Jaguars News (4/12): Grading Jacksonville’s 2024 offseason moves so far

Your one-stop shop for Jacksonville Jaguars news, opinion, and analysis.

Good morning!

Here is today’s roundup of the latest news, rumors, and analysis on your Jacksonville Jaguars.

Local chatter

2024 NFL Draft Player Profile: Jared Verse, Edge, FSU (Big Cat Country)

Dillon Appleman broke down the strengths and weaknesses of Verse’s game. It’s fun to imagine a third down package with Verse, Josh Allen, Travon Walker, and Arik Armstead on the field together.

Jaguars quotes of the week: Josh Allen signing special (Big Cat Country)

Simon Carroll parsed the best quotes and reactions to Allen’s new deal. National media personalities Kay Adams and Pat McAfee were especially big fans of the news.

Tweets of the week: Reactions to Josh Allen’s extension (Big Cat Country)

Caitlin Connor rounded up all the other reactions to Allen’s new deal that are worth seeing. Definitely a strong message from Jaguars great Leon Searcy.

O-Zone: Good guy, good day (Jaguars.com)

Team reporter John Oehser hinted, “I expected the Jaguars to sign Allen to a long-term extension this offseason, though I wasn’t certain precisely when. I expect the Jaguars to sign Lawrence to a long-term extension. I expect that could happen this offseason. I think the chances are good it will happen this offseason. I’m less confident about that timing than I was about Allen. A little.”

Jaguars Extend Josh Allen: 3 Observations on Record-Setting Contract (Jaguar Report)

John Shipley allowed, “Allen’s deal should suggest a new era for homegrown talent.” Even if Allen’s team won the negotiating battle, Jacksonville’s front office still deserves some credit for retaining a player it drafted.

Jaguars OLB Josh Allen wants to leave a ‘legacy,’ has lofty goals after signing extension (Times-Union)

Demetrius Harvey wrote that Allen remains motivated to bring the first Super Bowl to Jacksonville. He’s partially pushed by his older sister, Myisha Hines-Allen, who won a WNBA championship with the Washington Mystics in 2019.

Gene Frenette: Jaguars’ history of drafting first-round receivers has been a complete bust (Times-Union)

Gene Frenette torched the Jaguars for their decades-long inability to draft well at the wide receiver position. This piece was quite the trip down memory lane.

Stadium deals in Buffalo and Nashville show how Jacksonville agreement could be shaped (Times-Union)

One of the many parallels between these stadium renovations is a non-relocation agreement. The Bills and Titans would have to fully repay taxpayer investments if they moved to a different stadium in the first 14 and 10 years of their respective deals.

2024 NFL draft: Latest buzz, questions on all 32 teams’ picks (ESPN+)

Michael DiRocco is leaning corner over receiver as the Jaguars’ bigger need entering the draft. “Christian Kirk, Zay Jones and Gabe Davis are a solid receiving trio, plus you have to factor in tight end Evan Engram (who had 114 catches last season), who lines up everywhere. At corner, it’s Tyson Campbell and journeyman Ronald Darby as the starters, and there’s a plan to play safety Darnell Savage at nickel. So the Jaguars are more likely to target cornerback early.”

2024 NFL Draft: Day 2 fits for all 32 NFL teams (PFF)

2024 NFL Draft: Day 3 fits for all 32 NFL teams (PFF)

Dalton Wasserman named Michigan DT Kris Jenkins as a Day 2 fit for the Jaguars; Gordon McGuinness labeled Michigan IOL Zak Zinter as a Day 3 fit. Bulk up the trenches with former Wolverines, I suppose. I think either one would be an admirable selection at pick 96.

Jacksonville Jaguars Draft Needs & Mock Draft for 2024 (Sharp Football Analysis)

The staff at Sharp Football listed Jacksonville’s biggest needs as 1) cornerback, 2) offensive line, and 3) wide receiver. I don’t disagree.

National links

QBs Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels among 13 prospects attending 2024 NFL Draft (NFL.com)

Former NFL RB O.J. Simpson dies at age of 76 (NFL.com)

Browns rework contract to keep star RB Nick Chubb in Cleveland for 2024 season (NFL.com)

Jets QB Aaron Rodgers initially thought his career was over after Achilles tear (NFL.com)

2024 NFL Draft: Top 10 CBs don’t feature one particular standout, but it’s a good class (Yahoo Sports)

Evaluating top NFL Draft QBs with one advanced stat to love and one that will scare teams (The Athletic)

Tom Brady says he’s ‘not opposed’ to returning to NFL (The Athletic)

Editor’s pick

How do Cooper DeJean’s skills fit at the next level? NFL Draft film study (The Athletic)

DeJean is one of the most challenging prospects to analyze in this draft class. His athleticism is generally off the charts, but the Iowa product is just stiff enough to make some NFL evaluators question his ability to play outside cornerback full-time (as opposed to slot corner or safety). Nick Baumgardner did a nice job of highlighting his strengths and weaknesses here.

Must-see media

Poll of the Day

Assuming Jacksonville’s front office is done with free agency, the only move left to make this offseason is to draft and sign a 2024 rookie class. How are we feeling entering the draft?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!