Despite drafting two linemen recently, another could be on the way in Kenechi Udeze.
By TIM SULLIVAN
Published April 24, 2004
The Jaguars have changed coaches, personnel, offensive and defensive philosophies - heck, even their uniforms - over the past three years.
Jack Del Rio is where Tom Coughlin once stood. Byron Leftwich, not Mark Brunell, is under center. And no matter how much black they squeeze into the teal uniforms these days, two things remain the same in Jacksonville:
They're still in the top 10 of the draft, and they still covet defensive linemen.
"Our approach has always been (to draft for) value. Take the best available player," said Gene Smith, director of college scouting. "That's the same approach this year."
After a brief offensive sidetrack - they took Leftwich at No. 7 in 2003 - the Jaguars might find that best available is on the front four once again. They select ninth in the first round today, and signs point to Southern Cal's Kenechi Udeze.
Udeze, a 6-foot-3, 270-pound defensive end, comes with accolades as well as intrigue. He led the nation with 161/2 sacks in 2003 and was a consensus All-American. But rumors surfaced this week regarding a shoulder injury that might require surgery. He was injured Dec. 6 against Oregon State but returned for the Rose Bowl.
"You never know. That could be a guy (who started the rumors) sitting down there at No. 20 that really wants him," Del Rio said. "There are a lot of rumors, a lot of things that come up this time of year. We research everything. We'll do our homework and will be ready."
"Our doctors have evaluated (Udeze) and put their medical report together," said James Harris, vice president of player personnel. "We'll get together and make a decision accordingly."
The Jaguars might bank on past success. All right, so they haven't made the playoffs since 1999. They haven't even finished .500. But that doesn't appear to be the fault of the previous defensive selections.
In 2001, Coughlin chose Georgia tackle Marcus Stroud. A year later, he took Tennessee tackle John Henderson. Both were decorated college players, Stroud an All-SEC choice, Henderson an Outland Trophy winner. Both were extremely athletic 300-pounders with little baggage.
Stroud is a Pro Bowl player who had 65 tackles and 41/2 sacks last season. Henderson has 10 sacks in two seasons.
But with age catching up to Hugh Douglas, 33, and Tony Brackens out of the picture, they need help outside, even if it comes with risk.
If Udeze is gone or they elect to pass on him, it's possible the Jaguars will switch strategies rather than settle for the next best end, Ohio State's Will Smith.
"There are several good players," Del Rio said. "That I feel real strongly about."
On offense, receiver is a need. Kevin Johnson is penciled in as the starter alongside the aging Jimmy Smith, 35. Texas' Roy Williams - provided Pitt's Larry Fitzgerald is gone - could be an immediate No. 3 and, eventually, Smith's replacement. If Williams is gone, they might wait a round.
"In this receiver class, there are several big playmakers that can create mismatches," Harris said. "And maybe one of those guys may fit for us."
Perhaps even a tight end?
"Yes," Harris said. "Kellen Winslow also creates some mismatches. He is a playmaker. He's one of the better tight ends to come into the league in many years."
Winslow, who had 119 catches in three seasons at Miami, would enhance a tradition. The Jaguars have taken at least one player with state ties five of the past six years, including Fred Taylor (Florida), Mike Pearson (Florida) and Rashean Mathis (Bethune-Cookman).
