis and he’s done very well with his rehab from a torn ACL. They signed veteran Aaron Ross. They tendered William Middleton and drafted Mike Harris.
Ross, Middleton and Harris have all played the nickel role in the past.
I would have let one of them show he’s a better option than Coleman in training camp. And I do generally abide by the thinking that you don’t make a personnel move until you have to. If Ross fell down the stairs and suffered an injury that means he won’t play in 2013, then you’d like to have Coleman back, no?
Coleman signed for three years and $7.5 million. The Jaguars paid him a bonus of just over $3 million. He was due base salaries of just over $1.5 million this year and next.
The Colts should look at Coleman, who will probably have some options with teams that didn’t get what they wanted in the draft and need nickel help.
» NFC draft analysis: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South
Despite talk of grabbing the best player available, it’s funny how often needs and picks seem to line up.
Of 31 picks, I count four that don’t technically qualify as addressing needs: Jaguars fifth-round linebacker Brandon Marshall, Titans fifth-round tight end Taylor Thompson, Jaguars sixth-round cornerback Mike Harris and Colts seventh-round quarterback Chandler Harnish.
We saw the Texans replenish at outside linebacker, on the offensive line and at kicker and add to their options at receiver. The Colts loaded up on help for No. 1 overall pick Andrew Luck -- seven of their other nine picks bring offensive players to Indianapolis . Jacksonville addressed its big needs right out of the chute, then made a couple of odd selections. Tennessee didn’t take two players at the same position.
BEST MOVE
The Jaguars came into the offseason in dire need of upgraded weaponry for Blaine Gabbert. They started last season with wide receiver Jason Hill as a starter, and he was cut before the season ended. Mike Thomas was miscast as a top-of-the-group guy when he should be a No. 3. Cecil Shorts showed he needs a lot of time to develop.
Mike Mularkey hired a solid receiver coach, Jerry Sullivan. He’s a tremendous upgrade from Johnny Cox, who was quickly fired after Jack Del Rio was dismissed during the 2011 season. Free agency brought Laurent Robinson, who should help, and Lee Evans, who’d be gravy if he can revive his career.
The Jaguars successfully sold pundits on the idea they’d be trading down, then only gave up a fourth-rounder to move up from No. 7 to No. 5 to draft Oklahoma State’s Justin Blackmon. He’s a dynamic receiver who can catch balls outside his frame and cause matchup problems.
Outside of Luck, no team in the division got a player who can cure an ill better than Blackmon can fix what ails the Jacksonville offense. Now it’s on Gabbert to show he can effectively get the ball to the new star receiver.
RISKIEST MOVE
The Titans didn’t touch a defensive end until Scott Solomon in the seventh round, and they didn’t add an offensive lineman at all. And pass rush and run blocking were two areas that qualified as weaknesses at the end of last season.
Tennessee hosted Scott Wells, Chris Myers, Jeff Saturday and Dan Koppen and saw all four sign elsewhere. On Saturday, coach Mike Munchak made those meetings sound like information-gathering get-togethers rather than courtships, a stance that’s pretty insulting to veterans who wouldn’t waste time making visits without the possibility of a contract.
The defense of incumbent starters on the interior -- Eugene Amano and Leroy Harris -- has entered a new round now. Munchak said the team felt no “dire need there” and that “we have guys we can win with.” Still, watch for a key undrafted addition or free agent or two.
The Titans added one big piece this offseason to its insufficient pass rush in the form of free-agent end Kamerion Wimbley, who was a cap casualty in Oakland. He may provide a big boost but also probably shouldn’t be on the field for every play. Tennessee’s only attempt to bolster itself on the edges came with the 211th pick, end Scott Solomon from Rice.
The Titans face a pretty good slate of quarterbacks this season. Those passers may have a lot of time to throw.
MOST SURPRISING PICK
We hit it hard Saturday night, but the Jaguars' selection of Bryan Anger in the third round was a baffler. Yes, the team will benefit from a big leg and stands to gain field position.
But Jacksonville overrated special teams’ impact by deciding to draft Anger so early rather than addressing other needs where it could have selected a player with a chance to play.
The Jaguars have a recent history of messing up at the position, and teams that struggle with stability at a spot are prone to overreach in an effort to correct it.
I believe that’s a good piece of what happened here. They could have gotten him or a punter who still would have been a big upgrade later.
The Jaguars found Terrance Knighton, Derek Cox and Will Rackley in the third round in Gene Smith’s previous three drafts. They are all starters who affect games more than a punter can.
They can rationalize this pick. And we can stridently disagree.
FILE IT AWAY
Six receivers came into the division -- Blackmon, Kendall Wright in Tennessee, T.Y. Hilton and LaVon Brazill in Indianapolis and DeVier Posey and Keshawn Martin in Houston. That’s two first-rounders, two third-rounders, a fourth-rounder and a sixth-rounder.
The countermeasures?
Just two incoming cornerbacks -- Titans fourth-rounder Coty Sensabaugh and Jaguars sixth-rounder Harris.
Secondary depth could be severely tested by good quarterbacks and receivers, especially when the division faces the NFC North and the high-powered passing offenses of Green Bay, Detroit and Chicago.
The Colts have no proven corners beyond Jerraud Powers. The Texans lost Jason Allen, who played a reasonable amount. The Titans need to unearth a new nickelback now that Cortland Finnegan is gone. Only the Jaguars have fortified the spot, adding two-time Super Bowl winner Aaron Ross, presumably getting Cox and Rashean Mathis back healthy and drafting Harris.
The AFC South is a big running back division, but it’s become more equipped to sling it and may not have the people needed to cover offenses with a lot of downfield weapons.
“It tells you that this is a wide-open league, the offensive focus is on scoring points probably more than ever,” Titans general manager Ruston Webster said. “It’s becoming more of a quarterback-wide receiver league probably every day.”
Despite talk of grabbing the best player available, it’s funny how often needs and picks seem to line up.
Of 31 picks, I count four that don’t technically qualify as addressing needs: Jaguars fifth-round linebacker Brandon Marshall, Titans fifth-round tight end Taylor Thompson, Jaguars sixth-round cornerback Mike Harris and Colts seventh-round quarterback Chandler Harnish.
We saw the Texans replenish at outside linebacker, on the offensive line and at kicker and add to their options at receiver. The Colts loaded up on help for No. 1 overall pick Andrew Luck -- seven of their other nine picks bring offensive players to Indianapolis . Jacksonville addressed its big needs right out of the chute, then made a couple of odd selections. Tennessee didn’t take two players at the same position.
BEST MOVE
[+] Enlarge
Al Bello/Getty ImagesJustin Blackmon is the premier playmaker the Jaguars' offense sorely needed.
Al Bello/Getty ImagesJustin Blackmon is the premier playmaker the Jaguars' offense sorely needed.Mike Mularkey hired a solid receiver coach, Jerry Sullivan. He’s a tremendous upgrade from Johnny Cox, who was quickly fired after Jack Del Rio was dismissed during the 2011 season. Free agency brought Laurent Robinson, who should help, and Lee Evans, who’d be gravy if he can revive his career.
The Jaguars successfully sold pundits on the idea they’d be trading down, then only gave up a fourth-rounder to move up from No. 7 to No. 5 to draft Oklahoma State’s Justin Blackmon. He’s a dynamic receiver who can catch balls outside his frame and cause matchup problems.
Outside of Luck, no team in the division got a player who can cure an ill better than Blackmon can fix what ails the Jacksonville offense. Now it’s on Gabbert to show he can effectively get the ball to the new star receiver.
RISKIEST MOVE
The Titans didn’t touch a defensive end until Scott Solomon in the seventh round, and they didn’t add an offensive lineman at all. And pass rush and run blocking were two areas that qualified as weaknesses at the end of last season.
Tennessee hosted Scott Wells, Chris Myers, Jeff Saturday and Dan Koppen and saw all four sign elsewhere. On Saturday, coach Mike Munchak made those meetings sound like information-gathering get-togethers rather than courtships, a stance that’s pretty insulting to veterans who wouldn’t waste time making visits without the possibility of a contract.
The defense of incumbent starters on the interior -- Eugene Amano and Leroy Harris -- has entered a new round now. Munchak said the team felt no “dire need there” and that “we have guys we can win with.” Still, watch for a key undrafted addition or free agent or two.
The Titans added one big piece this offseason to its insufficient pass rush in the form of free-agent end Kamerion Wimbley, who was a cap casualty in Oakland. He may provide a big boost but also probably shouldn’t be on the field for every play. Tennessee’s only attempt to bolster itself on the edges came with the 211th pick, end Scott Solomon from Rice.
The Titans face a pretty good slate of quarterbacks this season. Those passers may have a lot of time to throw.
MOST SURPRISING PICK
We hit it hard Saturday night, but the Jaguars' selection of Bryan Anger in the third round was a baffler. Yes, the team will benefit from a big leg and stands to gain field position.
But Jacksonville overrated special teams’ impact by deciding to draft Anger so early rather than addressing other needs where it could have selected a player with a chance to play.
The Jaguars have a recent history of messing up at the position, and teams that struggle with stability at a spot are prone to overreach in an effort to correct it.
I believe that’s a good piece of what happened here. They could have gotten him or a punter who still would have been a big upgrade later.
The Jaguars found Terrance Knighton, Derek Cox and Will Rackley in the third round in Gene Smith’s previous three drafts. They are all starters who affect games more than a punter can.
They can rationalize this pick. And we can stridently disagree.
FILE IT AWAY
Six receivers came into the division -- Blackmon, Kendall Wright in Tennessee, T.Y. Hilton and LaVon Brazill in Indianapolis and DeVier Posey and Keshawn Martin in Houston. That’s two first-rounders, two third-rounders, a fourth-rounder and a sixth-rounder.
The countermeasures?
Just two incoming cornerbacks -- Titans fourth-rounder Coty Sensabaugh and Jaguars sixth-rounder Harris.
Secondary depth could be severely tested by good quarterbacks and receivers, especially when the division faces the NFC North and the high-powered passing offenses of Green Bay, Detroit and Chicago.
The Colts have no proven corners beyond Jerraud Powers. The Texans lost Jason Allen, who played a reasonable amount. The Titans need to unearth a new nickelback now that Cortland Finnegan is gone. Only the Jaguars have fortified the spot, adding two-time Super Bowl winner Aaron Ross, presumably getting Cox and Rashean Mathis back healthy and drafting Harris.
The AFC South is a big running back division, but it’s become more equipped to sling it and may not have the people needed to cover offenses with a lot of downfield weapons.
“It tells you that this is a wide-open league, the offensive focus is on scoring points probably more than ever,” Titans general manager Ruston Webster said. “It’s becoming more of a quarterback-wide receiver league probably every day.”
Scouting chatter: Jacksonville Jaguars
April, 26, 2012
Apr 26
2:00
PM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
Thoughts on the Jaguars draft from two people involved in evaluating personnel for NFL teams:
Guy No. 1
“They are a wild card. A hard team to predict, and No. 7 isn’t a great spot.”
“Not Quinton Coples.”
“I don’t know if Melvin Ingram really is a fit. Gene Smith wants a defined position. Maybe they can find a defined position for Ingram. But part of the appeal is the versatility, you can move him around to different spots.”
“Justin Blackmon if he fell, without a doubt, they’d take him in a second. Otherwise I’d say Stephon Gilmore of Fletcher Cox.”
Guy No. 2
“They have a strange profile. They don’t see the board and value the way others do. They always try to trade out. They don’t care if they are regarded as taking a guy too high. They’d rather you think it’s too high than miss him and be kicking themselves.”
“If Blackmon falls to them, he helps the quarterback. He’s pretty damn good. If he’s not there, they can find a receiver later. There are a bunch of guys that can help them. The way to help Blaine Gabbert the most isn’t necessarily with weapons. It’s with the run game and a good defense that turns him into a game manager, maybe like Mark Sanchez.”
“Ingram is pretty good, but it depends on how you use him. He’s less than 6-2. He’s not a fit for everybody. He’s a little better for a 3-4 than a 4-3.”
“Don’t be surprised if it’s Stephon Gilmore. He is squeaky clean. Kirkpatrick is more flamboyant, with more swagger. Gilmore’s a lot like Rashean Mathis, he’s the same size, he moves the same way. He’s fast, he’s productive, he tackles, he intercepts. What don’t you like about him?"
Guy No. 1
“They are a wild card. A hard team to predict, and No. 7 isn’t a great spot.”
“Not Quinton Coples.”
“I don’t know if Melvin Ingram really is a fit. Gene Smith wants a defined position. Maybe they can find a defined position for Ingram. But part of the appeal is the versatility, you can move him around to different spots.”
“Justin Blackmon if he fell, without a doubt, they’d take him in a second. Otherwise I’d say Stephon Gilmore of Fletcher Cox.”
Guy No. 2
“They have a strange profile. They don’t see the board and value the way others do. They always try to trade out. They don’t care if they are regarded as taking a guy too high. They’d rather you think it’s too high than miss him and be kicking themselves.”
“If Blackmon falls to them, he helps the quarterback. He’s pretty damn good. If he’s not there, they can find a receiver later. There are a bunch of guys that can help them. The way to help Blaine Gabbert the most isn’t necessarily with weapons. It’s with the run game and a good defense that turns him into a game manager, maybe like Mark Sanchez.”
“Ingram is pretty good, but it depends on how you use him. He’s less than 6-2. He’s not a fit for everybody. He’s a little better for a 3-4 than a 4-3.”
“Don’t be surprised if it’s Stephon Gilmore. He is squeaky clean. Kirkpatrick is more flamboyant, with more swagger. Gilmore’s a lot like Rashean Mathis, he’s the same size, he moves the same way. He’s fast, he’s productive, he tackles, he intercepts. What don’t you like about him?"
Blogger Mock Draft Live has concluded.
The AFC South made one trade and four picks as we unrolled our final mock draft during a well-attended chat.
You can see how it all unfolded in the chat, and we’ve got the full mock draft here.
The Jaguars could well stay put at No. 7. They may have no choice as we hear that the trade market is largely non-existent.
I hardly got a haul from NFC East blogger Dan Graziano, who made a deal with me as the Eagles representative.
As the Jaguars, I got No. 15, No. 88 in the third round and gave up 176th in the sixth round in exchange for No. 153 in the fifth. That’s not a win on the trade value chart, but I think it’s outdated. I got an extra pick and an upgrade. Maybe I should have stayed put and taken defensive end Melvin Ingram. But at 15, I got the Gamecocks cornerback Stephon Gilmore, who could have gone inside the top 10. This would give the Jaguars nice depth at corner, with Derek Cox, Aaron Ross, Rashean Mathis if healthy, Gilmore and nickel specialist Drew Coleman.
Oh, I forgot my first pick, didn’t I? So unsurprising was the Colts selection of Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck.
At 20, the Titans passed on Alabama cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick in favor of USC defensive end Nick Perry. Tennessee could go corner, but they are hardly corner desperate. They aren’t desperate at end, either, I suppose, since they signed Kamerion Wimbley. But Perry’s got a combination of size and speed that can help the rush and make life easier on the corners the Titans already have.
At 26, my choice for the Texans was not especially well received by the masses. Prevailing wisdom says receiver, and that’s where I have gone in past mocks. But with Mike Brisiel and Eric Winston gone, that strong offensive line suffered two major dents. Antoine Caldwell or Rashad Butler will probably be good. But to bank on both seems risky. Put Wisconsin’s Kevin Zeitler in the mix, let him win one of those spots and the odds the line can be good again go up.
ESPN.com kindly provides space below for you to destroy me for these picks.
At least I hit on Luck, right?
The AFC South made one trade and four picks as we unrolled our final mock draft during a well-attended chat.
You can see how it all unfolded in the chat, and we’ve got the full mock draft here.
The Jaguars could well stay put at No. 7. They may have no choice as we hear that the trade market is largely non-existent.
I hardly got a haul from NFC East blogger Dan Graziano, who made a deal with me as the Eagles representative.
As the Jaguars, I got No. 15, No. 88 in the third round and gave up 176th in the sixth round in exchange for No. 153 in the fifth. That’s not a win on the trade value chart, but I think it’s outdated. I got an extra pick and an upgrade. Maybe I should have stayed put and taken defensive end Melvin Ingram. But at 15, I got the Gamecocks cornerback Stephon Gilmore, who could have gone inside the top 10. This would give the Jaguars nice depth at corner, with Derek Cox, Aaron Ross, Rashean Mathis if healthy, Gilmore and nickel specialist Drew Coleman.
Oh, I forgot my first pick, didn’t I? So unsurprising was the Colts selection of Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck.
At 20, the Titans passed on Alabama cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick in favor of USC defensive end Nick Perry. Tennessee could go corner, but they are hardly corner desperate. They aren’t desperate at end, either, I suppose, since they signed Kamerion Wimbley. But Perry’s got a combination of size and speed that can help the rush and make life easier on the corners the Titans already have.
At 26, my choice for the Texans was not especially well received by the masses. Prevailing wisdom says receiver, and that’s where I have gone in past mocks. But with Mike Brisiel and Eric Winston gone, that strong offensive line suffered two major dents. Antoine Caldwell or Rashad Butler will probably be good. But to bank on both seems risky. Put Wisconsin’s Kevin Zeitler in the mix, let him win one of those spots and the odds the line can be good again go up.
ESPN.com kindly provides space below for you to destroy me for these picks.
At least I hit on Luck, right?
Reading the coverage ...
All four teams would probably be pleased if the draft went like this mock from Nolan Nawrocki.
Houston Texans
Arian Foster pulled off a stunner in the "Madden" cover contest, beating Tim Tebow, says Nick Mathews of the Houston Chronicle.
Baylor receiver Kendall Wright is the pick for the Texans in the newest mock from Lance Zierlein of the Houston Chronicle.
Eric Winston won’t be buying a suite at Reliant Stadium.
Indianapolis Colts
Year 1 went completely different than left tackle Anthony Castonzo expected, says Phil Richards of the Indianapolis Star.
There are Colts Andrew Luck jerseys out there, but they aren’t legal, says Richards.
Two have been arrested for allegedly swindling Dwight Freeney out of more than $2 million, says Greg Risling of AP.
Jacksonville Jaguars
It doesn’t sound like there is a chance for end Matt Roth to return and Mike Mularkey talked optimistically about Eben Britton’s rehab, says Tania Ganguli of the Florida Times-Union.
Rashean Mathis and Aaron Ross will be competing for a starting spot opposite Derek Cox, says Ganguli.
Tennessee Titans
“A league source tells CSN's Derrick Gunn that Asante Samuel could be traded to the Tennessee Titans for a conditional third-round pick some time in the next few days.” I’m skeptical, but we’ll have to wait and see.
All four teams would probably be pleased if the draft went like this mock from Nolan Nawrocki.
Houston Texans
Arian Foster pulled off a stunner in the "Madden" cover contest, beating Tim Tebow, says Nick Mathews of the Houston Chronicle.
Baylor receiver Kendall Wright is the pick for the Texans in the newest mock from Lance Zierlein of the Houston Chronicle.
Eric Winston won’t be buying a suite at Reliant Stadium.
Indianapolis Colts
Year 1 went completely different than left tackle Anthony Castonzo expected, says Phil Richards of the Indianapolis Star.
There are Colts Andrew Luck jerseys out there, but they aren’t legal, says Richards.
Two have been arrested for allegedly swindling Dwight Freeney out of more than $2 million, says Greg Risling of AP.
Jacksonville Jaguars
It doesn’t sound like there is a chance for end Matt Roth to return and Mike Mularkey talked optimistically about Eben Britton’s rehab, says Tania Ganguli of the Florida Times-Union.
Rashean Mathis and Aaron Ross will be competing for a starting spot opposite Derek Cox, says Ganguli.
Tennessee Titans
“A league source tells CSN's Derrick Gunn that Asante Samuel could be traded to the Tennessee Titans for a conditional third-round pick some time in the next few days.” I’m skeptical, but we’ll have to wait and see.
The sort of bold move the Jaguars were due to make thanks to plenty of salary-cap room and a new owner who’s talked about being all-in has arrived.
While the Jaguars signed receiver Laurent Robinson and backup quarterback Chad Henne, the addition of former Giants cornerback Aaron Ross is a bigger move.
Adam Schefter reports the Jaguars and Ross have agreed on a three-year deal worth up to $15.3 million.
Ross should bring the Jaguars a great deal in play and leadership -- he started in both the Giants’ Super Bowl wins over the Patriots.
Corner depth was the Jaguars’ second-biggest need on defense, behind only the sort of special pass-rushing end that many teams are searching for fruitlessly.
Jacksonville had previously re-signed Rashean Mathis, a one-time staple. He’s coming off a torn ACL, however, and his deal is an incentive-laden one-year package.
The Jaguars now have Ross, Derek Cox, Mathis and nickel corner Drew Coleman.
That’s a pretty solid stable to fill out the defensive backfield with safeties Dawan Landry and Dwight Lowery.
Despite managing to re-sign end Jeremy Mincey, end and receiver remain the primary needs.
The defense is an end away from being loaded, having now added a quality six pack of veterans in the past two seasons: linebackers Paul Posluszny and Clint Session, safeties Landry and Lowery and corners Ross and Coleman.
While the Jaguars signed receiver Laurent Robinson and backup quarterback Chad Henne, the addition of former Giants cornerback Aaron Ross is a bigger move.
Ross should bring the Jaguars a great deal in play and leadership -- he started in both the Giants’ Super Bowl wins over the Patriots.
Corner depth was the Jaguars’ second-biggest need on defense, behind only the sort of special pass-rushing end that many teams are searching for fruitlessly.
Jacksonville had previously re-signed Rashean Mathis, a one-time staple. He’s coming off a torn ACL, however, and his deal is an incentive-laden one-year package.
The Jaguars now have Ross, Derek Cox, Mathis and nickel corner Drew Coleman.
That’s a pretty solid stable to fill out the defensive backfield with safeties Dawan Landry and Dwight Lowery.
Despite managing to re-sign end Jeremy Mincey, end and receiver remain the primary needs.
The defense is an end away from being loaded, having now added a quality six pack of veterans in the past two seasons: linebackers Paul Posluszny and Clint Session, safeties Landry and Lowery and corners Ross and Coleman.
Reading the coverage …
Houston Texans
This mock draft from John McClain of the Houston Chronicle has the Texans taking Illinois outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus.
Andre Johnson has not renegotiated his contract at this time, says McClain.
Indianapolis Colts
Mike Chappell of the Indianapolis Star appreciates how Peyton Manning dealt with incredible disappointments. The Star has a Manning page.
The next quarterback of the Colts will come in as a rookie starter, just like the last guy did, says Chappell.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Tania Ganguli of the Florida Times-Union gives us the lowdown on the contract details for Rashean Mathis.
Starting at 12:45 p.m. ET, Ganguli will live blog Shahid Khan’s meeting with the Times-Union’s editorial board.
Tennessee Titans
The one obvious wild card with the Titans and Manning is owner Bud Adams, says David Climer of The Tennessean.
“College spread offenses are making it more difficult to judge how a lineman might perform in the NFL” and that affects how the Titans evaluate, says Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean.
Houston Texans
This mock draft from John McClain of the Houston Chronicle has the Texans taking Illinois outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus.
Andre Johnson has not renegotiated his contract at this time, says McClain.
Indianapolis Colts
Mike Chappell of the Indianapolis Star appreciates how Peyton Manning dealt with incredible disappointments. The Star has a Manning page.
The next quarterback of the Colts will come in as a rookie starter, just like the last guy did, says Chappell.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Tania Ganguli of the Florida Times-Union gives us the lowdown on the contract details for Rashean Mathis.
Starting at 12:45 p.m. ET, Ganguli will live blog Shahid Khan’s meeting with the Times-Union’s editorial board.
Tennessee Titans
The one obvious wild card with the Titans and Manning is owner Bud Adams, says David Climer of The Tennessean.
“College spread offenses are making it more difficult to judge how a lineman might perform in the NFL” and that affects how the Titans evaluate, says Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean.
With Mathis signed, Jags still need corners
March, 8, 2012
Mar 8
8:52
AM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
Often when a veteran is coming off a torn ACL as he reaches free agency, his team takes a wait-and-see approach.
The Jaguars have apparently seen enough from Rashean Mathis, and Adam Schefter says they’ve signed him to a one-year, $5 million contract before he reached the market.
Mathis has been a solid contributor and a solid citizen for the Jags since he was a second-round draft pick in 2003. He’s from Jacksonville, and played well last season before suffering the injury.
But he’s 31 and the Jaguars need to find some depth at cornerback, giving themselves an option as a starter for beyond 2012.
It’s a position they are certain to address in free agency or the draft, or both.
The Jaguars have apparently seen enough from Rashean Mathis, and Adam Schefter says they’ve signed him to a one-year, $5 million contract before he reached the market.
Mathis has been a solid contributor and a solid citizen for the Jags since he was a second-round draft pick in 2003. He’s from Jacksonville, and played well last season before suffering the injury.
But he’s 31 and the Jaguars need to find some depth at cornerback, giving themselves an option as a starter for beyond 2012.
It’s a position they are certain to address in free agency or the draft, or both.
The money isn’t mine. I’m not certain about what you can afford and what the market will pay when free agency opens on March 13. I’m not positive about your plans and schemes.
But I’ve got a good sense of your team. We've looked at the free-agent list.
And here’s what I’d try to do with your major issues:
1) Land at least one premium free-agent wide receiver. I’d stack them something like this: San Diego’s Vincent Jackson, Kansas City’s Dwayne Bowe, Buffalo’s Steve Johnson, New Orleans’ Marques Colston. If you’re bold and will take two, I like Indianapolis’s Pierre Garcon or New Orleans’ Robert Meachem.
2) Re-sign safety Dwight Lowery. Just a year ago, you were a mess at safety. You did fine work signing Dawan Landry and trading for Lowery and shifting him from corner to fix it. You have to keep it fixed. Hopefully he realizes what a great fit he is in a top-flight defense. But there are a lot of safety-needy teams out there, including your AFC South rival Titans. Lowery needs to be in your lineup in 2012.
3) Be a player for Mario Williams. If Houston’s outside linebacker/defensive end becomes a free agent as I expect, you can afford to make a huge splash with him. And you’re a premier pass-rushing defensive end and a cornerback away from being a premier defense. If Williams goes elsewhere and the Colts’ Robert Mathis comes free, he should be the second target.
4) Shop free-agent quarterbacks to upgrade the backup plan for Blaine Gabbert. Chad Henne probably finds a better situation. Kyle Orton too. How about Jason Campbell? The new backup needs to have the right disposition -- sit back, offer guidance, run a good scout team. But he also needs to be able to play, because if Gabbert is bad again, you can’t just sacrifice the season. You have to have a better backup than Luke McCown.
5) Let defensive end Jeremy Mincey explore the market. He’s a supreme effort guy you’d like to have back. But he’s not worth the kind of money I imagine he’s looking for. If the rest of the league agrees, you’ll have a chance at him later. If he gets swept up, then someone likely overpaid.
6) Monitor your defensive tackles closely. Tyson Alualu's knee surgery wasn't said to be major, but the knee kept him from peak performance last season and they need to get it right. And Terrance Knighton's weight cannot continue to be an issue going forward. Ultimately it's on him, of course, but the new staff needs to find the best, most helpful approach.
7) Wait on Rashean Mathis unless he's cheap right away. The corner will be an unrestricted free agent but is coming off a torn ACL. He's a great team guy and can still play, but the end is in sight. You want him on a cheap, short deal and hopefully you draft the guy in April who replaces him in 2013.
8) While you have plenty of cap room, you still want to be conscious of paying reasonable prices. You can wait to decide on them later. But even a healthy Aaron Kampman isn’t worth a $4.97 million base. And fullback Greg Jones played only 38.7 percent of the team’s snaps last season but is schedule to make $3.4 million. Too much.
But I’ve got a good sense of your team. We've looked at the free-agent list.
And here’s what I’d try to do with your major issues:
1) Land at least one premium free-agent wide receiver. I’d stack them something like this: San Diego’s Vincent Jackson, Kansas City’s Dwayne Bowe, Buffalo’s Steve Johnson, New Orleans’ Marques Colston. If you’re bold and will take two, I like Indianapolis’s Pierre Garcon or New Orleans’ Robert Meachem.
2) Re-sign safety Dwight Lowery. Just a year ago, you were a mess at safety. You did fine work signing Dawan Landry and trading for Lowery and shifting him from corner to fix it. You have to keep it fixed. Hopefully he realizes what a great fit he is in a top-flight defense. But there are a lot of safety-needy teams out there, including your AFC South rival Titans. Lowery needs to be in your lineup in 2012.
3) Be a player for Mario Williams. If Houston’s outside linebacker/defensive end becomes a free agent as I expect, you can afford to make a huge splash with him. And you’re a premier pass-rushing defensive end and a cornerback away from being a premier defense. If Williams goes elsewhere and the Colts’ Robert Mathis comes free, he should be the second target.
4) Shop free-agent quarterbacks to upgrade the backup plan for Blaine Gabbert. Chad Henne probably finds a better situation. Kyle Orton too. How about Jason Campbell? The new backup needs to have the right disposition -- sit back, offer guidance, run a good scout team. But he also needs to be able to play, because if Gabbert is bad again, you can’t just sacrifice the season. You have to have a better backup than Luke McCown.
5) Let defensive end Jeremy Mincey explore the market. He’s a supreme effort guy you’d like to have back. But he’s not worth the kind of money I imagine he’s looking for. If the rest of the league agrees, you’ll have a chance at him later. If he gets swept up, then someone likely overpaid.
6) Monitor your defensive tackles closely. Tyson Alualu's knee surgery wasn't said to be major, but the knee kept him from peak performance last season and they need to get it right. And Terrance Knighton's weight cannot continue to be an issue going forward. Ultimately it's on him, of course, but the new staff needs to find the best, most helpful approach.
7) Wait on Rashean Mathis unless he's cheap right away. The corner will be an unrestricted free agent but is coming off a torn ACL. He's a great team guy and can still play, but the end is in sight. You want him on a cheap, short deal and hopefully you draft the guy in April who replaces him in 2013.
8) While you have plenty of cap room, you still want to be conscious of paying reasonable prices. You can wait to decide on them later. But even a healthy Aaron Kampman isn’t worth a $4.97 million base. And fullback Greg Jones played only 38.7 percent of the team’s snaps last season but is schedule to make $3.4 million. Too much.
Jags may be a few picks late for Claiborne
February, 26, 2012
Feb 26
4:15
PM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
INDIANAPOLIS -- Morris Claiborne is largely regarded as the top cornerback available in the draft.
The Jaguars may be drafting a bit too late at No. 7 to get him, but he’d sure be a great fit. Jacksonville has a quality young corner in Derek Cox. But veteran Rashean Mathis is about to be an unrestricted free agent and is coming off a torn ACL. Even if he’s re-signed and recovered for opening day, the Jaguars need their next starting corner on the roster.
Not long ago, Claiborne wasn’t even a cornerback. He said he was recruited to LSU as an “athlete” and teammate Patrick Peterson, drafted fifth overall by Arizona last year, convinced him to try corner.
He was quickly hooked.
Regarding the combine, Peterson told Claiborne to “go up and take over.”
Claiborne is an admirer of Darrelle Revis and rates himself a technician who funnels receivers rather than being especially physical with them.
He’d be a great piece for the Jaguars. But it may be difficult for him to get beyond Tampa Bay at No. 5.
The Jaguars may be drafting a bit too late at No. 7 to get him, but he’d sure be a great fit. Jacksonville has a quality young corner in Derek Cox. But veteran Rashean Mathis is about to be an unrestricted free agent and is coming off a torn ACL. Even if he’s re-signed and recovered for opening day, the Jaguars need their next starting corner on the roster.
Not long ago, Claiborne wasn’t even a cornerback. He said he was recruited to LSU as an “athlete” and teammate Patrick Peterson, drafted fifth overall by Arizona last year, convinced him to try corner.
He was quickly hooked.
Regarding the combine, Peterson told Claiborne to “go up and take over.”
Claiborne is an admirer of Darrelle Revis and rates himself a technician who funnels receivers rather than being especially physical with them.
He’d be a great piece for the Jaguars. But it may be difficult for him to get beyond Tampa Bay at No. 5.
Jags hope knee surgery fixes Alualu's game
February, 24, 2012
Feb 24
4:23
PM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
INDIANAPOLIS -- Jacksonville defensive tackle Tyson Alualu had surgery on the balky knee that kept him from approaching his peak performance in 2011, Jaguars coach Mike Mularkey said Friday at the scouting combine.
“We’re anxious to see how he is when he feels 100 percent,” Mularkey said. “I know that when we played him when I was with Atlanta, he was a disruptive player on that knee. Here’s a guy that’s going to hopefully come back full speed and see how much more he can improve from it. He should be ready to go by the time we get to camp."
Mularkey said the operation was not serious and is expected to solve Alualu’s issues.
The Jaguars can be an excellent defense, especially if they add a big-time pass rushing end. They are at their best when Alualu and Terrance Knighton clog up the middle and force teams to try to run outside.
Mularkey had less to say about other injured players like defensive ends Aaron Kampman (knee) and Matt Roth (concussions), linebacker Clint Session (concussions ) and cornerbacks Derek Cox (knee) and Rashean Mathis (knee).
“Our first camp will be on April 16, again I’m going to call it a veteran orientation camp … we’re hoping to see if they are ready for that but it’s not going to be a setback if they’re not,” Mularkey said.
“We’re anxious to see how he is when he feels 100 percent,” Mularkey said. “I know that when we played him when I was with Atlanta, he was a disruptive player on that knee. Here’s a guy that’s going to hopefully come back full speed and see how much more he can improve from it. He should be ready to go by the time we get to camp."
Mularkey said the operation was not serious and is expected to solve Alualu’s issues.
The Jaguars can be an excellent defense, especially if they add a big-time pass rushing end. They are at their best when Alualu and Terrance Knighton clog up the middle and force teams to try to run outside.
Mularkey had less to say about other injured players like defensive ends Aaron Kampman (knee) and Matt Roth (concussions), linebacker Clint Session (concussions ) and cornerbacks Derek Cox (knee) and Rashean Mathis (knee).
“Our first camp will be on April 16, again I’m going to call it a veteran orientation camp … we’re hoping to see if they are ready for that but it’s not going to be a setback if they’re not,” Mularkey said.
AFC South links: Can Luck take pressure?
February, 20, 2012
Feb 20
10:17
AM ET
By ESPN.com staff | ESPN.com
Houston Texans
The Houston Chronicle's Dale Robertson takes a look back at the Texans' hits and misses in the 2002 expansion draft.
The franchise tag period starts Monday, and USA Today's Robert Klemko looks at where the Texans stand with Arian Foster and Mario Williams, who are candidates to be tagged if they do not reach a long-term contract agreement with the team.
Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Star's Bob Kravitz takes on a number of questions that have been swirling around Peyton Manning recently, including why did owner Jim Irsay come out last week and say it's up to Manning whether he returns to Indy.
How will the Colts' presumptive No. 1 pick, Andrew Luck, respond to being cast as a franchise savior? Sports Illustrated's Peter King asked Luck's college coach, Stanford's David Shaw, to weigh in.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Corner Rashean Mathis is ahead of schedule in his recovery from a torn ACL.
The Jaguars should look to trade down in the draft, argues Joey Farbo of Rant Sports.
Tennessee Titans
With four safeties from last year's team that could become free agents, the Titans need to be in the market for dual threats at safety, writes The Tennessean's John Glennon.
The Titans are considering offensive linemen to take in the draft, but probably not in the first round, writes Glennon.
The Houston Chronicle's Dale Robertson takes a look back at the Texans' hits and misses in the 2002 expansion draft.
The franchise tag period starts Monday, and USA Today's Robert Klemko looks at where the Texans stand with Arian Foster and Mario Williams, who are candidates to be tagged if they do not reach a long-term contract agreement with the team.
Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Star's Bob Kravitz takes on a number of questions that have been swirling around Peyton Manning recently, including why did owner Jim Irsay come out last week and say it's up to Manning whether he returns to Indy.
How will the Colts' presumptive No. 1 pick, Andrew Luck, respond to being cast as a franchise savior? Sports Illustrated's Peter King asked Luck's college coach, Stanford's David Shaw, to weigh in.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Corner Rashean Mathis is ahead of schedule in his recovery from a torn ACL.
The Jaguars should look to trade down in the draft, argues Joey Farbo of Rant Sports.
Tennessee Titans
With four safeties from last year's team that could become free agents, the Titans need to be in the market for dual threats at safety, writes The Tennessean's John Glennon.
The Titans are considering offensive linemen to take in the draft, but probably not in the first round, writes Glennon.
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Paul Kuharsky
Kuharsky joined ESPN.com in 2008 after 12 years covering the Oilers/Titans and the NFL for The (Nashville) Tennessean. The New Jersey native and Columbia graduate lives in Nashville with his wife and son.
