2012 NFL Draft Q&A With Jacksonville Jaguars Blogger Luke Sims
NFL Mocks is going to be doing a series of NFL Draft Q&A with editors around the FanSided network. We got a chance to talk to Luke Sims of Black and Teal, the Jacksonville Jaguars’ site. You can also follow Black and Teal on Twitter.
1. What are the Jaguars’ top three needs heading to the draft?
Defensive End, Defensive End, Defensive End. No, but seriously defensive end is a top priority, as is finding a #1 wide receiver, and more defensive secondary depth.
2. What is Jacksonville’s biggest offseason acquisition, and how will it affect draft strategy?
Retaining defensive end Jeremy Mincey was incredibly key for the Jaguars. By ensuring that he didn’t leave the Jags can focus on finding a defensive end to complement him on the other side of the line or pick a receiver. It frees up a lot that the Jags can do with the seventh pick. Rather than being forced to pick the possibly unmotivated Quinton Coples or the enigma Melvin Ingram, the Jags have immense flexibility and may even be comfortable moving back in the draft and seeing who falls into their lap.
3. Who would you mock to the Jags in the 1st round right now, realistically?
I’ve been seeing Morris Claiborne slide a lot lately but still don’t think he’ll make it to #7 at the Jags. Similarly, Justin Blackmon has been sliding back. I really think that the Jags will grab offensive tackle Riley Reiff. He’d be a great insurance policy if Eben Britton is injured again and he’s probably the best available player at the spot.
4. Which player from Jacksonville’s class of 2010 is going to break out in 2012?
Defensive end Tyson Alualu. He hasn’t been getting a lot of love lately, but with two solid defensive ends and a (now) in shape Terrance “Pot Roast” Knighton, the front four for the Jags will get a whole lot meaner and Alualu will be key in that.
5. Who is Jacksonville’s best draft pick since 2002?
Maurice Jones-Drew. Need I say more?
(Note–Nope -Sayre)
6. Which division rival are you most worried about in 2012?
The Indianapolis Colts. You know what you’re getting from Houston and you know that Tennessee is going to be crazy once again, but the Colts are brand new this year. Will Andrew Luck have a Cam Newton type season? Will the Colts scheming change drastically? How will the Colts act in the draft? Etc.. It’s a whole new ball game out of Indy and I guarantee they want to come out swinging.
7. Which position could your team draft that would surprise everyone, but not your fan base?
There’s one thing I know about GM Gene Smith – he surprises everyone, even the fanbase. Last year when he traded up to ten half of us thought it was going to be for CB Prince Amukamara. We got Blaine Gabbert. I don’t know who Gene is going to go after, he’s hinted at defensive end, but I wouldn’t be shocked to see him go after a cornerback despite bolstering the position du
ring free agency with Aaron Ross. It’ll probably be a lot of players from small schools too. He loves those guys.