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Although constantly scouring the free-agent list and the daily waiver wire, the Jaguars’ decision makers have switched most of their focus toward the draft after an 11-day flurry of activity.
“I would say it’s 95 percent on the draft,” general manager Dave Caldwell said Wednesday after the Central Florida Pro Day.
From March 8 until Tuesday, Caldwell and Co. were locked into free agency, and they hope it pays off come September.
Seven players were added (four on defense and three on offense), and six are projected starters: left guard Zane Beadles, running back Toby Gerhart, defensive ends Red Bryant and Chris Clemons and outside linebacker Dekoda Watson. Defensive tackle Ziggy Hood should receive starter-type playing time.
“We made a point of adding to both the offensive line and defensive line. We wanted some speed on special teams [with receiver Tandon Doss] and an outside linebacker with some rush skills,” Caldwell said. “We feel good that with the 11 picks we have in the draft, it sets the table for us to make some headway in Year 2.”
Caldwell and coach Gus Bradley discussed several issues after watching Knights quarterback Blake Bortles go through his workout:
EXPECTATIONS FOR CLEMONS
What’s the story: The addition of Clemons, less than a day after he was released by Seattle, went against the Jaguars’ norm. He is over 30 (32) and has a major injury history (torn ACL in January 2013). But Caldwell jumped at the chance to reunite Clemons with Bradley and defensive line coach Todd Wash, both of whom worked with Clemons in Seattle.
After his sack total dropped from 11.5 to 4.5 last year, can Clemons be expected to boost the Jaguars’ tied-for-worst pass rush?
Caldwell said: “You watch his video, and you still see he can get off the ball. He’s very competitive and will bring some leadership to the D-line group in terms of mentoring any young defensive ends that are on our team or might be on our team at some point. And he knows our system.”
BRINGING BABIN BACK
What’s the story: From those on the outside, the Jaguars’ decision to re-sign defensive end Jason Babin was surprising considering he turns 34 in May and especially after the team wrapped up Clemons. Through eight games last year, Babin had more penalties (six) than sacks (two) and looked every bit of a player in his 10th NFL season.
But over the season’s second half, Babin had 5.5 sacks (his total of 7.5 led the team) and also learned how to line up properly (one penalty). That helped him re-enter the Jaguars’ short-term plans.
Bradley said: “I liked what he brought — his work ethic, his attitude, his leadership, understanding his role and being flexible — and he was great in the locker room. And then we saw him still have some juice. All those things put together, you can never have too many pass rushers.”
ZIGGY’S TRANSITION
What’s the story: Hood played defensive end in Pittsburgh’s 3-4 scheme for four years, but the Jaguars hope returning to his natural 4-3 defensive tackle spot he played at Missouri will increase his production.
But there will be an adjustment period. Unlike Clemons and Bryant, who will reintegrate themselves into Bradley’s system, the Jaguars will be patient with Hood and hope he’ll be more comfortable charging up the field instead of simply absorbing the center to keep him away from a linebacker.
Caldwell said: “This is a completely different system than he had in Pittsburgh. It’s a little bit of a projection of how he’s going to do, but we feel he’ll do well. We look at his skill set in terms of athleticism, motor and quickness and feel he can be productive doing the things we’ll ask him to do.”
GUARD/CENTER OUTLOOK
What’s the story: The revamped Jaguars interior offensive line began to take shape with the signing of Beadles. But holes remain at center and right guard. On the center front, Evan Dietrich-Smith signed with Tampa Bay and since it hasn’t happened yet, it doesn’t appear Cleveland’s Alex Mack (the Browns could match any offer) is on the Jaguars’ radar.
At right guard, the Jaguars have Jacques McClendon, who finished last year as the starter, and he’ll work there. Mike Brewster will see time at center, and Caldwell also mentioned Patrick Lewis as a part of the center mix. But look for the Jaguars to address the interior line in the draft.
Caldwell said: “We’ll gauge every opportunity between now and the end of the draft. I think [Brewster] is coming along really good [from his broken leg], and [Lewis] and Jacques will have a great opportunity to come and compete for a job.”
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