Friday, January 25, 2013
QB a priority for Jaguars?
By Tim Kavanagh
Though new HC Gus Bradley may be more interested in refurbishing the Jacksonville Jaguars' defense up to his standards, there remains a big question of what the team will be doing at the QB position for 2013 and beyond. Will they stick with Blaine Gabbert and Chad Henne, or add another option to the mix?
During the course of the season, a report indicated that Tim Tebow was headed to Jacksonville, one way or another, this offseason. However, in his introductory press conference, GM Dave Caldwell debunked that notion in no uncertain terms. Nevertheless, many believe that the club needs to come up with a clear plan, including NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock.
"The new guys -- David Caldwell, the head coach, the offensive coordinator, the quarterback coach -- have to make a decision and a plan," Mayock said from the Senior Bowl this week, per Jaguars.com. "Are we looking to draft a quarterback, or do we think we can work with Blaine Gabbert or Chad Henne? What's our plan? Until you define that, everything else is difficult I think."
Given the Seattle connection with Bradley, there has been speculation that the team will attempt to swing a trade for Seahawks backup Matt Flynn, and Seattle GM John Schneider hinted earlier this offseason that the team would listen to offers on the LSU product. Other potentially available veteran options -- via trade, release or free agency -- include Alex Smith and Michael Vick. As for the draft, it seems unlikely that the Jags would use their top pick (No. 2 overall) on a QB, but a later pick (even as high as the first pick in Round 2) could be invested in that fashion.
