JAGUARS IN PERFECT POSITION TO LEVEL UP!!!

0:00The sun shining, birds are singing and all feels right in the world. Until the season changes and suddenly you lose your motivation to get out of bed. In fact, one in five people experience some form of depression no matter the season or time of year. At the American Psychiatric Association Foundation, our vision is to build a mentally healthy nation for all because we want you to live your best life and be your best you all year round. Please visit mentallyhealthynation.org to learn more. Maybe you recognize this voice. Andy Betterman here of the injury law firm Greenberg and Betterman. For over 35 years we've been helping people in a DMV with auto accidents and medical malpractice. Get a free consultation by visiting gblawyers.com and feel better. Jacksonville Jaguars fans, welcome in to Duval Daily, presented by ginjag.com. I'm Jordan Luega, thanks so much for being here. Monday, March 2nd. Yes, we are in the month of March. Absolutely unbelievable. Times flying here through the off season. And we are one week away from legal tampering kicking off next Monday.

1:03March 9th teams can officially sign players on March 11th. So, you know, all this stuff with Devon Lloyd, Buster Brown, Travis ETN, some of the other free agents. Some potential guys that fans and analysts are looking at that could make sense for the Jaguars. All this stuff, it's about to come to fruition one way or the other next week. And that's exciting, just to kind of finally know how the Jaguars are setting the table a little bit at least to get the first wave of free agency kicked off. And then obviously you'll have the draft. You'll have multiple waves of free agency later on. The Jaguars made a lot of moves last year after wave one of free agency and the draft that kind of helped them get to the point that they got. And I don't think that they're going to be a team that shy ever to make a move when they feel like they can be aggressive and improve their football team. So, the Jags, to me, they're a team that's in a position that's perfect.

2:07Like, yeah, they don't have like the most cap space right now. They're in the red. But they have a clear path to basic restructures with a number of deals that will clear 30 plus million dollars in cap space. And if they want to, they can even go further in that direction with restructuring some bigger contracts that would require a little bit of negotiation, but not much. I mean, you throw a big signing bonus in a guy's face. You say you're not going to lose anything. And there you go. You're good to go. So, the Jaguars have plenty of flexibility. So, in regards to the cap, they're in a good spot and they have a lot of flexibility moving forward beyond 2026 as well. When you look at the cap table moving forward and the projected rising cap every single year. And then you look at the management, as I mentioned, they're going to be aggressive James Gladstone in company. I think that they do a really good job of identifying players that will work in their system. Players that will work not only from a schematic standpoint, but they like people.

3:09They like to bring in people that again, James Gladstone's words by being nothing more than themselves elevate their ecosystem, elevate everyone around them. So, they do a good job in identifying these types of people. And it's only a one-year sample size. I could be completely wrong. Everything could fall apart. I don't think precedent suggests that that will be the case. And then I also think from a coaching standpoint, you have Grant Ydentski return. Do you have Anthony Campanile return? You feel like internally that you upgraded your defensive past game with bringing over Matthew Orrujo. And then you also feel like you probably upgraded your run game with bringing Brian Pacucci. So, look, they're in a great spot. And they have the flexibility to really be aggressive. And however, they see fit. And they have a lot of draft capital. We're going to dive into it. I think every single spot that they are potentially losing a big free agent,

4:10which you look at, Lionbacker Devon Lloyd, Running Back Travis, CTN, Cornerback, Buster Brown, and Greg Newsom, there are free agents available. That could make sense for them that will be cheaper. And there are really good positions in the draft, Cornerback, Lionbacker, Running Back. And then I think when you talk about elevating your football team, trying to go in a little bit of a new direction in certain spots or upgrading your overall rotation on the defensive line, upgrading your ability to rush the passer from the interior, you have different ways to do that, both via free agency and the draft. I love it. I think that this team after a 13 and 4 season is in basically a perfect spot. Really. There's nothing that is in front of them that they don't have the ability to navigate this offseason. And they're a really talented team. And again, well coached and I think well managed. So it's a good spot to be in.

5:11You look at Lionbacker, you can start there with Devon Lloyd. I do think he's going to hit free agency. I just don't think that they're going to want to spend $20 million a year on an off-ball linebacker, especially considering you look at what Anthony Campanile has done with off-ball linebackers lately. He has been incredible at getting the most out of off-ball linebackers in his system. And so there's a lot of guys that are going to be cheaper than Devon Lloyd in free agency. We've talked about some of them, Leo Chenall, Nikobe Dean, Quay Walker has experience in the system with Anthony Campanile. Caden Ellis, I think, is somebody who can do a lot of different things for you. The draft is loaded at off-ball linebacker. We've looked at so many guys that I think are really impressive. Jacob Golday, he kind of from a physical standpoint reminds me a good bit of Devon Lloyd. But then like Jacob Rodriguez is a complete linebacker. I think Kyle Lewis, if you want to shift the focus of that position a little bit to more of a coverage player.

6:11Kyle Lewis is awesome in that regard. And the list goes on and on. Like literally 10 off-ball linebackers that I think could contribute in the system. The other thing about this is they do have quality answers already on the roster. Like FOIA, Louis Chenall is a starting linebacker for you and he's a damn good one. And then you have Ventrell Miller who has good experience in the league who I think can do some good things. Anything Campanile system especially against the run. And then Jack Kaiser, they drafted in the fourth round last year. And Branson Colms is a good young player too as an undrafted free agent that they like. So to me, it's all in front of them linebacker. Like they can do it so many different ways. And if they do lose Devon Lloyd and he signs a deal like I expect him to sign. He's probably going to end up getting a third round compensatory pick in 2027. If not a third round pick, a fourth round pick. So that's going to help you potentially know that you have the ability to be aggressive in the trade market for a veteran or in the draft. Because you're like, well, we got this draft capital coming back next year.

7:14And that could also happen at cornerback with Buster Brown or Greg Newsom. And it could also happen at running back with Travis ETN. Now Devon Lloyd is going to be closer to the top of the market than ETN or Buster Brown or Greg Newsom. So if you were going to get compensatory picks for any of those guys outside of Devon Lloyd, you're probably talking about like really late round like 7th round picks. But that still helps. It still helps you be aggressive because you know you have more resources to work with in 2027. So and obviously they have their 2027 first round pick. They don't have a first round pick this year, but they do have four picks on day two and a bunch picks on day three. So they can really kind of just operate how they see fit. I don't think there's really any limitations. You look at cornerback, they have Travis Hunter. So they got CB1, right? And they have Jerry and Jones who can play inside outside. They have Jordan Lewis who coming off the injury. But obviously a great nickel player. Christian Braswell, they like a lot. He tailor. They like a lot. Bro, both of those guys back.

8:14And I think they should bring back Buster Brown because I don't think signing him is going to impact the compensatory pick formula at all. I think he's going to come in under the top 35% of cornerbacks. When it comes to Buster Brown versus Greg Newsom, I think Newsom just wasn't as much of a fit. I think he is a better man to man corner. He was also tasked with a difficult assignment, right? Getting traded mid season, coming to a defense that really was significantly different than anything he had done in Cleveland under Jim Schwartz. And so it was a difficult assignment. Again, I lean towards Buster Brown just being a really good fit for this system for this particular team. And I think that while Greg Newsom could have more potential value with another team, Buster Brown, his best potential value is probably in Jacksonville. And so I think the Jaguars should really value him. But if they can't keep him around, there are tons of options and free agency. And I love the draft at cornerback as well. And the Jaguars, they have a bigger pool that they can choose from at the cornerback position than a lot of teams.

9:15Because a lot of teams just have to eliminate guys that are not meeting these size and length and height thresholds because they just can't be man corners. Well, the Jaguars don't run a lot of man coverage. So they can lean into being a zone team, which I think suits them for sure. That doesn't mean they can't find people that are also a little bit better in man coverage to give them a little bit more versatility. Because if they want to run man with a guy who they bring in and Travis Hunter, look, Travis Hunter can play man coverage too. I think he's best in zone. I think Buster Brown is best in zone. But if you want to get a little bit more versatility, you can do that too. But guys like Rasool Douglas have experience in this type of system, experience with Matthew Orrujo. So does Jack Jones who, you know, a little bit of a... The sun shining birds are singing and all feels right in the world. Until the season changes and suddenly you lose your motivation to get out of bed. In fact, one in five people experience some form of depression no matter the season or time of year.

10:17At the American Psychiatric Association Foundation, our vision is to build a mentally healthy nation for all. Because we want you to live your best life and be your best you all year round. Please visit mentallyhealthination.org to learn more. Maybe you recognize this voice. Andy Betterman here of the injury law firm, Greenberg and Betterman. For over 35 years we've been helping people in a DMV with auto accidents and medical malpractice. Get a free consultation by visiting gblawyers.com and feel better. Interesting personality we should say. Don't know if they'll go down that road. Eric Stokes had a good year with the Raiders and he has experience with Anthony Campanile. You look at Roger McCreary who mostly played in the slot last year. But he has experience outside, good experience outside. He played with the Rams, Kobe Durant, Darian Kendrick. These are guys that have played with the Rams, played outside. And again, the draft to me, so many impressive players that could come in for the Jaguars and do a good job. D'Angelo Ponds, Chris Johnson, Chandler Rivers.

11:22You got that Texas kid, Malik Muhammad, who I'm a big fan of. Arizona State, I can't remember his name, the corner from Arizona State. But I like him a lot. There's a ton of guys that I think some teams might say, well, he's got to kick inside and play nickel. The Jags can say, no, in our system, he can probably play outside. And so that's a big benefit, in my opinion, for the Jaguars. Now, you don't want to be betting on outliers from a size and athleticism standpoint all the time. But if you've got a player that you think just fits your system to a tee and fits your culture to a tee, and they play high energy, high effort, good football players, bring them in. No doubt about it. At running back, I think ETN's gone. Buster Brown, to me, has always been the most likely to return. Because I think he could be the cheapest. And I think his value to the Jaguars is more than he will cost the Jaguars, just because of his fit within the team and system. But Travis ETN, I think that he's going to go get paid somewhere.

12:22And there's a lot of running backs in the draft. You like pick your poison, different styles of running backs. It could be really fun for sure. And then in free agency, Rashad White makes sense. He's got experience. He's a versatile back. He's got experience with this coaching staff. Tyler Algier, big physical back, Rico Doudo, big physical back. Kenneth Gainwell, a little bit more of that past catching back skill. Skilt. And in the draft, I mean, again, like you've got Mike Washington is 223 pounds who ran a 4-3-something 40 fastest time of any running back in the draft. And then you've got guys like Lavion Moss, Nick Singleton. You're obviously not going to get love, but pretty much every other running back could potentially be on the table for the Jaguars. And there's a ton of running backs. There always are. So all these positions where the Jaguars are potentially losing an impact player to free agency, there are answers whether it be free agency,

13:24the draft within your own building. Because look, at running back, yeah, you lose somebody, but you've got two guys you drafted last year that you like a lot. At corner back, you've got Travis Hunter. You've got Jerry and Jones, Jordan Lewis, Christian Braswell, Keith Taylor. Does that mean you don't upgrade or don't add to that position? No, but it's not like you're dead in the water if you had to play a game right now with that group. Obviously, Jordan Lewis needs to get healthy and Travis Hunter too. But you've got guys at these spots already and you can just supplement where you see fit. You don't have to absolutely reach for need in any way, shape or form. And then again, I think continuing to bolster both lines of scrimmage should not be a problem for them. If the Jaguars want to, they can upgrade through free agency or the trade market and not impact their compensatory pick formula, not impact their ability to get compensatory picks in 2027. There's guys like Bradley Chubb who were released by the dolphins. Who you sign him, it's not going to have any impact on the comp pick formula.

14:24But he has experience with this coaching staff and could absolutely help the Jaguars out of time. If they want to really invest in that defensive line, Javon Hargrafe. He's either going to be released or probably traded for a seventh round pick. That would have no comp pick impact. I mean, that's a guy that you put him in a position where he's not like your only three tech that can get the job done. But you ask him to come in and be an effective role playing pass rusher on the interior. I think that helps you a lot. And then in the draft, if you want to, you can go DL with your first two picks. And I think there's going to be quality guys available edge and interior with those first two picks at 56 and 81. And obviously you can move around as well and get aggressive if you want to. But there are options for these Jacksonville Jaguars at every spot. And then again, the one thing I've been talking about all off season. I would love to see them get another tight end that can really complement Britain Strange as both a blocker and receiver.

15:25I just don't think they have that guy on the roster right now. And that's another spot where you can do it in free agency. You can do it in the draft. Like, you know, Kate Aughton has experience in this system. You've also got from the Rams Tyler Higby, who's an older player. But he would be an upgrade to me as well. Dallas Goddard would be an upgrade as well. And then in the draft guys like Jack injuries who the Jaguars reportedly did have a formal interview with at the combine. He is a really balanced player. Sam Rausch, who looks like, you know, he plays like a six offensive lineman. He tested well and he has receiving production. That's a really good option there. I love Marlon Klein out of Michigan too. I mean, there's so many different players. So I think the Jaguars are well positioned to really take a step forward as an organization in 2026. They get to retain their whole coaching staff outside of a couple guys that maybe they didn't even really want back that much. And then they get to, you know, upgrade a couple spots.

16:25They almost lost Campanila. They almost lost Yudensky. Got both of them back. They have the flexibility again to be as aggressive as they want to. They're in a window here. Now, the one issue I have is they have 11 games away from Jacksonville out of 17. And that is a competitive disadvantage. And so that kind of highlights just how important this offseason is because they have a first place schedule. And they have 11 games away from Jacksonville. They have got to be buttoned up. And they can't have stretches where they're just incompetent and certain certain areas of the football team. And they really struggle in certain areas for long stretches. They've got to be buttoned up ready to go and firing on all cylinders because they've got a very difficult road ahead with 11 games away from Jacksonville. Nine true road games, two neutral site games, 11 games away from Jacksonville in 2026 for a team that has championship aspirations.

17:31Ain't going to be easy, but I think James Gladstone, Liam Cohen and company have a really good opportunity to put together. One of the most competitive rosters and teams in football this year, bar none. Really appreciate y'all tuning in. If you enjoyed the content, please like and subscribe. Y'all have a good one. If you're a podcast host, listen up this once for you. My name is Ally Jackson. I'm the host of Finding Mr. Height, a dating and relationship podcast that I've been doing for four years now, sharing my positive and practical approach to dating that's built on my own life experience. And I wanted to share another experience that I've had my secret behind monetizing my show. It's called Red Circle. And I was just telling my colleague about how much I love their platform with Red Circle not only am I getting a seamless hosting experience, but I also love the support I receive in ad sales. It's not just typical ad sales either. It's targeted opportunities based on my show and my life. And the platform is super simple. You just set your preferences and Red Circle matches you with sponsors that align with your show. You can vet every opportunity and their platform gives you great analytics. More recently too, my Red Circle team has brought me opportunities outside of my podcast on social media.

18:35To really augment the podcast partnerships, bring them full circle. I just can't recommend them enough. If you want to give it a try, go to redcircle.com to get your free trial. That's redcircle.com for a free trial. Every day the world gets a little weirder and a lot more awesome. Cool stuff daily takes a look at everything from mining in space to the latest in the fight against cancer to how AI is basically changing everything. It's all the cool stuff you didn't know you needed to know. Join us for cool stuff daily as we take a quick look at science, tech and the wait what stories that make you sound way smarter at dinner. Subscribe to cool stuff daily now because the future is happening fast and it's way too fun to miss.