Bill Polian: Jags AFC's most improved team

[The GIGGAS]

http://espn.go.com/blog/afcsouth/pos...-most-improved

Quote:

[T]hey are gonna be probably THE most improved team certainly in this division and I would say without question in the AFC. [Tyson Alualu] is a terrific addition. ... Look for them to be a contender.

Thoughts?

[mKoz26]

I'd say the Jets are up there, as well as the Ravens. I think Polian is trying to take attention off Indy.

[canes6812]

The defensive front will be much faster, but the lack of attention to the secondary is a little concerning.

[Senator Palmer]

There is a lot to like on that Jaguar offense, but with Del Rio's scheme, if they don't get heat from that front four then that defense is dead, I know that much. Bill Polian is one of the best football men in the business, so I'm sure he knows something I don't (if he's not blowing smoke), because that's a a pretty big statement.

Jags fans, has Alualu been that impressive in practice?

[The GIGGAS]

Quote: Originally Posted by Senator Palmer

Jags fans, has Alualu been that impressive in practice?

He didn't start practice until today.

[kingkilla56]

I hope that first round pick pans out. That was the oakland raider pick of this past year.

[The GIGGAS]

Quote: Originally Posted by kingkilla56

I hope that first round pick pans out. That was the oakland raider pick of this past year.

Quote:

One of the most consistent players in the Bears’ defensive history, Alualu played in 52 games with 40 starts over his four-year career. Alualu was the team leader in tackles (65), sacks (7.5) and tackles for loss (11.5).

From NYT.

I fail to see how this is a "Raiders-esque" pick. He performed quite well in college in a BCS conference known for offense. He's not all speed or arm. He's shown himself to be a talented football player. The Jaguars had him #1 on their value board, and other teams had him in the first round as well, as demonstrated with the Cowboys value board (they had him in the 20s, IIRC).

When it comes down to it, he was judged to have the best value of the players left on the board. Gene Smith has only gotten two drafts, but last year's draft was quite good, and propelled us to a 7-9 record, with a lot of young players. Look at Derek Cox, for instance. When he came out of W&M, everyone said, "Who the hell is this kid?" After picking off 4 passes and defending 11, he turned out to be pretty good on a crappy defense. With a brand new defensive line, I think Cox is going to look better, because the emphasis on defense is to hit the QB on every play.

I also want to quickly mention that Raider-esque picks are players that everyone knows, and generally only do one thing well (DHB run, JaWalrus arm strength). Alualu no one seemed to know, and he's more than one-dimensional.

[ProfessaPackMan]

That pick was a reach and he had no business being a Top 10 pick, considering most teams had him from mid 1st Rd to even the 2nd Round and it wasn't like he was BJ Raji type impact player in College either, where you KNOW he would make a difference on your team.

Still waiting on Derrick Harvey to finally breakout and turn into the beast DE he's supposed to be by now.