Getty ImagesThe Jaguars have the No. 2 pick in April’s draft. And they would seem to be giving the impression of doing every bit of due diligence on West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith, who’s regarded as the top passing prospect available.
The Jaguars said Wednesday that general manager David Caldwell, head coach Gus Bradley, offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch, senior vice president Tony Khan and player personnel director Terry McDonough will be attending West Virginia’s pro day on Thursday in Morgantown. Per the West Virginia athletics website, every NFL team is expected to have a presence at the pro day.
The Jaguars are somewhat unsettled at quarterback. Blaine Gabbert has had a challenging first two NFL seasons, and the general manager who drafted him (Gene Smith) is gone. Moreover, Bradley will be Gabbert’s fourth head coach in his short pro career. Likewise, veteran Chad Henne is also a holdover from an old regime. In February, Caldwell told NFL.com that there would be “a wide-open competition” at quarterback.
With numerous needs and the QB uncertainty, the Jaguars could go any number of ways with that No. 2 pick. If they believe Geno Smith is the answer at the most important position on the field, taking him makes sense. That said, a trade down is logical, too — this is a new era in Jacksonville, and roster changes go hand-in-hand in these situations. And should the Jaguars deal down in Round One and pick up more picks … well, they need playmaking punch throughout the offense, and they will get a nice, in-person look at one Tavon Austin on Thursday.
Channel Finder
Gabbert is still dealing with the forearm injury that put him on IR last season. He suffered nerve damage. Jags may just be covering their bets until they’re sure he is going to be completely recovered.
Go from one draft bust to the next. Sounds about right
Jags want to see first hand how much their second overall pick is worth, once the other teams come asking.
I hate my jags.
Breaking News Jacksonville has a Group, next up a fan base……….
Whats worse than having a qb that was a 1st round bust? ……… having two!
I like Geno, but no way, is he worth the 2nd pick, but it’s also gonna be difficult to trade down in this draft
Geno this year, Clowney next year. Dibsies.
I bet this is a smoke screen. My money is on the Jags taking a pass rusher.
They are probably more interested in Austin… Pair that with Blackmon and CS3.. Imagine …
So they are going to compound one mistake by taking Gabbert by making a second and taking Smith. I guess that’s why they are the Jaguars
Geno is sure to improve after he visits Gruden’s QB camp.
If the Jags like him they better pick him at the 2nd pick because he won’t last long.
Gabbert is so bad he makes reaching on Smith look like a good idea.
This is the closest Florio has ever been to the Jags…literally and figuratively
The idea of Tony Khan being a heartbeat away from owning the Jaguars scares the hell out of me. Live long and well, Shad!
Geno Smith or Matt Scott would be a major upgrade over “Blame Gabbert”!!!
JaMarcus Russell might be the biggest bust ever, but his alleged lack of character might be the biggest piece of draft irony we have ever seen.
He was the clean guy who’s now bad news … on and off the field!!!
I remember the bellows and cries after we took Blackmon last year. And that kid is a STUD. All of you need to just sit back and take it. Geno will win offensive rookie of the year next year and all of you will go back to pretending like you liked the pick.
Geno is Caldwell’s Matt Ryan. It is destiny, and so shall it be.