Everyone was right!!! The Jaguars really did need help on the defensive line, more specifically the defensive end position. Jacksonville making another move trading their 2nd round pick, a 5th rounder Sunday and next year's 7th round selection for Tampa Bay's 2nd round pick, number 52 overall. It was a six spot jump to get Auburn's Quentin Groves. Groves is considered a situational pass rusher and weak against the run. Miami's Calais Campbell had gone two picks prior so obviously the Jags didn't want to lose out on Groves.
Lots of smiles in Jacksonville today. We were at The Landing earlier and everyone seemed fired up about the Harvey trade and selection. The smiles were even wider at the Jaguar Draft headquarters at the stadium. Ted Monachino said "I almost put my hands through the ceiling" when we traded up to get Harvey. I think everyone is pretty satisfied and why not?? The Jags had a major hole to fill and they did. Its nice to stockpile picks and develop depth, but the Jags have plenty of that already.
Jacksonville can sleep in Sunday morning! They only have two picks all day -- both in the fifth round.
Day One tidbits:
*Clemson DE Phillip Merling slipped to 2nd round (Miami) -- curious where the Jags had him on the board compared to Harvey because they possibly could have got Merling without making any trades.
*7,000 people came to The Landing for the Draft Party -- Jags fever is high (Hooters nearby and the ROAR performing didn't hurt)
*No area Jacksonville prospects were selected -- several have a shot on Day Two
*Thanks to the Jags for dinner, can't wait for training camp (free lunch baby).
*Shout out to Pat Kavanagh -- you Jags fans know Pat as our photographer -- he hustled big time today to get everything on the air and on the web.